JERRY E. WILLIAMS, A CATALYST FOR CHANGE, IS HUD'S NEW CIO

WASHINGTON - Jerry E. Williams, formerly the deputy CIO at the Department of the Interior, is the Department of Housing and Urban Development's new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Williams is responsible for a $379.2 million budget, 265 employees and developing, modernizing and enhancing HUD's outdated information systems.

"I am excited about the timing, and the opportunity to join HUD and be a part of its transformation effort," said Williams. "HUD has a number of dated systems that have prevented it from taking full advantage of modern tools to capture, store, share and disseminate information. I hope to help the agency save the maintenance costs associated with the antiquated systems, while also helping the program areas leverage existing and future technology to enhance their business practices."

"The extensive knowledge and the expertise Jerry brings is critical to the transformation of this Agency," said HUD Deputy Secretary, Ron Sims. "IT improvements are critical to Secretary Donovan's vision of an improved HUD. Enhanced IT systems can undoubtedly improve the speed, delivery and the results of HUD's significant housing and community development programs."

Prior to serving as the deputy CIO at the Department of the Interior responsible for managing the infrastructure (hardware and software) and applications supporting the agency's varied mission areas, Williams served as the Director of Financial Improvement for the Director of National Intelligence. There he was responsible for leading all financial management activities for the Intelligence Community.

Williams has also served as the acting CIO and deputy CIO of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the acting CIO for the U.S. Small Business Administration. He also served as Chief of the Federal Financial Management Systems Branch at the Office of Management and Budget.

A 20-year career employee, Williams has earned a reputation as a "behind the scenes" leader who focuses on being a catalyst for significant change in both financial management and IT.

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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. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.