Esther H. Vassar was appointed National Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness for the U. S. Small Business Administration in August 2009. In her former roles as Board Chairman of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a state regulatory agency, Director of the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise, owner of two small businesses, and her prominent roles working with businesses and community organizations, Ms. Vassar brings first hand experiences that will greatly enhance the communication and relationships between small businesses and federal regulatory agencies.
Vassar, a three time gubernatorial appointee, is a graduate of Howard University, University of Virginia, and Harvard University Executive Program for State Officials, Virginia Executive Institute and Leadership Metro Richmond.
Prior to her appointment as National Ombudsman, Vassar serves as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a regulatory agency with more than 2,500 employees and 344+ retail liquor stores. She was first appointed to this position by Governor Mark Warner in 2002 and was reappointed as Chair of the Board in 2006 by Governor Tim Kaine. As alcohol commissioner, Vassar served as an Administrative Law Judge, led underage drinking and driving public service campaigns and the alcohol education programs, and established partnerships with the U.S. Army and the Norfolk Naval Base to develop programs and provide information to military personnel about the prevention of alcohol abuse and drunk driving. Vassar’s leadership created partnerships among the military, state agencies, and the alcohol industry that produced two programs that won national recognition and awards: “The Safe Ride Home” program for the military and the “Alcohol and Aging: The Best Is Yet To Come” program.
Prior to joining ABC, from 1994-2002, Vassar was president and CEO of E.H. Vassar Enterprises in Newport News, an organization specializing in political consulting, fund-raising, event planning and corporate training. Her clients included Dominion Virginia Power, the City of Richmond, Bell Atlantic, and many others.
In 1990, Vassar was the gubernatorial appointee of Governor L. Douglas Wilder in charge of directing the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise. In this role, Vassar administered the state's minority business procurement efforts, and she also created and executed the governor's African trade initiatives and monitored the purchasing procedures of all state agencies.
Vassar also served as an administrator and faculty member for more than 20 years at several universities in Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., including the University of Virginia, Howard University, The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ms. Vassar is most known and recognized for her contributions and service to her communities and the people in those communities. In 2008, Vassar was inducted into “The George Washington Spirits Society” for her extraordinary contributions to the international community through her dedication and remarkably effective advancement of alcohol related social responsibility and moderation. This award is presented by the Board of Trustee of the George Washington Spirits Society, in conjunction with Historic Mount Vernon and the Board of the Distilled Spirits Council to persons who exhibit not only great leadership, personal sacrifice, and dedication in her devotion to our country, but also the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and service to society by the manner in which he or she conducts every aspect of his or her life and business enterprise.
Additionally, in 2010, Vassar received the United Negro College Fund Flame Bearer of Education award, in 2008, Vassar received Dominion Virginia Power’s Strong Men and Women Excellence in Leadership award. In 2004 Vassar received the NAACP Oliver W. Hill Freedom Fighter Award, named in honor of the great civil rights attorney, Oliver Hill. Vassar received the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Richmond Urban League for her exceptional contributions to the community and to the greater good of the citizenry.
Vassar has two children: her son Banyon and daughter Brenan both live in the Washington, DC area. She has two grandsons, Isaiah and Noah Vassar.
