Brian D. Montgomery serves as the Assistant Secretary for Housing – Federal Housing Commissioner for HUD. Nominated by President Trump in September 2017, his confirmation marks the first time an individual has served as head of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) twice, and under three different Administrations.
Mr. Montgomery has also been delegated certain duties of the Deputy Secretary. Through this role he manages the day-to-day operations of the agency and advises and assists the Secretary in leading the Department’s nearly 8,000 employees.
With over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sector, 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. He is known for his work in reforming the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, developing solutions to assist struggling homeowners during the financial crisis, and his leadership of FHA modernization efforts that led to legislation in 2008.
As Federal Housing Commissioner, Montgomery is responsible for the management of FHA’s $1.3 trillion mortgage insurance portfolio, which includes its Single Family, Multifamily, and Health Care programs. As Assistant Secretary for Housing, he also oversees HUD’s project-based Section 8 rental assistance housing program, the Office of Housing Counseling, and HUD’s Manufactured Housing Program.
In addition to his first term as FHA Commissioner, Montgomery’s government experience includes serving as Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005, including serving as Secretary of the Cabinet from 2003 to 2005, and as a member of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the board of NeighborWorks America. While serving as Secretary to the Cabinet, Montgomery was appointed as the White House primary point of contact for the shuttle Columbia accident investigation in February 2003. For the effort, Montgomery was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2004.
A Texas native, Montgomery holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston. He also attended the University of Texas at Austin.