It adds 11 industry leaders to guide affordable housing initiatives
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has added seven new members to its Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee.
The committee advises HUD on its Housing Counseling Program, offering guidance to improve the support available for prospective buyers, homeowners, and renters, particularly in underserved communities.
This advisory body is made up of professionals from various areas of the housing industry, including mortgage, real estate, and housing counseling.
"We are pleased to announce our new Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee members, a diverse group of industry leaders dedicated to addressing the nation’s pressing housing challenges,” said Julia Gordon, assistant secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner. "Their expertise will help guide our collective efforts, ensuring housing counseling is available, accessible, and tailored to meet as many people as possible."
The newly appointed members, who will serve three-year terms starting in January 2025, include:
- Tamara Gifford – Director, community and external relations, Onity Group
- Leigh Lester – Founder and executive director, Ubuntu Institute of Learning
- Helene Raynaud – Senior vice president of housing initiatives, Money Management International
- Elizabeth Karwowski Sdoucos – CEO and chief customer officer, CredEvolv
- Hanna Tester – Homeownership director, Neighborworks Montana
- Carol Ventura – CEO, Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation
- David Young – Director of capacity building, Housing Action Illinois
Alongside these new appointments, HUD has reappointed four members who will continue to serve:
- Lawrence Batiste – Branch manager and real estate broker, NID Atlanta Metro Regional Office
- Carol Ann Dujanovich – Senior vice president, Reverse Mortgage Division, University Bank
- Angie Liou – Executive director, Asian Community Development Corporation
- Paul Yorkis – President, Patriot Real Estate, Inc.
Sherri Eckles, senior vice president of renovation and construction lending programs at Norcom Mortgage, will also continue her service on the committee after joining last year.
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Since its establishment in 2015, the Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee has worked to offer direct input to HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling. The committee’s mission is to provide a platform for housing counselors and industry experts to suggest ways to enhance housing stability and accessibility for Americans.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Committee to drive our mission forward and provide consumers with vital resources to secure, uphold, and preserve their homes,” deputy assistant secretary of David Berenbaum said in a Press release. “We’d also like to express our appreciation to the departing members for sharing their expertise to foster the impact of housing counseling providers nationwide.”
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