Antonio R. Riley '87
2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Achievement
Antonio R. Riley '87 is the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Regional Administrator for the six states in HUD’s Midwestern Region which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. He was appointed by President Barack Obama in October 2010. He is responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities, as well as evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness. Antonio is one of 10 Regional Administrators in the United States.
Prior to his current role, Antonio served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). As the first African-American to head the agency, Antonio oversaw what is considered the second largest bank in the state, with a $3 billion mortgage portfolio. While at WHEDA, Antonio focused on the relationship between housing and economic development by developing strategies to increase jobs, make homeownership affordable, and invigorate depressed neighborhoods. He also concentrated his efforts on creating greater opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
In 2009, Antonio’s peers elected him to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Council of State Housing Authorities. He was re-elected in 2010. Antonio served 10 years in the Wisconsin Legislature representing Milwaukee's 18th Assembly District. Earlier he worked for Milwaukee’s Department of City Development under Mayor John Norquist and also served as staff assistant to the mayor
Throughout his career, Antonio has earned numerous accolades and awards including the Legacy Foundation's exclusive Legacy Award. Awarded in 2009, Antonio was recognized for being a person who passionately promotes, supports, and invests in efforts that increase entrepreneurial opportunities; and, consistently reflects passion through his actions in bold and innovative ways creating wealth-building opportunities for everyone.
Antonio also serves on the boards of the YMCA of Milwaukee, Transcenter for Youth, the Greater Milwaukee American Red Cross, and the Center for Policy Alternatives. He served as chairman of the board of Milwaukee’s Westside Health Care Association, commission chairman for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council's national State Legislative Advisory Board.
Antonio graduated from Carroll in 1987 earning his B.A. degree in political science and history. He was a member of the Phi Theta Pi fraternity and has been involved with the Black Student Union, and as a mentor and student advisor since graduating.