Washington, DC – (January 12, 2024) Today, the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL) announces that Sarah Brundage will join as the President and Chief Executive Officer. She will lead the organization’s affordable housing and community development policy advocacy following the retirement of Benson (Buzz) Roberts, who served as President and CEO for nine years.
Sarah served as the Senior Advisor for Housing Supply and Infrastructure in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She also previously served as General Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at HUD. During that time, Sarah led the Department’s efforts to enhance HUD programs that increase the production and supply of housing, including the execution of the Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan. Sarah also played a lead role in the implementation of the Interagency Taskforce on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) Action Plan. Sarah also served as a senior policy advisor on the White House Domestic Policy Council.
Before serving at HUD, Sarah was the Senior Policy Director at Enterprise Community Partners, where she co-led the national ACTION Campaign to strengthen and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. She also led Enterprise’s state and local policy work in California and managed the state’s fair housing taskforce and the successful implementation of California Opportunity Maps.
“Sarah has proven to successfully build productive coalitions, led robust teams, and provide effective solutions around affordable and sustainable housing policies,” said Merilyn Rovira, NAAHL’s Chair, and retired Senior Vice President of Capital/Strategic Initiatives of The Community Development Trust. “We welcome Sarah to NAAHL and look forward to the collaborations and contributions she will bring to our members and those in need of affordable housing.”
“Sarah has extensive experience in housing policy, tax credits, and advocacy. Her knowledge, innovative thinking, and deep commitment to advancing affordable housing demonstrates that she will be a great addition to NAAHL”, said Roberts. “I am confident that Sarah’s leadership will create opportunities and address challenges for NAAHL members and carry on the organization’s mission to expand economic opportunity through the financing of affordable housing and community revitalization.”
“More than ever, there is national, state, and local recognition that all our communities need more affordable housing. We know that a safe, affordable home is the foundation for household stability and economic mobility,” said Brundage. “I am honored to work with NAAHL members and partners, who uniquely make up the backbone of our nation’s investments in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization to provide safe, stable homes for all.”
Sarah will begin her position as President & CEO at NAAHL on February 5th.
About National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders
NAAHL is the only national alliance of banks, CDFIs, and other capital providers dedicated to expanding economic opportunity by financing affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. NAAHL has worked to advance responsible community reinvestment, fight predatory lending, and strengthen public-private partnerships.
For more information, visit www.naahl.org.
