The full Senate has confirmed Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery in his additional role as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) second-in-command.
Montgomery officially was named HUD’s deputy secretary Tuesday in a 61-32 vote.
He had been acting deputy secretary since January 2019, taking over from Pam Patenaude, who retired. He will manage the day-to-day operations of the agency and will advise and assist HUD Secretary Ben Carson in leading the department’s nearly 8,000 employees.
Montgomery called it an honor to take on the new position.
“We will continue to do everything possible to protect our country’s most vulnerable populations – including the homeless, the elderly, and many others with compromised health,” he said in a news release. “We will provide critical support to low-income renters in public housing, seniors, people with disabilities and with AIDS, among others, including homeowners under stress at this time and those hoping to make it into a decent, safe, affordable home.
“I am proud to help lead the department and humbled to be able to offer all that I can to our endeavors, to deliver it more effectively, efficiently, and with the highest integrity on behalf of American taxpayers.”
Montgomery has led FHA since June 2018, managing that agency’s more than $1.4 trillion mortgage insurance portfolio, which includes its single family, multifamily and health care programs. As assistant secretary for housing, he has overseen HUD’s Project-based Section 8 rental assistance housing program, the Office of Housing Counseling and HUD’s Manufactured Housing Program.
“During this unprecedented pandemic, he has been by my side every step of the way as we have implemented policies to protect Americans across the country,” Carson said in the release. “As the head of FHA, Brian has helped HUD relieve the burden on renters and homeowners experiencing financial hardship, and to ensure no one loses their home as a result of this national health and economic emergency.
“The IT modernization effort underway at FHA under his stewardship has been central to our ability to continue to serve as a source of strength to the housing market.”
American Land Title CEO Diane Tomb issued a statement supporting the confirmation.
“Deputy Secretary Montgomery has been a steadfast, dependable leader during these uncertain times, serving as acting deputy secretary for more than a year in addition to his role as Federal Housing Administration commissioner,” Tomb said. “We are fortunate to have a public servant of his caliber serving our country and working to help those most at risk to have access to affordable housing during this pandemic. Deputy Secretary Montgomery’s long-term expertise within the housing community will be extremely valuable to all Americans as we navigate our country through the current crisis. ALTA looks forward to supporting these efforts.”
Montgomery has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors. During his first term as HUD’s assistant secretary for housing and FHA commissioner, he spearheaded regulatory reform of RESPA, developing solutions to assist struggling homeowners during the financial crisis.
From January 2003 until April 2005, Montgomery served in the Executive Office of the President as deputy assistant to the president and cabinet secretary. In this role, he led the White House’s internal working group to monitor all facets of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident investigation for which he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
He also served as deputy assistant to the president and director of presidential advance from January 2001 until January 2003. He traveled extensively with President George W. Bush, including on Sept. 11, 2001.
In February, the White House announced plans to nominate Dana Wade to take Montgomery’s place as FHA commissioner. Wade previously served as acting FHA commissioner and assistant secretary for housing from July 2017 to June 2018.