For more information, contact Trisha Riggs at 202/624-7086 or email: [email protected]

WASHINGTON (August 23, 2010) – Rebecca C. Senhauser, a highly regarded public affairs executive with expertise in real estate finance and housing issues, has been named executive vice president for strategic communications for the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Senhauser will join ULI's staff September 8, 2010.

Senhauser will work with ULI's leadership and staff to develop and coordinate the messaging for ULI's program of work – including the key priority areas of housing, infrastructure, sustainability and capital markets – to help strengthen the Institute's position as the preeminent global authority on land use and urban growth issues. This will involve creating an overarching communications strategy that integrates and showcases the Institute's many research and education efforts supporting the long-term sustainability of urban areas.

According to ULI Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips, implementing a comprehensive communications strategy will go far in stretching ULI's reach, raising the visibility of ULI among a variety of audiences, such as ULI's existing members, potential members, the media, elected officials at all levels of government, other public representatives, and community stakeholders. "We're very excited to have Rebecca join the team," said ULI Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips. "She's uniquely qualified to look across the broad range of ULI activities, identify the key connections, and help us define and articulate our message."

Senhauser's long career in strategic communications and staff management spans 12 years at the government-sponsored residential mortgage supplier Fannie Mae, from 1993-1995 and 1997-2007, including service as chief of staff to the chairman and chief executive officer from 1997 to 2000. During her time at Fannie Mae, she led several initiatives that involved 1) developing public-private partnerships to expand the availability of mortgage funds and catalyze community investment in underserved markets; and 2) raising awareness of the initiatives through ongoing public affairs and media outreach activities.

"I look forward to being part of an organization as accomplished as ULI is in fostering livable, sustainable communities," Senhauser said. "The Institute's work in improving the urban environment is a story about positive influence on how people live and work, one that stretches far beyond the real estate industry."

Most recently, Senhauser served as chief of staff to the chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While there, she assisted in the creation and implementation of a new strategic direction for the agency, which was created by Congress to monitor the safety of more than 15,000 different types of products sold to consumers in the U.S. Her career also includes service from 1996 to 1997 as chief of staff to the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Senhauser was a staff member of the 1992 transition team for President Clinton; and she was a legislative assistant to the late U.S. Senator Terry Sanford (D-N.C.) from 1990-1992.

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.