By Suzanne Anarde, RCAC chief executive officer
Throughout my career, I met many “career” folks at U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD). Some have come and gone for a variety of reasons. My first professional introduction was through Don Pierce in Colorado. He was the State Housing Chief, and his willingness to answer my “rural girl” questions about housing and USDA RD programs was a catalyst for me as I developed my organization and housing career. Don retired, but I often think fondly about his patience and good humor in our conversations and partnerships.
I was in DC in late 2022 at a National Rural Housing Coalition meeting when I had the opportunity to chat with Cathy Glover, currently the Deputy Administrator of Single-Family Housing at the national USDA RD office. Cathy and I connected numerous times over the years, and I always appreciated her steady, thoughtful approach to challenges and opportunities. As I started to dive into shop talk, Cathy shared that she was thinking about retiring within the next year or so. I paused and realized that there was so much more I wanted to know about Cathy before she retired. I asked if she would consider giving me an interview to share with the RCAC western Self-Help Builders network. She graciously agreed, and we had a video chat in February.
Cathy has been at USDA for 35 years and worked in all of the programs at RD. When she started it was Farmers’ Home Administration (FmHA). She started as a loan officer for farmer and homeowner programs in Monticello, Illinois. She moved to the Illinois State office and helped launch the 502 guaranteed housing program while in the housing department. She then transitioned to business and community programs before moving to the National Office in 2004. She left to work at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 18 months but came back to stay at RD. Cathy has received multiple internal and external awards for her exemplary work throughout the affordable housing industry. Most recently, she received the National Rural Self-Help Housing Association award for her essential role in building and sustaining the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program in Rural America.
I asked Cathy how hard it was to be steady as administrations transitioned. She smiled and responded, “People are people. As a career person at USDA, I am going to do what needs to be done. Trust is gained slowly. In my position, I have the understanding and experience to carry out the legal and mission responsibilities of USDA, ensuring we meet the program objectives, regardless of administration leadership changes.”
My next line of questioning was around her “heart projects” during her tenure at USDA. She shared that the replacement project for the UniFi system took the most persistence, dedication and commitment. She’s been leading the work to replace the 1995 version of the UniFi system since 2015. She lamented that she probably won’t be at USDA to see it come to fruition, but is super excited to be there now, working on what she calls, “A great thing for our single-family programs!” Cathy said she is sorry that she cannot be in the office to celebrate with her team.
The highlight of her career was going out to see a Mutual Self-Help group to learn how it all works at the grassroots level and the impact in the neighborhood and community. Cathy shared, “I was fortunate to participate in a Self-Help build. It is such a great model!” She went on to say, “When you hear input from a Self-Help group, you know it is credible, regardless of the topic.”
When asked what her next chapter is, her smile spoke volumes. Cathy is excited to spend more time with her family (husband, three sons and two grandsons) in an unstructured way. She also is looking forward to seeing who Cathy Glover is, outside USDA. “Who knows what hidden talent I have that I don’t know about?!” she exclaimed.
One thing is certain about Cathy Glover – she leaves a powerful legacy on rural housing across the nation after 35 years at USDA. And her kind, thoughtful manner, passion and keen intellect will be greatly missed!
Also in this issue of Self-Help Builder:
