New additions part of executive reshuffle
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has added two new staff members as part of its ongoing leadership reshuffle.
Laura Thrift, former deputy chief of staff for Rep. Earl Blumenaur (OR-03), has been appointed as director of the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications. The agency has also tapped Alexei Alexandrov, who was director of central algorithms at Wayfair.com, as its new chief economist.
Thrift brings more than 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill working for senior members of the House of Representatives, including nearly six years in Rep. Blumenauer’s office and nine years serving as a senior policy advisor to Rep. David Price(NC-04).
“Laura brings in-depth knowledge of the legislative process to FHFA,” said acting director Sandra Thompson. “Her experience will help FHFA continue to be transparent about our policies and rationale with members of Congress, stakeholders, and the press.”
Read more: FHFA announces key leadership shuffle
Thompson also said that she believes Alexandrov’s research background “will add to the agency’s understanding of both firm and consumer behavior, including in financial markets.” Before Wayfair, Alexandrov worked at Amazon and was a senior economist at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“The research he will lead, using the latest techniques in econometrics and machine learning, will help inform policy decisions that allow FHFA to maintain the safety and soundness of our regulated entities while promoting equitable access to safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities throughout the nation,” Thompson added.
