FHFA names new director of Legislative Affairs

The Federal Housing Agency (FHFA) has hired Sarah Dumont Merchak as its director of Legislative Affairs.

Before FHFA, Merchak worked at USAA, where she was director of federal government relations. She also held various public policy and strategic advocacy positions at TwinLogic Strategies, Visa, and the Smith-Free Group.

“Sarah worked hard at learning the details of issues, so she was fully equipped as an advocate,” said Jim Smith, chairman of the Smith-Free Group. “Combine that substantive prep with a charming personality and lots of energy and you have a first-class representative for your business. She is well connected and widely admired.”

Merchak served as a staff member on the Senate Banking Committee, advising on legislative and regulatory domestic banking issues. She was also a legislative staffer on the House Financial Services Capital Markets, Securities, and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee.