June 6, 2005

It is my pleasure to announce that Augusta Mayor Bob Young has been named the Atlanta Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In this position, Mayor Young will serve as HUD's liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials and congressional delegations. He will lead 1250 employees in 14 offices, and oversee the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities in Georgia, Alaska, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and the Caribbean.

Bob's years of public service, leadership skills and private'sector business experience will be a great asset to us at HUD. He is truly the best person to help us increase homeownership in America's communities, create more affordable housing opportunities and promote economic and community development. We are extremely fortunate to have Bob joining our team.