HUD SECRETARY NAMES DAVID HORNE AS CHIEF OF STAFF

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced David Horne will become Chief of Staff for the Department. Horne returns to the federal government after an extensive record in the public and private sector. Horne will oversee the day-to-day management of HUD's $40 billion budget and 9,300 employees throughout the nation.

"David is the right person to manage HUD as we work to keep more families in their homes," said Preston. "His wealth of housing experience in public service, leadership skills, and private-sector business practice will be an asset to the Administration and the goals we have set forth. We are extremely fortunate to have David leading our team."

Horne brings more than 18 years of leadership, managerial and housing experience to HUD. He served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Rick Lazio (NY) and Senior Counsel when he was Chairman of the House Banking Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. Prior to joining Lazio's office, Horne worked as an associate for the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

At HUD, Horne will oversee hundreds of Departmental programs designed to help families keep their homes, create affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans free from discrimination, and support the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with HIV/AIDS.

A graduate of Cornell University, Horne received a bachelor's degree in government and communication arts. He received his law degree Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University Law Center. David Horne and his wife, Connie Lausten have three children and currently reside in Washington, DC.

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