The U.S. Senate has confirmed Nani Coloretti to serve as deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the highest ranking Filipino-American in the Obama Administration. 

Coloretti, who hails from Kapahulu, graduated from ‘Iolani School in 1987, according to a news release issued by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

 "This is a proud moment for Hawaii and the Filipino-American community," Schatz said in the release. He added, "Nani not only brings strong leadership experience, but the ability to inspire the next generation of Filipino-American leaders in Hawaii and across the country. I am proud to call Nani a friend, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role."

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono noted the importance of Coloretti’s position to the mission of HUD. "HUD Secretary Castro told me that Nani’s role, as his right hand, is critical to implementing his vision which includes providing affordable housing and much needed infrastructure. Nani’s dedication to public service and her wealth of experience give me confidence in her ability to do an excellent job.:

Senators voted 68-28 on Tuesday to confirm Coloretti to the post as second most senior official at HUD.  

Coloretti’s most recent position was as Assistant Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury where she advised the secretary on development and execution of the department’s budget, strategic plans, and internal management of the agency and its bureaus. In July 2012, President Obama appointed Coloretti as a member of the Government Accountability and Transparency Board. Following the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010, Coloretti helped establish the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, serving as its acting chief operating officer.

Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Coloretti worked in the San Francisco Mayor’s office from 2005 until 2009, most recently serving as budget director.  Previously, Coloretti served as the Director of Policy, Planning, and Budget for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families from 1999 to 2005.

Coloretti is a recipient of the UC Berkeley Goldman School Award for Policy Innovation, the National Public Service Award, and the Fed 100 award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and communications from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in public policy from University of California at Berkeley.

 In her new post, Coloretti will manage HUD’s day-to-day operations, including a $45 billion annual budget and about 8,500 employees, according to a HUD news release.

 HUD Secretary Julian Castro said in the release, "Nani is a proven executive who has excelled at making government more efficient at the municipal and federal levels." He continued, "Her breadth of experience and track record at the Treasury Department make her the ideal choice for a mission-oriented agency like HUD."

Coloretti said: "I’m immensely grateful for the trust that President Obama and Secretary Castro are placing in me to help lead HUD at this critical time." She added, "This Department is undergoing significant change as it works to support our nation’s housing recovery and improve the way it serves communities all across this country.  I’m looking forward to working with the department’s outstanding employees and continue a data-driven approach to help make HUD’s operations run as efficiently as possible."

HUD aims 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; and build inclusive and sustainable communities. For more information about HUD and its programs, visit www.hud.gov.