2008-03-31 23:46:01 -

- Today, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson announced his decision to leave the Department after seven years of dedicated service. I have known Alphonso Jackson for many years, and I have known him to be a strong leader and a good man. I have accepted his resignation with regret.

Secretary Jackson is a great American success

story. The youngest of twelve children - his father was a foundry worker and his mother was a nurse mid-wife - Alphonso has always understood the value of hard work and equal opportunity for all Americans.

For more than three decades, he has worked to help more Americans become homeowners and strengthen communities throughout our Nation. While leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Alphonso made significant progress in transforming public housing, revitalizing and modernizing the Federal Housing Administration, increasing affordable housing, rebuilding the Gulf Coast, decreasing homelessness, and increasing minority homeownership.

Laura and I treasure our strong friendship with Secretary Jackson, his wife Marcia, their daughters Annette and Lesley, and their granddaughter Lauren. We wish them all the best.

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580