Barbara Fields has been tapped by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator for the New England region.

Fields most recently served as the executive director of the Rhode Island office of Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC), the nation’s leading community development intermediary, according to a statement.

In her new position, Fields will serve as HUD’s liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, members of Congress, private and nonprofit developers, stakeholders and customers. Fields is one of 10 regional administrators in the nation.

"Barbara’s extensive knowledge of affordable housing and her comprehensive approach to community revitalization are a perfect complement to the Obama administration," said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. "When you look at Barbara’s track record, her commitment to helping those in need comes across loud and clear. She will be a tremendous asset to us in carrying out HUD’s mission to build strong, sustainable communities that offer affordable and healthy housing options for all Americans."

"This is a tremendous honor. I share President Obama and Secretary Donovan’s vision and enthusiasm for creating strong and sustainable communities of choice," said Fields. "During this important time of economic challenge and opportunity, I look forward to applying my expertise to help address the housing and community development challenges confronting the people and places of New England. I am determined to bring people to the table, link agendas and get results."

Prior to her service at LISC, Fields worked for the Massachusetts Government Land Bank, a quasi-public state development finance agency and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the city’s main redevelopment agency.