MCBRIDE SWORN IN AS HUD'S NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR NORTHWEST
Oath administered by Deputy Secretary Ron Sims at Seattle Ceremony

SEATTLE - In a standing-room-only ceremony in downtown Seattle today, Mary McBride was sworn in as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's new Regional Director for Region X which serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The oath was administered by HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims.

As the regional director, McBride will serve as HUD's liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, congressional delegations, stakeholders and customers. She will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities, as well as evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness.

"I can't wait to get started," said McBride. "Given the importance of HUD to the daily lives and long-term futures of communities big and small, it is an honor to serve as HUD's Regional Director for the Northwest, especially in an Administration so committed to sustainability, accountability and creativity in putting Federal resources to work," McBride said. "I look forward to working with Secretary Donovan, Deputy Secretary Sims,, HUD's staff and our many, many partners and stakeholders to remove barriers, create greater efficiencies, and accomplish needed reform and improvements within HUD."

"Mary's decision to join us at HUD could not come at a better time," said Sims. "She's a quick study, a tireless
worker and, most importantly, a person who, thanks to her extensive experience in housing, community and rural development, knows how to build and sustain working partnerships that get things done. Her very considerable leadership skills will prove critical to HUD as it transforms itself and to the communities we serve in these
challenging times."

Most recently, McBride served as the South Sound Regional Director for U.S. Senator Patty Murray. In that
capacity, she was responsible for addressing diverse constituent concerns and needs by providing resource referrals and problem-solving assistance to organizations, municipalities, businesses, associations, and individuals. She was a lead resource to Senator Murray for statewide initiatives involving affordable, public and farmworker housing, and community and economic development issues.

Prior to joining Senator Murray's staff, Mary was an appointee of the Clinton Administration serving in the position
of Director of USDA - Rural Development for Washington State. Mary has over 25 years of proactive, results-
oriented experiences in the areas of economic and community development at local, regional, state, national,
and international levels. She is a recognized leader in reducing barriers, streamlining processes, forming effective, results-oriented partnerships, and creating customer driven efficiencies.

A Georgia Southern University graduate, McBride earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in criminal justice and continued her post graduate work at Eastern Washington University focusing on regional and urban planning.

###

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.