Nani Coloretti
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
How did you get here?
I worked as a civil servant and Presidential Management Fellow at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from 1994-1997. When I left federal service, I thought I’d never return and instead focused on local and regional issues in San Francisco as then-Mayor Gavin Newsom’s policy and budget director. However, connections I made at OMB way back then convinced me to put my name into consideration for a Deputy Assistant Secretary position at US Department of Treasury as a Presidential Appointee. I’ve been back in Washington, D.C. since 2009.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
My mom has been the greatest influence on my career. She raised five girls to become independent thinkers and to set high standards for ourselves – professionally, but more importantly, as people. From my mom, I learned to listen to everyone, consider all sides of a problem, remember people who are not well-represented, set high expectations, and, be kind.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during the Obama Administration?
I have two: First, after President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law in 2010, I joined a small team of Treasury employees to stand up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). I helped create the overall operational framework of the agency as its Acting Chief Operating Officer.
Second, I joined the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) just in time to help facilitate the final agency clearance of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. As we announced in July 2015, this rule aims to equip communities that receive HUD funding with data and tools to help them meet long-standing fair housing obligations in their use of HUD funds. This was the most comprehensive guidance HUD has put forward to communities in over 40 years, and through it we encourage a balanced approach of targeting investments in revitalizing areas, as well as increased housing choice in areas of opportunity.
Can you describe your time working for the Obama Administration in 10 words?
It has been inspiring, challenging and fun.
Complete the sentence: “When I’m not working, I…”
When I’m not working, I love to hang out with my son and husband, traveling, hiking or just reading books.
Follow NBC Asian America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.