New Bedford Housing Authority Chief Richard A. Walega has been tapped to serve as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regional director for New England.

Walega served as assistant executive director at the New Bedford Housing Authority from 2007 to 2009. In late 2009, he was named the authority’s executive director and has been acting in that role since Feb. 1.

Walega leveraged more than $125 million in federal and state capital aid to modernize public housing and has used his experience in housing finance to oversee the rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing, according to HUD.

"Richard Walega’s commitment to and knowledge of affordable housing will make him a valuable addition to our senior management team," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The residents of New England will benefit enormously from his experience and I’m proud he’s answered the call to serve."

Walega said, "I am honored that President Obama has asked me to serve our nation here in New England. Secretary Donovan envisions HUD as a collaborative partner working with its public and private stakeholders to protect and produce affordable housing, promote energy independence and create jobs. The president and secretary also want to promote sustainable federal urban development policies. I embrace these goals. While I’m sad to leave New Bedford, I look forward to humbly serving all my colleagues throughout New England."

In his new position, Walega will serve as HUD’s liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, member of Congress, private and non-profit developers, stakeholders and customers. He will oversee the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness. Walega is one of 10 regional directors in the United States.

Prior to his service with the New Bedford Housing Authority, Walega was a principal with the Agelaw Group where he provided real estate consulting services to a variety of public and private sector clients. He also served as the director of development for Peabody Construction Co. Inc., in Braintree and as a city planner in New Bedford.