Full Breakdown
Leadership Shakeup at Fannie Mae and Zillow's New Chief Economist
10/23/2025, 3:35:45 PM
Fannie Mae's Leadership Transition
Fannie Mae, a key player in the U.S. housing finance system, has undergone significant leadership changes with the appointment of Peter Akwaboah as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Akwaboah, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO), replaces Priscilla Almodovar, who held the CEO position since December 2022. The announcement was made by William Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), who also serves as chairman of Fannie Mae's board. Alongside Akwaboah, John Roscoe and Brandon Hamara have been appointed as co-presidents, marking a strategic shift in the organization’s leadership structure.
Pulte emphasized Akwaboah's extensive background in financial services, including his previous role at Morgan Stanley, as a key factor in his suitability for the acting CEO position. He stated, “With the addition of Peter as acting CEO and John Roscoe and Brandon Hamara as co-presidents, we now have a deep bench of three experienced leaders at the very top of Fannie Mae.” This leadership team aims to enhance the operational strength and long-term profitability of the organization.
Departure of Priscilla Almodovar
Priscilla Almodovar's departure has raised questions, as the official statement did not clarify whether she resigned, retired, or was removed. In her farewell remarks, Almodovar expressed gratitude for her time at Fannie Mae, stating, “Serving as President and CEO of Fannie Mae has been the privilege of a lifetime.” She highlighted the organization's achievements during her tenure, which included efforts to strengthen Fannie Mae's role in supporting American homeowners and renters.
Zillow's New Chief Economist
In a separate but notable development, Zillow has appointed Mischa Fisher as its new chief economist. Fisher brings a wealth of experience in analyzing housing, labor, and consumer spending data. His previous roles include teaching data science at Northwestern University and serving as chief economist at Angi, a homeowner-focused software development firm. Fisher expressed enthusiasm about joining Zillow, stating, “Rest assured our team has a ton in store for the year ahead to shed light on all these areas.”
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The leadership changes at Fannie Mae come at a pivotal time as the organization approaches a potential exit from government conservatorship, which has been in place since the 2008 financial crisis. Pulte has indicated that a public offering for Fannie Mae and its sibling Freddie Mac could occur as early as late 2025. This move is expected to reshape the housing finance landscape, influencing mortgage pricing and capital planning.
As Fannie Mae embarks on this new chapter under Akwaboah's leadership, the focus remains on operational excellence and fulfilling its mission to assist American homeowners. The combination of experienced leaders at the helm is anticipated to foster a more secure and effective organization, positioning Fannie Mae for future growth and stability in the evolving mortgage market.
