Latina appointed to lead HUD Western Region

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION NAMES OPHELIA BASGAL AS HUD'S WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today named Ophelia Basgal to serve as the Regional Director for HUD's Western Region. This region encompasses California, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada.

Basgal is a nationally recognized expert on housing and community development issues, having served for 27 years as executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda, California. She also served on the Congressional Millennial Housing Commission and was a member of several national housing organizations.

"Ophelia Basgal is a seasoned veteran who brings an in-depth understanding of housing and experience in building partnerships with community and civic groups," said Secretary Donovan. "During this time of transformation and outreach at HUD, Ophelia's skill set makes her a tremendous fit for this role."

"The chance to join HUD when it is retooling itself to meet the challenges of today's economy and housing market is a wonderful opportunity," said Basgal. "I look forward to joining a team that I believe will play an integral part in the effort to stabilize our communities and our housing market."

In her new position, Basgal will serve as HUD's liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, congressional delegations, stakeholders and customers. She will also be responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities, and evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness.

Currently, Basgal serves as Vice President, Community Relations, for Pacific Gas and Electric Company where she is responsible for managing the company's $19.3 million charitable contributions program, employee volunteerism for PG&E's 20,000 employees and the community engagement programs. Ms. Basgal was also a board member of the University of California Puente Program, and the California Supreme Court Historical Society, where she served as vice-president.

In 2009, Basgal, an Oakland resident for 35 years, earned the Ultimate Hispanic Executive award, an honor presented annually by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs to an outstanding Hispanic leader who demonstrates strength, integrity and commitment to public service, education, and the advancement of leadership.
Basgal holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Arizona State University and a master's in social welfare administration from the University of California, Berkeley.