Walker & Dunlop Appoints FHA-Veteran to Lead HUD Loan Originations
Dana Wade, former FHA commissioner, will lead the firm's affordable housing financing activities and serve as chief production officer of the firm’s FHA production team.
BETHESDA, MD – Walker & Dunlop has hired former commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, Dana Wade, to serve as chief production officer for the firm’s FHA-backed loan originations with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In her new position at Walker & Dunlop, Wade will also assist in driving the company’s affordable housing financing activities.
In her previous role at the FHA, Wade was responsible for carrying out the agency’s mission to provide affordable housing for moderate and low-income households. As commissioner, she additionally implemented enhanced risk management for FHA’s $1.4 trillion portfolio and led more than 2,400 employees.
“I am thrilled to have Dana join us,” states Willy Walker, Walker & Dunlop chairman and CEO. “Her skills and expertise will immediately add value to Walker & Dunlop’s FHA production team. Having a leader with Dana’s skills augmenting our focus on affordable housing, which has accounted for $17 billion of Walker & Dunlop’s lending over the past three years, will be extremely valuable to our clients and team members.”
Prior to serving at the FHA, Wade served as associate director at the Office of Management and Budget. In this previous role, she led budget oversight for six Executive Branch agencies, with a focus on financial services, including HUD and multiple independent agencies. Prior to this, Wade held senior roles in Congress, including deputy staff director for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, as well as deputy staff director for the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“Dana has a proven track record, impressive qualifications and the perfect personality to join Walker & Dunlop’s leadership team,” states Sheri Thompson, Walker & Dunlop EVP and FHA Finance Group head. “Her leadership and management skills will immediately help Walker & Dunlop maintain our position as one of the largest FHA multifamily lenders in the country, while also expanding our focus on affordable housing lending across all capital sources.”
“Walker & Dunlop is a leader in the commercial real estate finance industry, particularly as it relates to multifamily and affordable housing,” says Wade. “I’m excited for this opportunity to join such a growth-oriented firm with an incredible culture and focus on people, brand, and technology.”
Wade earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Georgetown University, and earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.