The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced Faith Pettis as the new chair of the state’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, a two-year term appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Board advises Commerce on housing and related issues. Pettis, a founding partner of Pacifica Law Group in Seattle, brings nearly 20 years of experience in affordable housing finance to the position. She replaces Heyward Watson, who retired from the board in November 2011.

“It’s exciting to be more involved in policy issues surrounding affordable housing in Washington,” Pettis said. “I thank the Governor for the appointment and look forward to working with colleagues in the nonprofit, for-profit and governmental sectors on statewide issues ranging from homelessness to foreclosures.”

In her role as chair, Pettis will lead the board in advising Commerce, the Governor’s Office, and the Legislature on housing needs in the state, developing the board’s policies, procedures and five-year housing plan, and providing analysis and input on housing-related matters.

“In today’s housing market, it’s more important than ever to have a broad range of backgrounds and opinions to advise Commerce,” said Dan McConnon, Deputy Director for Community Services and Housing at Commerce. “Faith will play a pivotal role in helping Washington move forward in affordable housing.”

Pettis practices in the areas of public finance and municipal law, focusing on bond counsel work for state and local agencies in the areas of housing, education and nonprofit finance. Pettis serves as bond counsel and outside legal counsel to local housing authorities and theWashington State Housing Finance Commission, and has been part of the commission’s legal team since 1993.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Board has 22 members representing a variety of housing interests. For more information about the board, visit www.commerce.wa.gov/AHAB.