Vermont Housing Finance Agency has hired Sara Brakeley Flagler as the agency’s next Homeownership Director. In her new role, Flagler will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of VHFA’s homeownership programs including mortgage and downpayment assistance for homebuyers as well as homeownership development programs.
Flagler brings over 15 years of experience in residential mortgage lending and operations. She joins VHFA after 9 years at EastRise, Vermont’s largest lender, where she held a range of roles spanning loan processing, mortgage operations, and leadership positions in both mortgage and consumer lending departments.
At EastRise, she was deeply involved in designing and implementing lending programs, working across origination, underwriting, and secondary market functions, and collaborating with partners to expand access to affordable homeownership opportunities.
“I am excited to bring my experience leading lending operations and building impactful programs to VHFA in support of its mission,” said Flagler.
“We are thrilled to have Sara’s expertise and leadership on board,” commented Deborah Flannery, Deputy Executive Director at VHFA. As Homeownership Director Flagler will lead the design and administration of single-family bond programs and VHFA loan products and continue to advance VHFA’s equity-focused strategies to expand homeownership for first-time homebuyers and low and moderate-income households traditionally excluded from owning a home.
The change in directorship comes as Jacklyn Santerre, the outgoing Homeownership Director, retires in August. “VHFA is grateful for Jacklyn’s decades of leadership and commitment to the agency’s mission,” said Flannery. Santerre joined VHFA in 1984 as a Mortgage Loan Underwriter for the Agency’s Single Family Program and served in many roles over the years. In 2013 she became the Director of Homeownership and her work has helped make homeownership possible for tens of thousands of Vermonters.
This transition marks both the close of an impactful chapter and the beginning of a new one for VHFA’s homeownership programs. The Agency looks forward to building upon its solid foundation and continued work to expand equitable, affordable homeownership opportunities across the state.
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