Judith Kennedy is the President and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL).

Under her leadership, NAAHL has become recognized as the premier authority in the nation's capital on private lending and investing in low- and moderate-income communities.  Prior to joining NAAHL, Judy directed Government Relations for two Fortune 100 financial corporations, Sallie Mae (the Student Loan Marketing Association), and Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation).

Her Federal government service included staff positions for: members of the Senate and House Banking Committees; a White House Commission on Housing; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was awarded a Congressional Fellowship by the American Political Science Association, and has an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS from Duquesne University.

Judy presently serves on the Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee, the Boards of the Center for Community Lending and the National Housing Conference, and as an adviser to The Red Capital Group Hurricane Katrina Fund.  She previously served as a member of Fannie Mae's Housing Impact Advisory Council, and on the HUD/U.S. Department of Treasury Predatory Lending Task Force.  Prior community service also includes the boards of the Emeritus Foundation, Women in Housing and Finance, the DC Youth Orchestra Foundation, and Women In Community Development.

Judy’s perspective is sought and reported on by major media such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and financial trade papers.

She testifies on Capitol Hill on issues of importance to community investment, and has advised the European Mortgage Federation and affordable housing advocates in India on America’s model for bringing private capital to those in need.

Staff