In a recent move to fortify the leadership team of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors, Governor Greg Abbott has made strategic appointments that are expected to bolster the organization's commitment to supporting low-income Texans in their quest for affordable housing. Key among these appointments is Lemuel Williams, Jr., tapped as the new chairperson of the board, with David Lewis and Valerie Vargas Cardenas also assuming pivotal roles as board members.
Williams, known for his senior director role at Atos IT Solutions and Services, Inc., brings to the table a significant level of expertise, having been involved with Amplify Credit Union's Board of Directors as well. His resume extends to include past service in the executive board of the LBJ Presidential Library's Future Forum and on the City of Austin Technology and Telecommunications Commission, according to the announcement from the Governor’s office. His educational journey, which culminated in a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Information Systems from The University of Texas at Austin, similarly reflects a background to comprehensively address the nuances of affordable housing challenges.
Appointed alongside Williams is David Lewis, whose leadership and management skills are expected to greatly contribute to the board's objectives. His track record as president and managing member of Montlake Capital Management, LLC, along with past leadership positions in the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) societies of both Dallas–Fort Worth and Seattle, equip him to effectively navigate the economic dimensions of housing affordability. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from UT Austin, bolstered by a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.
Valerie Vargas Cardenas, reappointed for another term, embodies a wealth of experience in real estate and housing, being the executive vice president of Mortgage Banking operations at Texas National Bank. Her current chairmanship of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of San Juan, alongside her role in the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force Housing Committee, demonstrates a consistent commitment to responsibly regulating and ultimately improving housing conditions in the region. Cardenas, also having earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from St. Edward’s University, rounds out the expertise on the newly appointed board.
The appointments, setting Williams at the helm with Lewis and Cardenas in support, signal a clear intention from Governor Abbott's administration to draw upon diverse yet synergistic expertise to guide the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation forward. Their collective tenure is set until February 1, 2031, offering a substantial timeframe to make impactful strides in providing affordable housing solutions to Texans in need.
