Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Appointment of Prady Behera as Chief Financial Officer

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (October 15, 2026) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced the appointment of Prady Behera as the Department’s Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Behera will oversee the Department’s financial operations supporting its multibillion dollar portfolio of housing, community development, business lending, broadband, and neighborhood revitalization programs. Working closely with the Secretary and executive leadership team, he will guide financial strategy, capital planning, portfolio management, and financial stewardship to support investments that strengthen Maryland communities. Behera joined the Department on Wednesday, October 14.

“From expanding housing opportunities to revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting small businesses, the impact of our work depends on sound financial strategy and thoughtful resource management,” said Secretary Day. “Prady Behera will play a critical role in responsibly and effectively managing the state dollars we are entrusted with, supporting the Moore-Miller Administration’s work to create great places where all Marylanders can thrive.”

Behera brings more than 20 years of experience in housing finance, capital markets, financial planning, portfolio risk management, and mission-driven business operations. Most recently, he served as Director of Finance and Operations at Freddie Mac, one of the nation’s largest housing finance enterprises. In 2014, he helped establish Freddie Mac’s Affordable Lending business following the housing crisis and subsequently held progressively senior finance and operations leadership roles. His experience includes supporting affordable housing finance, managing complex financial portfolios, strengthening risk and financial governance, and advancing partnerships that expand access to housing credit for homeowners and renters.

Earlier in his career, Behera worked in infrastructure finance and corporate financial planning and analysis, following the start of his career in commercial banking. He holds an MBA in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utkal University.

“I am grateful to Secretary Day and Deputy Secretary Glanz for the opportunity to serve Marylanders at a time when housing affordability and community development are central to the state’s economic future,” said Behera. “I look forward to partnering with the Secretary and the DHCD leadership team to advance Governor Moore’s priorities, strengthen financial stewardship, and help more Marylanders access safe, affordable housing and thriving communities they can call home.”

To learn more about the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.

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CONTACT

Allison Foster, Director of Communications | allison.foster@maryland.gov