Head of FHA Program Resigns for Harvard Post

Nicolas P. Retsinas has resigned as assistant secretary for housing and federal housing commissioner. He will leave his job Feb. 27 and head for Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, of which he will be director.

Federal housing commissioner since 1993, Mr. Retsinas oversaw the agency's FHA program, which insures home loans mostly to members of minorities and first-time homeowners.

After a decade of cutbacks by Republican administrations, Mr. Retsinas spearheaded a campaign to expand and modernize the Depression-era program. He was also director of the Office of Thrift Supervision from October 1996 through November 1997.

At Harvard, Mr. Retsinas will succeed William P. Apgar, now a consultant to Andrew Cuomo, secretary of housing and urban development. Mr. Apgar is expected to be nominated to become assistant secretary for policy development and research.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER