Priscilla Almodovar: Leading Fannie Mae Amidst a Housing Market in Flux
Charting a Steady Course Through Market Challenges
Priscilla Almodovar, at the helm of Fannie Mae as President and CEO, is navigating the organization through a complex national housing landscape characterized by soaring home prices and elevated mortgage interest rates. Despite these hurdles, she remains undeterred.
“The essence of resilience in any organization lies in the core principles that remain unchanged, even as the environment shifts,” Almodovar emphasizes in her recent statements.
Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future of Housing
Her appointment in 2022 marked a historic milestone as she became the first woman to lead Fannie Mae. Additionally, she stands out as the sole current female CEO of Latinx descent within the Fortune 500 roster. Her professional journey spans over thirty years, including senior roles at JPMorgan Chase, leadership in public housing initiatives as CEO of the New York State Housing Finance Agency, and early career milestones such as becoming a partner at the prestigious law firm White & Case during the 1990s-an achievement rare for women at the time.
Advocating for Gender Equality and Economic Opportunity
During her 2024 keynote at Hofstra University, her alma mater, Almodovar reflected on the progress women have made in corporate leadership-yet acknowledged that much work remains. “While significant strides have been achieved, the pace of change must accelerate,” she stated. “My hope is for a future where questions about the first woman in a top role are no longer necessary.”
Personal Roots and Commitment to Homeownership
Almodovar’s dedication to her mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Brooklyn with Puerto Rican parents who invested years of effort into purchasing their first home, she witnessed firsthand how homeownership can transform lives. “That home was the foundation that enabled my siblings and me to attend college,” she shared with USA Today.
Expanding Access to Credit and Financial Inclusion
One of her key initiatives at Fannie Mae is broadening credit access for the so-called “credit invisible”-the millions of Americans who rent but lack a traditional credit history. Although these renters often pay their rent punctually, their payments are seldom reflected in credit scores. Under her leadership, Fannie Mae has pioneered programs that incorporate rent payment history and consistent banking activity into credit assessments, fostering greater financial inclusion.
Employee Engagement and Organizational Resilience
Fannie Mae employees have expressed high regard for the leadership’s clarity, transparency, and collaborative spirit, as highlighted in recent Energage surveys. Staff members appreciate the genuine concern and open communication from leadership, which fosters a supportive work environment.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Almodovar remains optimistic about the company’s trajectory. “Every major transformation we’ve undergone has strengthened our ability to fulfill our mission,” she affirms. “This resilience continues to guide us forward.”
David W. Bowker: Navigating Legal Battles on the Global Stage
Decades of Experience in High-Stakes Litigation
David W. Bowker, managing partner at WilmerHale’s Washington office and chair of its international litigation practice, is no stranger to complex and high-pressure legal scenarios. Over more than 20 years, he has built a reputation for winning landmark cases that shape policy and protect rights worldwide.
Defending Free Speech and Civil Liberties
In 2013, Bowker secured a pivotal victory before the U.S. Supreme Court, establishing that the federal government cannot compel nonprofits to adopt specific stances to qualify for international HIV/AIDS funding. This case set a precedent for free speech protections for organizations operating abroad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he argued a related case remotely, exemplifying his adaptability and commitment to justice.
Championing Press Freedom and International Justice
In 2024, Bowker played a crucial role in securing the release of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal journalist detained in Russia under false espionage charges, as well as aiding in the release of Jason Rezaian from Iranian custody. His efforts extended to securing a $180 million civil judgment against Iran on behalf of Rezaian and his family, exemplifying his dedication to defending journalists and human rights.
Building a Culture of Character and Collaboration
Bowker emphasizes the importance of integrity and collegiality within WilmerHale. The firm actively seeks lawyers who demonstrate strong character, collaboration, and a public-minded ethos-values that are especially vital during challenging times. “Having a team of principled professionals makes all the difference when facing complex legal issues,” he notes.
Fostering a Supportive and Innovative Environment
With over 340 attorneys, WilmerHale’s culture promotes open communication and teamwork. Bowker highlights that the firm’s collaborative approach enables it to assemble the right expertise swiftly, ensuring effective solutions for clients facing the most demanding legal challenges. Despite recent scrutiny from political entities, Bowker remains proud of the firm’s integrity and its role in shaping legal practice.
