President Donald Trump has nominated current Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner and Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Brian D. Montgomery to assume the full-time position of Deputy HUD Secretary, a position he’s been serving in an acting capacity since January of 2019. He is the first individual to serve as head of FHA twice and under three different administrations.
“Nominated by President Donald J. Trump in September 2017, his confirmation marks the first time an individual has served as head of the FHA twice, and under three different administrations,” the White House said in a press release announcing his nomination. “With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, including his first term as Commissioner from 2005 to 2009, Mr. Montgomery brings to HUD a deep knowledge of housing issues and vast experience spearheading large-scale policy initiatives.”
HUD Secretary Ben Carson expressed approval at the decision to nominate Montgomery to the non-acting position.
“Brian brings tremendous experience to our team and has been a strong voice in the effort to reform the Nation’s housing finance system,” said Secretary Carson in a press release. “As Federal Housing Commissioner, Brian made certain FHA remains a stable and reliable resource for first-time and minority homebuyers, and other underserved borrowers while protecting the interests of taxpayers. Brian is a key member of our team and I look forward to having him confirmed as our Deputy Secretary.”
Commissioner Montgomery himself expressed gratefulness at the prospect of further service.
“Once again, I am tremendously honored to be called upon by President Trump and Secretary Carson to serve this Department and the American people,” said Commissioner Montgomery in the press release. “Service to our fellow Americans is the cornerstone of our Department and I look forward to continuing to help fulfill HUD’s critical role.”
The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) lauded Commissioner Montgomery’s full-time nomination for the position.
“NRMLA congratulates Commissioner Montgomery on his nomination to be Deputy Secretary,” said Steve Irwin, EVP of NRMLA in an email to RMD. “We are certain Brian’s exemplary leadership will further the Department’s mission.”
During the George W. Bush administration, Montgomery served as the White House Cabinet Secretary until February 2005, when he assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Housing (also known as FHA Commissioner) for the first time. Montgomery also served in transitionary roles between the Bush and Barack Obama administrations, becoming Acting HUD Secretary for six days in January 2009 before Obama appointee Shaun Donovan was confirmed.
Montgomery would serve as FHA Commissioner in the Obama administration until July of 2009, before assuming work in the private sector at the Collingwood Group, a housing-focused advisory firm. After the inauguration of President Trump, Montgomery returned to the government and was confirmed as FHA Commissioner once more in mid-2018, with President Trump marking the third president he has served under after Presidents Bush and Obama, respectively.
Upon the resignation of previously full-time Deputy HUD Secretary Pam Patenaude effective in January, Montgomery stepped into the role of Acting Deputy HUD Secretary. Now that he is nominated for the full-time position, he will have to go through a formal confirmation process in the United States Senate.
