“One on One” with Shaun Donovan

March 16, 2021

As New York City Mayor, Donovan will again work in partnership with President Biden – ensuring that New York City’s voice is heard in the White House, and that New York’s needs are met.

Shaun Donovan believes that your zip code should not predict your chances for success or how long you live. As a nationally-respected affordable housing expert, he knows it is critical for families to live in fair, safe, and affordable housing and that every neighborhood has equal access to the jobs, opportunities, and benefits New York City has to offer.

Shaun served in President Obama’s Cabinet for his full eight years in office. Shaun was the 15th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he led the fight against the nation’s unprecedented foreclosure crisis. In July 2014, he was sworn in as the 40th Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.. He oversaw regulations that reduced inequality, expanded health care, improved education, and fought climate change. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Donovan served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. He also served in the Clinton administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing at HUD and as acting FHA Commissioner.

Shaun was born and grew up in New York City, and is married to Liza Gilbert, a Landscape Architect who has designed and restored parks in New York City and across the country. Shaun and Liza live in Brooklyn, where they raised their sons Milo and Lucas.