May 19, 2021

Senate Banking and Housing Committee Advances Todman, Fernandez Nominations

Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, advanced two nominations: Ms. Adrianne Todman, of the Virgin Islands, to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and Ms. Nuria Fernandez, of California, to be Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Both nominees were approved by a voice vote.

Sen. Brown’s remarks at today’s markup, as prepared for delivery, follow:

Today, we are approving the nominations of Adrianne Todman to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Nuria Fernandez to serve as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.

Our government works best when it reflects the country. For the second time since the start of the Biden- Harris Administration, our committee will move to confirm two qualified women of color for senior positions.

These nominees understand the challenges we face. Hard work doesn’t pay off for too many families, leaving them one late payment away from facing eviction. Workers face limited transportation options to get their jobs, or to get the COVID vaccine. We need these qualified and competent professionals to lead HUD and FTA, and the nominees before us will work on behalf of ALL families.

Adrianne Todman led the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, where she worked with housing and community development leaders across the country. She has also run Washington, D.C.’s public housing agency and has experience implementing national policy from her prior work at HUD. 

Nuria Fernandez is currently serving at Deputy Administrator of FTA. And was Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator during the Clinton Administration. Before rejoining FTA this year, Ms. Fernandez ran the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. She is an industry expert at delivering complex, high-profile infrastructure projects and understands the dignity of work.

Whether you live in a city or a small town, a rural area or in Indian Country – HUD and FTA will play critical roles as we work to make the bold infrastructure investments we need to build thriving communities. 

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