DES MOINES - U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Great Plains Regional Administrator Ulysses Clayborn, announced the selection of Julie K. Sleeper to serve as HUD State Director for the state of Iowa beginning December 31, 2023. Sleeper is taking over the role from outgoing Director Steven Eggleston who retired from federal service after 31 years of combined military and federal public service.

As the Iowa State Director, Sleeper will serve as HUD's liaison to mayors, city managers, county commissioners, elected representatives, state and local officials, congressional delegations, nonprofit groups, private entities, faith-based groups, and other interested stakeholders. She will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities and individuals, as well as evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness.

“Julie has worked with HUD in the Field Policy and Management division for nearly 12 years, and she will ensure that HUD program offices and the communities of Iowa have what they need to deliver upon HUD’s mission of creating strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all,” said HUD’s Clayborn. “I believe all would agree that HUD and especially the folks in the state of Iowa are in good hands with Julie Sleeper.”

“I am honored to have been selected as the Iowa State Director for HUD,” said Sleeper. “Throughout my federal career I have had the privilege to serve the people of Iowa on many levels. I look forward to engaging with Iowa communities to conduct meaningful conversations on how HUD’s programs can assist with the exceptional work that is already being conducted in the state.”

Sleeper most recently served as the Senior Management Analyst for the Iowa Field Office in Des Moines, supporting regional leadership in implementing and coordinating community outreach and stakeholder engagements, customer service issues, departmental strategic goals, and secretarial initiatives.

Prior to joining the Iowa office, Sleeper began her HUD career in 2008 as a Multi-Family Project Manager in the HUD Office of Asset Management and obtained her Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) title and was a graduating participant of the 2009-2010 Housing Leadership Development Program.

Prior to her HUD positions, she spent 24 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development where she helped administer the Iowa Multi-Family Housing Program.

Julie and her husband have one son that attends Iowa State University.

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