Pam Patenaude is one step closer to being Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, the right-hand position to HUD Secretary Ben Carson.
The Senate Banking Committee advanced President Donald Trump’s nomination of Patenaude late Wednesday, passing it on to the full Senate for approval.
As deputy secretary, Patenaude would hold the true position of power at HUD, as the deputy secretary handles most of the day-to-day operations, while the HUD secretary is the public face of the department.
David Stevens, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association applauded the approval, saying, “I want to congratulate Pam for being approved by the Senate Banking Committee to be the next Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.”
“I know from the many years we have worked together that her knowledge of real-estate finance and deep background, experience and understanding of housing issues will serve her well. I can think of nobody more well suited for this position and I encourage the full Senate to move swiftly to confirm her nomination,” said Stevens.
Despite mixed reaction to Carson being selected as HUD Secretary, both sides of the aisle welcomed the nomination of Patenaude thanks to her long history and background in the housing market.
Many of the biggest trade groups in the housing industry, including the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Home Builders, commended the Trump administration for its choice and recommended that the Senate approve Patenaude for the position.
“Pam’s extensive knowledge of housing issues and dedicated service to this Department under two previous administrations makes her an exceptional choice for the position of Deputy Secretary,” HUD Secretary Ben Carson said about her nomination.
“She will bring a wealth of experience and steady leadership to HUD in her new role,” Carson added. “I look forward to working with her to achieve more efficient and effective housing policies that create jobs, strengthen communities, and ensure safe, affordable housing for all Americans.”
As HousingWire noted when the White House announced Patenaude’s nomination, Patenaude was featured on the cover of HousingWire Magazine last year, and previously recognized as one of HousingWire Magazine’s Women of Influence in 2013 – an honor noted in the official White House statement about Patenaude.