Why WilmerHale Remains a Premier Legal Institution
He describes WilmerHale as an inspiring place to practice law-one that values community, excellence, and public service. “Our culture of openness and collaboration is our greatest strength,” Bowker affirms.
Ben Lieber: Innovating Legal Careers with Flexibility and Purpose
Strategic Decision-Making Inspired by Poker
Ben Lieber, founder and managing partner of Potomac Law Group, approaches legal leadership with a strategic mindset akin to poker-making decisions with incomplete information but always aiming for the best possible outcome. “The key is to make well-informed choices, understanding that not every move will be perfect,” he explains.
Reimagining the Legal Workplace for Modern Professionals
Founded in 2011, Lieber’s firm was born from a desire to retain top female legal talent by offering flexible work arrangements. Recognizing that many talented women left the profession due to inflexible hours and unequal pay, he envisioned a firm that prioritized work-life balance without sacrificing quality or client service.
Remote Work and a Culture of Respect
Potomac Law Group now employs 160 lawyers across 25 states, with a significant portion working remotely. The firm’s culture emphasizes collegiality, with a strict hiring standard of at least seven years of experience and a preference for lawyers who are generous with their expertise and respectful of colleagues. Lieber avoids hiring aggressive, self-centered attorneys, believing that a collaborative environment fosters better outcomes.
Expanding into Niche Markets and Cost Efficiency
The recent expansion into Cleveland allowed the firm to tap into specialized legal services in mergers and acquisitions for registered investment advisors. This strategic move not only broadens the firm’s expertise but also enables it to offer high-quality legal support at more competitive rates, benefiting clients and the firm alike.
Balancing Growth with Community and Flexibility
Lieber emphasizes that maintaining a strong sense of community is central to the firm’s success. Regular management meetings focus on people and upcoming events, reinforcing a culture of support and shared purpose. This approach has contributed to a low attrition rate of under 5 percent and a workforce that is more than half composed of men-an evolution toward a more balanced and sustainable firm model.
Redefining the Legal Firm of the Future
In many ways, Potomac Law Group exemplifies a “kinder, gentler” legal practice-one that values flexibility, collaboration, and integrity, setting a new standard for legal workplaces in the 21st century.
Meredith Attwell Baker: Pioneering Wireless Innovation and Spectrum Policy
From Early Days to Industry Leadership
Meredith Attwell Baker’s career in wireless technology began in the 1990s, when cellphones and WiFi were still emerging innovations. Starting as a junior lobbyist for what is now CTIA-The Wireless Association, she witnessed the rapid evolution of wireless communications firsthand.
Breaking Glass Ceilings in Government and Industry
Over the years, Baker served in key government roles across Democratic and Republican administrations, including acting assistant secretary at the Commerce Department and commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Her leadership was instrumental during the transition to digital television and in shaping policies that fostered the expansion of 5G technology-enabling faster, more reliable wireless networks nationwide.
Driving Spectrum Policy and Industry Growth
Baker’s advocacy for mid-band spectrum-an essential frequency range for broad coverage and high-speed data-has been a cornerstone of her legacy. Her efforts helped reduce infrastructure costs and streamline regulations, accelerating the deployment of next-generation wireless services.
Expanding Industry Influence and Membership
As president and CEO of CTIA, she launched major initiatives including the Mobile World Congress Americas trade show and an annual summit, significantly increasing the organization’s membership by 80 percent. Her leadership has been credited with fostering a vibrant ecosystem of carriers, device manufacturers, app developers, and content creators.
Recognizing Industry Impact and Future Potential
Industry leaders have lauded Baker’s contributions, highlighting her role in unlocking over 5,600 megahertz of spectrum-an achievement that underpins the current 5G economy and drives innovation. Her work has not only advanced technological progress but also strengthened the economic fabric of the United States.
In 2023, Baker reflected on her career, emphasizing that spectrum policy remains central to her legacy and the ongoing evolution of wireless communications.
