Michael Forbes’ experience in the public and private sector largely has concentrated on championing the needs of small business and what Forbes labels the ‘last of the pioneers challenging new frontiers’, America’s enterprising entrepreneurs.

In 1989, he was appointed by the President to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Forbes was principal liaison between the SBA and Congress, advocating for a myriad of small business issues and those programs designed to bolster the creation of jobs and the growth of business. He shepherded to approval in the U.S. Senate the nomination of several high ranking administration officials. He later headed up the New York regional operation, successfully working with the Nation’s major banks and entrepreneurs to set new records in small business lending.

Elected in 1994 to the first of three terms in the United States House of Representatives, Mr. Forbes was named to the prestigious Committee on Appropriations where he specialized in federal assistance for small business and economic development; the environment, child care and children’s issues. He also served on the Financial Services and Small Business committees. The Speaker of the House appointed Mr. Forbes to the coveted bicameral Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the “Helsinki” Commission). He has traveled extensively to the Middle East and Asia. Since leaving Congress, Forbes has served as an international observer for elections in Ukraine and Cameroon.

Today Mr. Forbes is President and Chief Executive Officer of PR/Strategies International, a communications, marketing and public relations firm.

Born in Riverhead, New York, he is descendant of a prominent Long Island newspaper family. He is married to Barbara Ann (Blackburn), has four children -- Abigail, Theodore, Samuel and Maximilian -- and resides in Round Rock. Texas.

Show full bio

Hide full bio