SBA's Preston nominated as HUD secretary

WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- U.S. President Bush Friday nominated Steve Preston, head of the Small Business Administration, to be the new secretary of housing and urban development.

Preston would take over from Alphonso Jackson, who stepped down amid allegations of nepotism and other improper conduct.

Bush told reporters at the White House that Preston, who took charge of the SBA in 2006, was a "consensus builder" and an "experienced manager."

The New Orleans Times-Picayune said Preston received good reviews for overhauling the SBA's disaster loan program after Hurricane Katrina.