FHFA Announces Two Key Hires

The Federal Housing Finance Agency named Laura Thrift as the new Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications and Alexei Alexandrov (above) as Chief Economist on Monday.

Thrift has more than 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill working for senior members of the House of Representatives. Before joining FHFA, Thrift was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore). Thrift previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Rep. David Price (D-N.C.)

Prior to joining FHFA, Alexandrov, a Ph.D. economist, was the director of Central Algorithms for Wayfair.com. He also worked as a senior manager at Amazon.com. Additionally, he served as a senior economist at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, working on mortgage regulations stemming from the Dodd-Frank Act.

“Laura brings in-depth knowledge of the legislative process to FHFA. Her experience will help FHFA continue to be transparent about our policies and rationale with members of Congress, stakeholders, and the press,” Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson said in a press release.

“Alexei’s past research will add to the Agency’s understanding of both firm and consumer behavior, including in financial markets. The research he will lead, using the latest techniques in econometrics and machine learning, will help inform policy decisions that allow FHFA to maintain the safety and soundness of our regulated entities while promoting equitable access to safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities throughout the nation,” she said.