SCORE Appoints Veteran Leader Thomas U. Kim to Helm Small Business Aid

WASHINGTON, DC – February 24, 2026 – SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer business mentors, has named Thomas U. Kim, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran with extensive leadership experience, as its new Executive Director. The appointment signals a strategic move to fortify the organization's support for America's entrepreneurs amidst a complex economic environment.

Kim is tasked with steering SCORE's mission to foster vibrant small business communities. His focus will be on expanding the organization's impact, strengthening its operational framework, and ensuring that its national strategy effectively translates to tangible, local support for business owners across the country.

From Combat to Commerce: A New Leader's Vision

Thomas U. Kim brings a unique and diverse portfolio to the role, with over two decades of senior leadership experience spanning the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. His background as a transformation leader is marked by a reputation for aligning ambitious strategy with disciplined execution, stabilizing complex organizations, and fostering sustainable growth.

Before joining SCORE, Kim held CEO, president, and chief operating officer positions at various national and regional nonprofits. His career includes managing public policy for the Mortgage Bankers Association and serving as associate counsel at Freddie Mac, experiences that have honed his ability to navigate intricate regulatory and economic landscapes. This history of steering large organizations through periods of change and challenge is seen as a crucial asset for his new role.

Julie Poland, Board Chair of SCORE, lauded the selection. "Thomas is a decisive, values-driven leader with the rare ability to navigate complexity while delivering measurable results," Poland stated in the official announcement. "His depth of experience, commitment to public service, and strong operational discipline make him exceptionally well-suited to lead SCORE into its next chapter of growth and impact. The Board is confident that under his leadership, SCORE will continue to strengthen its national reach while supporting entrepreneurs at the local level."

A Personal Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs

For Kim, the mission to support small business is not just a professional mandate—it is deeply personal. He credits entrepreneurship with fundamentally altering the course of his own family's life, a story that fuels his commitment to SCORE's work.

"Entrepreneurship changed the trajectory of my family's life," Kim shared. "My single mother worked multiple jobs before starting her own business, so I saw firsthand how small businesses create stability, dignity, and a path to upward mobility." This firsthand experience has shaped his belief in the transformative power of small business and the critical role of mentorship.

He continued, "When entrepreneurs are equipped with practical guidance and accountability, they are far more likely to succeed. Small businesses power job creation, strengthen communities, and fuel America's economic growth. I'm honored to join SCORE in supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to build, grow, and contribute to their local economies." This personal connection provides Kim with a powerful perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the very people SCORE aims to serve.

Navigating the New Economic Landscape

Kim's leadership begins as small business owners navigate a decidedly mixed economic climate. While optimism remains high—with 74% of owners expressing confidence in their company's outlook for 2026—they face persistent headwinds. Inflation, though moderating, continues to squeeze margins, and high interest rates complicate access to capital, a challenge reported by 43% of small firms.

Furthermore, a tight labor market and rising employment costs continue to be significant hurdles. Yet, new opportunities are emerging, particularly through technology. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, now used by nearly 78% of organizations, presents a pathway to enhanced efficiency and competitiveness. SCORE's mentorship will be crucial in helping entrepreneurs leverage these tools while mitigating risks like cybersecurity threats, which remain a dominant concern for smaller firms often lacking dedicated security resources.

In this environment, the practical, expert guidance provided by SCORE's 10,000 volunteer mentors is more valuable than ever. The organization's own data underscores its impact; in fiscal year 2024 alone, SCORE's efforts helped launch nearly 60,000 new businesses and create over 143,000 jobs. Kim's challenge will be to build on this success, ensuring SCORE's resources are tailored to help businesses not just survive but thrive in an era of rapid change.

SCORE's Strategic Evolution Under Kim

Since its founding in 1964, SCORE has assisted over 17 million entrepreneurs. The organization, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), operates in a dynamic ecosystem of support that includes Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and private consultants. Kim's appointment is poised to accelerate SCORE's evolution, ensuring it remains a premier resource for American small businesses.

His mandate to better align national strategy with local delivery is critical. This involves moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and providing nuanced, area-specific advice that addresses the unique challenges of different communities. By strengthening operations, Kim will aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the mentor-client relationship, which research shows is highly impactful—business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and faster growth.

Under Kim's direction, SCORE is expected to deepen its strategic partnerships and embrace new methods to deliver its services. His leadership, forged in the military and refined across multiple sectors, will be instrumental in guiding the organization as it empowers the next generation of American entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses and vibrant local economies.