The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the appointment of 11 new members to its Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee. This group plays a significant advisory role, helping HUD shape the direction of its Housing Counseling Program and providing guidance on serving prospective buyers, homeowners, and renters.
According to Assistant Secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Julia R. Gordon, "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.” She added that their expertise will ensure housing counseling is available and accessible to many people.
The newly appointed committee members will begin their three-year terms in January 2025. They include Tamara Gifford from Onity Group, Leigh Lester from Ubuntu Institute of Learning, Helene Raynaud from Money Management International, Elizabeth Karwowski Sdoucos from CredEvolv, Hanna Tester from Neighborworks Montana, Carol Ventura from Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, and David Young from Housing Action Illinois.
Additionally, several members have been re-appointed for another three-year term: Lawrence Batiste from NID Atlanta Metro Regional Office, Carol Ann Dujanovich from University Bank's Reverse Mortgage Division, Angie Liou from Asian Community Development Corporation, Paul Yorkis from Patriot Real Estate Inc., and Sherri Eckles from Norcom Mortgage who was appointed last year.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing Counseling David Berenbaum expressed excitement about collaborating with the committee. “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,” he said. He also thanked departing members for their contributions.
Established in April 2015 by HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling, the committee provides a platform for stakeholders in housing counseling to advise directly on achieving HUD's objectives. Meetings are open to the public with more information available on HUD's website.
