Washington, DC  Yesterday, Director Donna J. Gambrell of the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) was honored at the New York Housing Conference and National Housing Conference 38th Annual Awards Program in New York City. Director Gambrell received the distinguished Public Service Award for exemplary leadership throughout her career, and for the exceptional work the CDFI Fund has recently accomplished to increase economic opportunity and promote community development investments for underserved populations and distressed communities. This year's award program, one of the largest gatherings of housing professionals in the nation, addressed the importance of affordable housing, job creation, and economic recovery.

"It's an honor to be recognized by such prestigious organizations as the New York Housing Conference and the National Housing Conference," said CDFI Fund Director Donna J. Gambrell. "The CDFI Fund has always encouraged affordable housing as an integral component of community development initiatives. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the CDFI Fund, and on behalf of CDFIs across the nation that are making affordable housing a priority in low-income neighborhoods."

Director Gambrell was one of four honorees recognized for their contribution to various aspects of affordable housing. During the award ceremony, a short video highlighting Director Gambrell's career accomplishments and lifelong commitment to public service, along with the work of the CDFI Fund, was presented. To view the video, please visit http://www.youtube.com.

Since 1974, the New York Housing Conference and National Housing Conference have recognized individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring decent, safe and affordable housing. Past recipients of the Public Service Award include Shaun Donovan, Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York.

About New York Housing Conference

Established in 1973, The New York Housing Conference is a broad-based coalition of nonprofit and private developers, owners, managers, professionals, and funders of affordable housing that advocate for the housing needs of New Yorkers. It promotes strong housing policies, adequate funding, practical regulations, and increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of affordable housing.

About National Housing Conference

National Housing Conference has been dedicated to helping ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America since 1931. National Housing Conference has earned its strong reputation as the United Voice for Housing by actively engaging and convening its membership in nonpartisan advocacy for effective housing policy solutions at the local, state and national levels.

About CDFI Fund

The CDFI Fund invests in and builds the capacity of community-based, private, for-profit and non-profit financial institutions with a primary mission of community development in economically distressed communities. These institutions certified by the CDFI Fund as community development financial institutions or CDFIs are able to respond to gaps in local markets that traditional financial institutions are not adequately serving. CDFIs provide critically needed capital, credit and other financial products in addition to technical assistance to community residents and businesses, service providers, and developers working to meet community needs.

For more information about the CDFI Fund and its programs, please visit the Fund's website at: http://www.cdfifund.gov.