FHFA Appoints New Chair for Fannie’s Board

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the appointment of Egbert L. J. Perry as chair of Fannie Mae’s board of directors. Perry will replace the outgoing Philip A. Laskawy, who will step down at the end of March.

A director at Fannie Mae current member of its board, Perry is a seasoned real estate and investment professional. In addition to serving at the GSE since the end of 2008, he is chairman and CEO of the Integral Group LLC, which he founded in 1993 as a company specializing in real estate development, advisory, and investment management services across major U.S. markets.

He has approximately 35 years of experience as a real estate professional, including work in urban development; developing and investing in mixed-income, mixed-use communities; affordable and work force housing; and commercial real estate projects in markets across the country.

Commenting on his new appointment, Perry said, “It is an honor to lead the board’s governance of Fannie Mae and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members, our management team, Director Watt and his team at FHFA to deliver on the company’s essential role in the housing market.”

In announcing the new chair, FHFA Director Mel Watt also offered praise for Laskawy, who he said “has provided dedicated leadership during an extraordinarily challenging period for both the country and the company.”

“Under his leadership since 2008, Fannie Mae has helped millions of American families refinance their mortgages, buy new homes, rent affordable housing and avoid foreclosure. In his time as chairman, the company returned to profitability and achieved record financial results,” Watt said, adding: “I have complete confidence that Egbert Perry will continue to provide the same qualities of thoughtful and responsible leadership that Phil has provided.”