California housing agency gets new executive director

LOS ANGELES - Laura Whittall-Scherfee has been appointed executive director of a California agency that finances the construction of affordable housing.

State Treasurer John Chiang announced the appointment late Monday. The California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, which Chiang chairs, authorizes tax-exempt bonds for affordable rental housing, home ownership and industrial development.

whittall-scherfee-laura

“Providing families and individuals with safe, affordable housing is one of my highest priorities,” said Chiang. “We cannot have livable communities and a prosperous economy in California if people do not have a decent place to live. That is why I am pleased to have Laura on my team. Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable in furthering my housing goals.”

Whittall-Scherfee spent more than two decades at state housing agencies. Most recently, she served five years as deputy director of the Division of Financial Assistance at the Department of Housing and Community Development. She also spent 16 years in multiple positions at the California Housing Finance Agency. She started her career in the private sector as a bank loan officer, handling commercial and single-family clients.

Whittall-Scherfee holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Pomona College and said she was eager to begin work in her new position.

“I am excited to work with Treasurer Chiang to do everything we can to help provide affordable housing for all Californians,” she said. She will assume her post July 17.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Private activity bonds Career moves State of California California
MORE FROM NATIONAL MORTGAGE NEWS