Rob Couch is a member of the Banking and Financial Services, Real Estate and Governmental Affairs practice groups. His focus is on lenders and investors involved in divesting, restructuring, and acquiring commercial and residential mortgage loans; affordable housing; regulatory matters involving HUD and other government sponsored enterprise matters; and governmental affairs. Rob previously served as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from June 2007 to November 2008. He acted as the chief legal advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and other principal staff, providing advice on federal laws, regulations and policies affecting HUD programs. Prior to receiving Senate confirmation, Rob was Acting General Counsel from December 2006. Prior to his position with HUD, Rob served as President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), where he was responsible for administering its mortgage-backed securities program, valued at over $414 billion, and its $123 billion Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit program. He served as a member of President George W. Bush's Task Force on the Status of Puerto Rico in 2008.