Smith College Names National Housing Leader Adrianne Todman ’91 to Board

Adrianne R. Todman ’91 is returning to the Smith College Board of Trustees after being elected to a new four-year term. She previously served on the board from 2019 to 2021 before stepping down upon her appointment by President Joe Biden as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her new term on the Smith board began July 1, 2026.

Todman, a nationally recognized leader in housing and community development with decades of experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, and housing policy, brings valuable expertise to the board as Smith advances its strategic priorities. She currently serves as CEO of the National Rental Home Council. 

As Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Todman helped lead the federal government’s efforts to expand housing access and strengthen communities nationwide. She became the first Smith alum to serve in a U.S. presidential Cabinet. She previously served as CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, the nation’s largest membership organization for housing and community development professionals.

Throughout her career, Todman has advanced policies and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunities. As executive director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority, she led the development and preservation of thousands of affordable homes and helped expand education and community resources.  

Todman serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Advisory Committee, and has received numerous honors, including HousingWire’s “Woman of Influence” recognition, along with awards from the D.C. Building Industry Association, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Urban Land Institute, and the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital.