Senate Confirms Patenaude as HUD Deputy Secretary

The Senate yesterday confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Pamela Patenaude to serve as Deputy Secretary of HUD.

Patenaude’s approval came on an 80-17 vote, with the Senate Banking Committee’s ranking member, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, among Democrats who voted against.

HUD Secretary Ben Carson said he welcomed the Senate’s action and said it comes at a critical time as the Department prepares to support the long-term recovery following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

“At this moment when so many of our citizens are suffering, Pam will bring strong leadership when we need her most,” Carson said. “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 also enjoyed broad support in the real estate finance industry, including from the Mortgage Bankers Association, which had strongly urged Senate approval of her nomination. MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, issued a statement of support.

“MBA congratulates Pam Patenaude for being confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the next Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,” Stevens said. “She brings with her deep knowledge of real-estate finance and housing issues, and has the right experience to be successful in this job. I have personally known her for many years and look forward to working with her, Secretary Carson and other officials at HUD on issues that will help Americans’ ability to access affordable single-family and multifamily housing.”

In a Sept. 5 letter to Senate leadership, MBA and other industry trade groups noted Patenaude “has shown a dedication to housing through her many years of service. “Her previous tenure at HUD provides her with a great understanding of both the organization itself as well as its programs.”

Patenaude is president of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Foundation for America’s Families. She served previously at HUD as Assistant Secretary for Community, Planning and Development in the George W. Bush Administration and also served as director of housing policy with the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission.