Willam E. Leggiero, Jr., is the Center Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center located in Buffalo, NY; also known as SBA’s National Call Center.

Bill graduated in 1971 from Kent State University. After teaching school for one year, Bill joined the SBA in 1972 as a loan officer following Hurricane Agnes, which caused devastation along the entire eastern seaboard. At the time, he thought this would be a great part-time job; little did he know that this would grow into a lifelong-career.

In 1991, Bill was appointed to the position of Assistant Area Director for Loan Processing, and six years later was selected as Area Director in the Niagara Falls office. During his many years with the Office of Disaster Assistance, Mr. Leggiero has worked on a number of disasters including hurricanes Hugo, Marilyn, Hortense, Georges, the Northridge Earthquake, and the explosions and fires at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, just to name a few.

In the President's agenda George Bush stated, "…government can create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs and families can dream and flourish." Working for thirty years at the SBA, Leggiero commented, "Rebuilding one's home or business is the most difficult part of dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, but over the years people have shown great strength and resiliency. It is very satisfying to help individuals and business owners put their lives back together and see their dreams come to fruition. No where have I seen such dedicated employees or such kindness from the communities we have worked in. When obstacles turn into stepping stones and disaster turns into triumph, it is an inspiration."

During Mr. Leggiero's extensive career with the SBA, he has been honored with a number of awards for his dedication and service. He was presented SBA's Special Achievement Award in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991. In addition, he was also honored with SBA's Distinguished Achievement Award and a Certificate of Commendation, in 1991. At the 2002 Small Business Week Awards ceremony, Bill received the Administrator's Award for Excellence for his leadership following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Bill has continued his education and training through numerous SBA, as well as, Office of Personnel Management training programs. He completed training at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina and he attended the Management Development Program and Executive Development Seminar at the Western Development Management Center. He also attended the prestigious Federal Executive Institute located in Charlottesville, Virginia for an intensive, four-week training program.

Bill is an active member of the Buffalo Civil War Roundtable and resides in Western New York.