Trio step into senior leadership roles amid cost-saving move to Virginia
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a trio of new senior leadership appointments.
Drew McCall (pictured left) has been named chief of staff, while Todd Thurman (pictured center) and Reid Wilson (pictured right) will serve as deputy chiefs of staff. All three are long-time HUD and Trump administration veterans who previously held senior advisory roles within the department.
“Our robust team at HUD is stronger than ever,” HUD secretary Scott Turner said in a statement. “Drew, Todd, and Reid have proven track records of exceptional public service. Their devotion to the mission of HUD and innovative skills will help us maximize our operations so we can better serve the Americans who depend on us.”
McCall most recently served as deputy chief of staff to Secretary Turner and, during the first Trump administration, held the same title under then-Secretary Ben Carson. In his new role, McCall will oversee HUD’s internal operations and departmental coordination, ensuring continued support for rural, tribal, and urban communities.
Thurman, who had served as a senior advisor to Secretary Turner, and Wilson, former White House liaison for HUD, will support day-to-day operations and cross-agency coordination in their new deputy chief of staff roles. Both previously served under Secretary Carson as well.
These appointments follow the Senate confirmation of Andrew Hughes as HUD deputy secretary, approved by a 51-44 vote. Hughes had previously served as chief of staff under both Secretary Carson and Secretary Turner. Trump nominated Hughes for the role on March 11, 2025.
“Andrew Hughes is a servant leader and is the right person, at the right time, for this assignment to carry out HUD’s mission,” Turner posted on social media. “We share a clear vision for HUD’s future, and it is truly a blessing to have him as deputy secretary. He will serve the American people well.”
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As deputy secretary, Hughes assumes the position of HUD’s chief operating officer, helping drive initiatives around affordable housing, homeownership access, and internal reform.
HUD relocates to Virginia
Last week, HUD said it will relocate its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Alexandria, Va., marking a major operational shift under President Trump’s second term.
Secretary Turner confirmed the decision during a press conference last week, citing safety concerns, inefficiency, and taxpayer cost associated with the agency’s aging 1970s-era building in southwest D.C.
“Many of these risks would needlessly and irresponsibly continue to absorb taxpayer dollars,” said Turner, referring to maintenance and occupancy issues plaguing the old headquarters.
Despite being HUD’s primary location, the building operates at only 50% capacity, even with all employees present. The move is part of a federal cost-cutting initiative driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly led by Elon Musk, and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Michael Peters, GSA’s public buildings commissioner, confirmed that relocating HUD is expected to save taxpayers more than $500 million in deferred maintenance and an additional $56 million annually in operating and maintenance costs.
“We’re going to turn the page by relocating HUD,” said Peters during a briefing. The vacated D.C. property is also on the Senate DOGE Caucus’ list for federal property sell-offs aimed at reducing waste and optimizing government assets.
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