Today during a nomination hearing held by the U.S. Senate Banking Committee [1] Brian Montgomery was approved as Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. His nomination will now move to a full Senate vote.
Brian Montgomery is currently Vice Chairman of The Collingwood Group [2], a Washington D.C.-based advisory firm that he co-founded, and he previously served as Federal Housing Administration commissioner under former President George W. Bush. In a letter sent to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Brown endorsing his nomination and encouraging his confirmation, Ed Delgado, President and CEO of the Five Star Institute [3] wrote:
During my 25 year tenure working within the mortgage banking industry, I have had the opportunity to work side by side with Mr. Montgomery during his times within both public and private service on issues that face the American homeowner,” the letter said. “I can attest to his qualifications as a leader and his devotion to the cause of furthering responsible homeownership in the United States. An examination of Mr. Montgomery’s record will reveal a dedicated public servant and champion for homeownership, fully committed to ensuring the American Dream lives on for generations to come.
During his October testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Montgomery said, “Some of my Republican friends and colleagues still ask why I agreed to serve in a Democratic Administration and my answer has always been the same: they asked for my help. It was that simple. Now when I’m asked why I would want to return to HUD, the answer is just as simple: I believe I can make a positive difference."