Freddie Mac Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Freddie Mac has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to housing affordability, Freddie Mac operates within the secondary mortgage market, facilitating homeownership across the United States through innovative financial solutions and robust operational frameworks.

Leadership Roles at Freddie Mac

  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Jim Whitlinger
  • Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily - Dan Smith
  • Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis - Hassan Thalji
  • Chief Operating Officer, Platform Infrastructure & Enterprise Operations & Technology - Graham Phillips
  • Senior Vice President - Chief Operating Officer - William Buskirk
  • Chief of Staff - Danine Welsh
  • Servicing Operations Chief of Staff - Nichole Carlyle
  • Chief of Staff To Vice President of Mission, Policy and Strategy - Samantha Lerner
  • Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Michele Espada
  • Head Chief Information Officer, Business Management Operations & Strategic Insights (Office of The ) - Tara Dean
  • Jim Whitlinger - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Jim Whitlinger, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Freddie Mac, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy, fiscal management, and reporting operations. Whitlinger oversees all financial planning, analysis, accounting, and treasury functions, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of Freddie Mac's operations within the secondary mortgage market. This critical executive role involves managing capital structure, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Jim Whitlinger provides strategic financial guidance to the board and executive leadership, driving initiatives that enhance shareholder value and support the company's mission of housing affordability. The scope of this position includes managing significant financial risks and opportunities. Whitlinger's leadership ensures robust financial stewardship and drives sustainable growth.
    Jim Whitlinger

    Dan Smith - Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily

    Dan Smith, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily at Freddie Mac, directs the financial strategy and operations for the company's multifamily business segment. Smith oversees financial planning, analysis, and reporting specifically for multifamily housing finance, ensuring fiscal discipline and strategic alignment with broader corporate objectives. This specialized leadership role involves managing the financial performance of a significant portfolio, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating financial risks within the multifamily sector. Dan Smith provides critical financial insights to support decision-making for multifamily lending and securitization activities. Smith's expertise is crucial for optimizing financial outcomes and ensuring the sustained success of Freddie Mac's multifamily initiatives. The focus remains on driving financial excellence within this key market segment.

    Hassan Thalji - Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis

    Hassan Thalji, the Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis at Freddie Mac, leads critical functions within investments, capital markets, and financial reporting. Thalji directs the company's capital markets activities, manages investment strategies, and oversees financial planning and analysis to ensure robust reporting and fiscal oversight. This multifaceted leadership role is essential for navigating complex financial markets and optimizing Freddie Mac's capital structure. Hassan Thalji provides strategic financial guidance, driving initiatives that support the company's mission of housing affordability and market stability. The scope includes managing financial risks, enhancing investment performance, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Thalji's expertise is vital for maintaining Freddie Mac's financial integrity and market position.

    Graham Phillips - Chief Operating Officer, Platform Infrastructure & Enterprise Operations & Technology

    Graham Phillips, the Chief Operating Officer, Platform Infrastructure & Enterprise Operations & Technology at Freddie Mac, architects and directs the company's core technology infrastructure and enterprise-wide operational frameworks. Phillips oversees the development and maintenance of scalable platform solutions, ensuring robust and secure technology environments that support Freddie Mac's critical functions in the secondary mortgage market. This extensive leadership role encompasses driving innovation in IT operations, optimizing data management, and enhancing cybersecurity measures. Graham Phillips is instrumental in aligning technology strategy with business objectives, enabling greater efficiency and agility across the organization. The scope of this position includes managing significant technological investments and ensuring the reliability of systems that underpin Freddie Mac's market operations. Phillips's strategic oversight guarantees that the company's technological backbone is resilient and future-ready.

    William Buskirk - Senior Vice President - Chief Operating Officer

    William Buskirk, the Senior Vice President - Chief Operating Officer at Freddie Mac, oversees the execution of operational strategies and the efficiency of day-to-day business functions. Buskirk directs critical operational units, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across various departments that support Freddie Mac's role in the secondary mortgage market. This leadership position involves driving operational excellence, implementing process improvements, and managing resources effectively to meet organizational goals. William Buskirk focuses on enhancing operational capacity and ensuring the reliability of services provided. The role requires a deep understanding of complex operational dynamics and a commitment to continuous improvement. Buskirk's oversight is vital for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Freddie Mac's extensive operations.

