Neighborhood activist and political leader Joe DeFelice will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of HUD programs and services.
President Donald J. Trump last week appointed veteran neighborhood activist and political leader Joe DeFelice as administrator of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Mid-Atlantic Region.
DeFelice will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of HUD programs and services throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. He will serve as HUD’s liaison to elected officials, congressional delegations, city managers, stakeholders and customers.
“My passion for community development started in my own neighborhood, working alongside developers, local leaders and nonprofits to bring about positive change,” he said. “Having worked as a community leader, I certainly have an appreciation for the tough challenges facing communities across the region.”
DeFelice, 39, attended St. Matthew Elementary School, Father Judge High School, La Salle University and Widener School of Law.
Politically, he worked for former state Rep. John Perzel and had many campaign roles over the years. He served as chairman of the Philadelphia Republican City Committee until resigning in April, when the job with HUD appeared likely.
In the community, he’s been a Mummer, president of the Mayfair Civic Association, chairman of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation, director for the Mayfair Fallen Heroes Run and board member of the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia. He lives in Winchester Park with his wife, Rose, and two sons, Joey and Christian.
His appointment with HUD came last Friday.
“I look forward to advancing HUD’s mission across the Mid-Atlantic Region by helping underserved neighborhoods become thriving communities, expanding homeownership opportunities for credit-worthy citizens and helping eradicate homelessness — especially for our veterans,” he said. ••
