Howard works on a part-time basis as a Senior Associate for Triad Associates.  His area of focus is seeking funding opportunities for communities in the areas of infrastructure and business development.

Previously, Howard had a 42-year career at USDA Farmers Home Administration/Rural Development providing financial assistance to rural communities and individuals to promote economic development.  During his career, he worked in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and at the headquarters office in Washington, DC.  In August 2009, Howard was appointed as State Director for New Jersey by President Barack Obama.  He served in this position until his retirement in January 2017.  During his seven plus years as State Director, nearly $2 billion was obligated in loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural economic development including single and multi family housing, infrastructure, community facilities, business, and energy programs.

Due to his extensive experience in housing and community facilities financing, Howard was called upon to serve as Acting Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, one of three agencies that make up USDA Rural Development.  He served in this capacity for eight months from November 2013 to July 2014, including several stints as Acting Administrator.  He ran the day-to-day operations of the $35 billion a year Rural Housing Service, which administers the housing and community facilities programs.  One of the major accomplishments was the public private funding initiative that was announced in 2014.  This has led to several billion dollars in USDA assistance in partnership with private entities especially in the areas of health care and education.  In addition, Howard served as a special advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development on an intermittent basis in 2015 and 2016.

Howard has been married to Linda for 41 years and they have an amazing son. Howard has a BS degree from Rutgers in agricultural economics and a masters degree from American University in public financial management.  He is an avid athlete and trains regularly for triathlons.  Due to his knowledge of Washington, DC, Howard is available to give tours of our nation’s Capital.