FHLBank Pittsburgh Announces Members of the 2025-2026 Affordable Housing Advisory Council
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) has announced the appointment of four new members to its Affordable Housing Advisory Council (Advisory Council). These individuals will serve terms spanning the 2025 and 2026 calendar years. They join a distinguished 15-member council comprised of professionals in affordable housing, community development, and economic development. The Advisory Council represents FHLBank’s district, which includes Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and provides crucial guidance to FHLBank’s Board of Directors and management regarding community products and investment considerations.
New Advisory Council Members
Phyllis Chamberlain
Phyllis Chamberlain is a dedicated advocate for affordable housing and community development. As the executive director of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, she leads the organization’s efforts to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, particularly those with low incomes, have access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing. Her work involves advocating for increased funding and policy improvements at both state and federal levels to enhance housing opportunities for low-income communities.
Ms. Chamberlain brings over 25 years of experience in advocacy, community engagement, and communications. Her career has been dedicated to policies aimed at increasing affordable housing availability and addressing homelessness. She has also held leadership positions at the national level, as well as in Virginia and Delaware, focusing on housing policy and advocacy initiatives.
Varsovia Fernandez
Varsovia Fernandez is a seasoned executive, consultant, and coach with extensive experience spanning the non-profit, financial services, and technology sectors. With a career spanning more than 25 years, she is widely recognized for her expertise in Hispanic cultural affairs, governmental relations, and education policy. Ms. Fernandez is deeply committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the Greater Philadelphia business community.
She currently serves as a trustee on the governing boards of Montgomery County Community College and The Philadelphia Award. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rosemont College, along with advanced executive education from the University of Pennsylvania’s American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Additionally, she has completed the Wharton Leadership Program, earned a Certificate in Fund Development from the University of Notre Dame, and participated in the Women’s Director Development Program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Dina Schlossberg, Esq.
Dina Schlossberg is the executive director of Regional Housing Legal Services, a role she has held since August 2021. She oversees the organization’s strategic plan, guiding the development and implementation of initiatives that support affordable housing and legal services. Her career includes extensive experience providing legal representation to non-profit organizations engaged in affordable housing development, with a particular emphasis on projects designed for vulnerable populations.
Ms. Schlossberg is an active member of the American Bar Association and has edited two books, including The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Affordable Housing Development. She also serves on the boards of Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. Additionally, she is a member of the Pennsylvania Housing Alliance.
Ms. Schlossberg holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from Miami University and a Juris Doctor from Temple University School of Law. Her legal expertise and deep understanding of housing policy make her a valuable addition to the Advisory Council.
Nathan E. Testman
Nathan Testman is currently serving as the interim executive director of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (Fund). He first joined the Fund in 2016 as the Division Manager of Multifamily Loan Programs. In 2018, he was promoted to Senior Division Manager, and by September 2023, he was appointed Deputy Director of Production before assuming his current role as interim executive director.
Mr. Testman’s background includes extensive experience in commercial banking, where he worked on financial strategies to support housing initiatives. Additionally, he has served in the Army National Guard, bringing leadership and strategic planning skills to his role at the Fund.
A graduate of West Virginia University, Mr. Testman holds a degree in finance. His expertise in financial management and multifamily loan programs positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the Advisory Council’s mission.
The Role of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council
The FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council plays a critical role in shaping policies and programs that support affordable housing and economic development. Council members provide insights and recommendations that help FHLBank design effective community investment strategies. Their contributions influence the allocation of financial resources, ensuring that funds are directed toward initiatives that have a tangible impact on underserved communities.
The addition of these four distinguished professionals strengthens the Advisory Council’s ability to address pressing housing issues across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Each member brings unique expertise and a deep commitment to affordable housing and community development.
FHLBank’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
FHLBank Pittsburgh has a longstanding commitment to supporting affordable housing initiatives. Through its various programs, the bank works closely with non-profit organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies to expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. FHLBank provides funding through programs such as the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and other community investment initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability challenges.
The Advisory Council’s work directly informs FHLBank’s efforts, ensuring that its investment strategies align with the needs of communities throughout its district. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of professionals in housing, finance, and community development, FHLBank continues to be a leader in fostering economic stability and growth.
As the new members begin their terms in 2025, they will play an integral role in advancing FHLBank’s mission to support affordable housing and economic development. Their expertise in policy advocacy, financial services, legal representation, and community engagement will contribute to the Advisory Council’s effectiveness in shaping impactful programs.
FHLBank Pittsburgh remains dedicated to its mission of strengthening communities through strategic investments in housing and economic initiatives. With the guidance of its Advisory Council, the organization is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
