Key hire calls new employer a "leader in the commercial real estate finance industry"
Walker & Dunlop has appointed former Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Dana Wade to help drive its affordable housing financing initiatives as chief production officer.
In her new role, Wade will spearhead the commercial real estate finance company’s FHA-backed loan originations with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“I am thrilled to have Dana join us,” said Willy Walker, chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop. “Her skills and expertise will immediately add value to Walker & Dunlop’s FHA production team. Having a leader with Dana’s skills augmenting our focus on affordable housing, which has accounted for $17 billion of Walker & Dunlop’s lending over the past three years, will be extremely valuable to our clients and team members.”
During her stint as the FHA commissioner in 2020, Wade carried out the agency’s mission of providing affordable housing for moderate and low-income households, implementing enhanced risk management for FHA’s $1.4 trillion portfolio, and leading over 2,400 employees.
Before FHA, she was an associate director at the Office of Management and Budget. She was responsible for the budget oversight for six Executive Branch agencies, including HUD and other independent agencies. Wade has also held senior roles in Congress, including Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Deputy Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“Dana has a proven track record, impressive qualifications, and the perfect personality to join Walker & Dunlop’s leadership team,” said Sheri Thompson, executive vice president and head of FHA Finance Group. “Her leadership and management skills will immediately help Walker & Dunlop maintain our position as one of the largest FHA multifamily lenders in the country, while also expanding our focus on affordable housing lending across all capital sources.”
“Walker & Dunlop is a leader in the commercial real estate finance industry, particularly as it relates to multifamily and affordable housing,” Wade said. “I’m excited about this opportunity to join such a growth-oriented firm with an incredible culture and focus on people, brand, and technology.”