    Danine Welsh - Chief of Staff

    Danine Welsh, the Chief of Staff at Freddie Mac, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Welsh ensures seamless execution of executive directives, translating high-level objectives into actionable plans. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership to optimize resource allocation and drive efficiency. Overseeing critical projects, Danine Welsh supports the company's mission to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S. housing market. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of Freddie Mac's operational landscape and its strategic priorities. Welsh's focus remains on enhancing organizational effectiveness and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This leadership function is pivotal in navigating complex market dynamics and ensuring the company's sustained success in the secondary mortgage sector.

    Nichole Carlyle - Servicing Operations Chief of Staff

    Nichole Carlyle, the Servicing Operations Chief of Staff at Freddie Mac, spearheads critical operational enhancements within the mortgage servicing division. Carlyle drives process optimization and strategic planning to improve efficiency and effectiveness in loan servicing. This leadership position involves coordinating cross-functional teams to implement best practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Overseeing key initiatives, Nichole Carlyle supports the company's objective of maintaining a stable and accessible housing market. The role requires deep expertise in mortgage servicing operations and a keen eye for identifying areas for improvement. Carlyle's efforts are central to strengthening Freddie Mac's capacity to manage its extensive portfolio. This executive function is vital for ensuring operational excellence and supporting homeowners nationwide.

    Samantha Lerner - Chief of Staff To Vice President of Mission, Policy and Strategy

    Samantha Lerner, the Chief of Staff To Vice President of Mission, Policy and Strategy at Freddie Mac, provides critical support in shaping and executing the company's strategic direction and policy initiatives. Lerner facilitates the integration of mission-driven objectives with overarching business strategies, ensuring alignment across various organizational functions. This role involves extensive coordination with internal and external stakeholders to advance Freddie Mac's commitment to housing affordability and market stability. Samantha Lerner plays a key part in developing policy recommendations and strategic frameworks that guide the company's operations. The position requires a nuanced understanding of the housing finance landscape and regulatory environment. Lerner's contributions are essential for translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes that benefit the housing market.

    Michele Espada - Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michele Espada, the Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Freddie Mac, directs all aspects of human capital management, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with the company's mission. Espada oversees talent acquisition, development, compensation, and employee relations, ensuring Freddie Mac attracts and retains top talent essential for its operations in the secondary mortgage market. This comprehensive leadership role involves developing and implementing HR strategies that support organizational growth, diversity, and inclusion. Michele Espada is dedicated to creating an environment where employees can thrive and contribute effectively to Freddie Mac's objectives. The strategic focus includes enhancing employee engagement and ensuring robust HR policies that support business continuity and innovation. Espada's expertise is critical in building a skilled and motivated workforce.
    Michele Espada

    Tara Dean - Head Chief Information Officer, Business Management Operations & Strategic Insights (Office of The )

    Tara Dean, the Head Chief Information Officer, Business Management Operations & Strategic Insights (Office of The ) at Freddie Mac, leads the strategic direction and implementation of information technology solutions across business management, operations, and strategic insights. Dean is responsible for leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency, enhance data analytics capabilities, and support informed decision-making throughout the organization. This pivotal role involves overseeing the development and deployment of IT systems that are critical to Freddie Mac's functions in the secondary mortgage market. Tara Dean ensures that technology investments align with business objectives, fostering innovation and maintaining robust cybersecurity. Dean's leadership is essential for harnessing data and technology to achieve strategic goals and maintain market leadership.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Freddie Mac Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Freddie Mac?
    Freddie Mac is led by Jim Whitlinger (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Dan Smith (Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily) and Hassan Thalji (Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis).
    Who is part of Freddie Mac’s executive team?
    The executive team of Freddie Mac includes leaders such as Jim Whitlinger (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Dan Smith (Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily), Hassan Thalji (Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Freddie Mac have?
    Freddie Mac has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Freddie Mac’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Freddie Mac includes roles such as Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Division Chief Financial Officer, Multifamily, Senior VP, Investments Capital Markets & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Financial Planning & Analysis, Chief Operating Officer, Platform Infrastructure & Enterprise Operations & Technology, Senior Vice President - Chief Operating Officer.