Senate confirms WHEDA Board members

 The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) today announced that the Wisconsin Senate confirmed the reappointment of Board Chair Ranell Washington and Treasurer Jeffrey Skrenes and approved the first-time appointment of Jasmine Mercado, Spring Bank's VP of Commercial Lending.  

Washington, senior partnership development advisor for American Family Insurance, joined the WHEDA Board in 2020. He brings 15 years of experience in commercial real estate and business banking to the role.

“I look forward to continuing our work with WHEDA’s leadership team to support further the mission and vision of providing affordable homes to Wisconsin’s residents,” said Washington. “I welcome the opportunity to use my strategic community development and solution-oriented partnership-building capabilities to help WHEDA address this foundational individual and familial need in the state.” 

Skrenes, who serves as WHEDA Board Treasurer, will continue his service for another four years. He currently provides housing coordination and planning for the City of Superior.

Mercado will add her two decades of finance and wealth management experience to the mix. A Milwaukee native, she is an active community volunteer whose passion for service was ignited by her family's emphasis on education. Mercado is deeply influenced by her grandparents' transition from migrant farm workers to successful restaurant owners, and her single-parent upbringing.

With a vision for a diverse community of professionals exceeding their goals and actively contributing to their community, Mercado says, "It gives me great satisfaction to know that by sharing my time and knowledge, I am helping others navigate to a brighter future. I know what it's like to overcome obstacles. It is my passion to help others succeed."

WHEDA board members include the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (or designee), the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and six public members nominated by the governor and appointed by the state senate. In addition, two state senators, one from each party and selected by senate leadership, and two state representatives, one from each party and selected by assembly leadership, also serve on the WHEDA board. Members serve staggered four-year terms. 

ABOUT WHEDA

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is a self-supporting public agency whose mission is to help Wisconsin thrive by expanding access to affordable housing choices. Since its creation in 1972, the Authority has financed the development of more than 87,300 affordable rental units, helped more than 138,300 families purchase a home, and provided more than 29,200 small business and agricultural loan guarantees. To learn more about the Agency and its programs, visit wheda.com or call 800-334-6873.