The CSS board now has four GSE-appointed members and five independents. Fannie and Freddie warned that this new majority will have the final say on any matter during conservatorship and on a number of significant matters following conservatorship (if they ever exit).
Freddie Mac appoints board member Mark Grier to serve as interim CEO while it continues to search for a permanent replacement for David Brickman, who left in early January.
Freddie Mac’s Voluntary Early Retirement Program resulted in 600 buyouts by the end of 2020, but salaries and benefits expenses actually rose in the short term.
New Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has yet to pick who will lead housing policy and GSE reform in the Biden administration. However, liberal think tanks may be a good place to look.