This story was originally published in Multifamily Executive.

Brian Montgomery at a Senate confirmation hearing during the George W. Bush administration.
Brian Montgomery at a Senate confirmation hearing during the George W. Bush administration.

By a vote of 74–23, the U.S. Senate on May 23 confirmed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Brian D. Montgomery as assistant secretary of housing at HUD and commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Montgomery’s confirmation marks his second term as assistant secretary of housing and FHA commissioner at HUD. He previously held the job under President George W. Bush, staying on for six months after President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

“Brian brings a wealth of housing knowledge and experience to HUD, having held this position in two previous administrations, and we're excited to welcome him back to the agency,” said HUD secretary Ben Carson, in a statement. “FHA’s work is critical to HUD’s mission of advancing sustainable homeownership opportunities and quality affordable housing for all Americans. Brian understands this better than anyone and will be ready on day one to address the challenges of today’s housing market.”

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve with Secretary Carson and the team at HUD to further equal access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities and seek solutions to restore vitality to the housing market,” Montgomery said in the statement.

In addition to previously serving in the position, Montgomery has held several other top positions throughout the government and housing industry, including co-founder and partner at the Collingwood Group; deputy assistant to the president from 2001 to 2003, including service as secretary to the cabinet from 2003 to 2005; and board member on the Federal Housing Finance Board, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Oversight Board, and the NeighborWorks America Board.

Montgomery was nominated by President Trump on Sept. 12, 2017. The May 23 full Senate vote comes six months after the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee approved Montgomery’s nomination.

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