The U.S. Senate has confirmed Nani Coloretti to serve as deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, making her the highest-ranking Filipino-American in the administration of President Barack Obama.
Coloretti, who grew up in the Kapahulu area, graduated from ‘Iolani School in 1987.
"This is a proud moment for Hawaii and the Filipino-American community," U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a news 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."
Coloretti will manage HUD’s day-to-day operations, including a $45 billion annual budget and about 8,500 employees.
HUD Secretary Julian Castro said in a news 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."
Hawaii Sens. Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, both Democrats, voted Tuesday to confirm Coloretti to the post. The Senate confirmed President Obama’s nominee with a vote of 6828.
Hirono said in a news release, "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."
Coloretti’s most recent position was as assistant secretary for management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a position she held since November 2012. From 2009 to 2012 she served as deputy assistant secretary for management and budget at Treasury.
Coloretti said in a release, "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."
Prior to joining the Obama administration, Coloretti worked in the San Francisco mayor’s office, serving as budget director. Previously she served as the director of policy, planning and budget for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.
In Hawaii, Coloretti served as a budget analyst for the state Department of Public Safety during the early 1990s.
Coloretti holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and communications from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley.
