FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2001

CONTACT, Katie O'Rourke
804-343-5520
katie.orourke@vhda.com

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Jim Gilmore recently appointed Allen H. Jones of Arlington, to the Virginia Housing Development Authority Board of Commissioners.

Jones brings a powerful history of work skills to the advisory position of Commissioner to the $7 billion housing finance agency, including more than 15 years of senior level management experience in the mortgage banking and housing industry. He also possesses an extensive background in policy development and a tremendous amount of experience in the private and public sector.

Jones currently serves as a mortgage banking consultant in northern Virginia in mortgage technology, marketing, and finance in the primary, secondary, and government sides of the industry.

Jones distinguished himself by developing the nation’s first automated underwriting system for the Federal Housing Administration and the Veterans Administration that created greater access to homeownership for low and moderate income individuals and families.

"We are extremely pleased that Allen has agreed to join us in our work at VHDA," said Susan Dewey, Executive Director of VHDA. "His vast experience with the housing industry, both private and public, his understanding of the financial challenges and needs of our customers, and his familiarity with our stakeholders make him a valuable addition to our organization."

Previously, Jones served as the Executive Assistant to the FHA Commissioner in the first Bush Administration. Jones currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Arlington County Community Housing Finance Corporation and the Arlington Free Clinic. He is a 1985 graduate of the University of Richmond.

VHDA is $7 billion, non-profit, quasi-governmental housing finance agency that operates without benefit of state funds.

The authority provides low-interest home loans and other home loan financing alternatives to Virginians seeking safe, decent, affordable housing.