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WASHINGTON - President Bush today announced he will nominate Alphonso Jackson to become the 13th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As HUD's Deputy Secretary for nearly three years, Jackson will continue the Administration's housing and community development agenda begun under former Secretary Mel Martinez who resigned earlier this week.

"He is an experienced executive in the public and private sectors - a man who knows the issues facing HUD and knows how to get things done," said President Bush. "Alphonso is a friend and one of the most experienced and respected authorities on housing policy in America who will be a superb Secretary of Housing and Urban Development."

"There is no higher honor than to be asked to serve one's country and I am truly humbled to answer the call of this President," said Jackson. "I am also excited to carry on this Administration's mission of increasing homeownership, expanding affordable housing and working to help local communities build a better tomorrow."

As Deputy Secretary, Jackson served as HUD's Chief Operating Officer, managing the day-to-day operations of a department with 9,300 employees and an annual budget of $32 billion. Jackson has extensive housing, finance and management experience having directed public housing authorities in St. Louis, Washington, DC and Dallas. Jackson also served as chairman of two redevelopment agencies in Washington, DC and St. Louis. Under his leadership, the Dallas Housing Authority was awarded the highest ranking of any big city public housing agency - consistently scoring 94 on a 100-point management scale used by HUD to measure the performance of local housing authorities.

Yesterday, Jackson joined HUD's employees to bid farewell to former Secretary Martinez and pledged to continue the Administration's housing agenda begun nearly three years ago. Specifically on the issue of reforming the process millions of Americans endure when buying or refinancing their homes, Jackson said, "This department will continue to make the process of buying and refinancing a home simpler, clearer and less expensive for consumers across this country. You have my word on this."

Jackson grew up in Dallas as the youngest of 12 children. In his professional life, Jackson received numerous Presidential and other Appointments: The National Commission on America's Urban Families (92-93); Regional Selection Panel for the White House Fellowship Programs (90-92); and, The National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing (90-92). In addition, Deputy Secretary Jackson was a member of the National Welfare Simplification and Coordination Advisory Committee (92-93) and served as Chairman of the General Services Commission of the State of Texas (95-98). A more detailed Jackson biography is available on the Internet.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet.