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Key HUD Vacancy Filled

Pam-Patenaude1

The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Pamela Patenaude to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

According to a press release issued by HUD this afternoon, Patenaude will head up the Disaster Management Group, as well as coordinate 16 programs aimed at long-term recovery and relief, including but not limited to, the Offices of Public and Indian Housing, Community Planning and Development, and Policy Development and Research. She will also assist the Federal Housing Administration.

Patenaude’s confirmation has been long awaited, with multiple organizations in the housing industry calling for Congress to vote on her nomination. Her hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs was held at the beginning of June, to favorable bipartisan results.

“At this moment when so many of our citizens are suffering, Pam will bring strong leadership when we need her most,” said U.S. Secretary Dr. Ben Carson. “Pam’s extensive housing and community development experience will be invaluable as we embark upon the long road to recovery for communities hard-hit by disaster and I’m grateful the Senate confirmed her nomination.”

Patenaude is certainly qualified to head up relief efforts. Her role as Deputy Secretary will be the second time she’s served a pivotal role in the agency’s work. Under the administration of George W. Bush, she held the title of Assistant Secretary of Field Policy Management, where she oversaw the long-term goals of HUD, as well as managed relief efforts in the wake of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

The Senate’s confirmation of Pamela Patenaude as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development fills a vital role in the agency and comes at a critical time as the department faces the challenges ahead,” said Ed Delgado, President and CEO of the Five Star Institute. “Patenaude’s distinguished career in the housing industry and previous tenure at HUD makes her an unequivocally qualified addition.”

As Deputy Secretary, Patenaude’s responsibilities won’t be limited to disaster relief. The housing industry still faces issues with affordable housing, rising home prices, and tightening inventory.

“Patenaude has a big task ahead. Home prices continue to rise in an environment of ever-tightening mortgage credit, which means buyers are struggling to keep pace, said William E. Brown, President of the National Association of Realtors. “That’s a combination that’s tough not only on young and first-time buyers but also on current homeowners looking to sell so they can move up to a property that better fits their needs.”

According to a source at HUD, Patenaude’s swearing-in ceremony has not been scheduled.

About Author: Joey Pizzolato

Joey Pizzolato is the Online Editor of DS News and MReport. He is a graduate of Spalding University, where he holds a holds an MFA in Writing as well as DePaul University, where he received a B.A. in English. His fiction and nonfiction have been published in a variety of print and online journals and magazines. To contact Pizzolato, email [email protected].
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