From Capitol Hill to private law practice, and now 25 years at Freddie Mac, Wendell Chambliss has been a champion for housing equity and affordability. Given his experience, when Freddie Mac created a standalone diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) division, Chambliss was uniquely positioned to lead the company’s DEI program and initiatives as senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. In his role, Chambliss has oversight of workforce diversity, engagement and outreach, supplier diversity and use of minority businesses, including those owned by women and the disabled. He leads a team that works across the company to attract, engage and develop employees, suppliers and business partners in support of DEI.

Prior to joining Freddie Mac in 1999, Chambliss was in private practice and worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Chambliss is actively involved in Freddie Mac’s community volunteerism events, including school playground cleanups, Habitat for Humanity builds and more. He also spends time speaking to future leaders and supporting the professional development of others. Most recently, he gave a keynote address for the Freddie Mac Rising Leaders’ Annual Leadership Summit on “Making the Case for Sponsorship,’’ spoke with interns at HomeFree’s Center for Financial Advancement and spoke at the match day for interns at the University of Alabama – Birmingham.

What one habit has made a crucial difference in your success?

Practicing gratitude. I love the quote, “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.” I’m grateful for everything, and it allows me to enjoy life now.

Name:

Wendell Chambliss

Title:

Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Company Name:

Freddie Mac