James Whitlinger Tapped For Permanent CFO Role At Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac has announced the appointment of James Whitlinger as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2025. Whitlinger, a seasoned financial leader with more than three decades of experience in the real estate finance sector, steps into the role after serving as the company’s interim CFO since June 2024.

Whitlinger has been with Freddie Mac for over a decade, previously holding the position of senior vice president and Single-Family CFO since 2014. His extensive experience at Freddie Mac, combined with his leadership track record in the industry, make him well-positioned for this new role, according to a press release.

Diana Reid, who was named Freddie Mac's CEO in September, expressed confidence in Whitlinger’s leadership. “It’s with great pleasure that we announce Jim Whitlinger as the company’s new chief financial officer. Jim is a proven leader with more than 30 years of financial management and accounting experience. As a 10-year veteran of Freddie Mac, he is well positioned to assume the CFO role and maintain the strength and continuity of our Finance functions.”

Before his tenure at Freddie Mac, Whitlinger held senior leadership roles in the financial services industry. He served as senior vice president at Univest Bank and Trust Co., and previously as executive vice president and CFO at GMAC ResCap, Inc.

Whitlinger shared his enthusiasm for the new role in a press release, saying, “I am excited and humbled to be chosen as Freddie Mac’s next CFO. I thank Freddie Mac’s Board and the company’s outstanding senior leadership team for their confidence, and I look forward to leading the talented and hardworking individuals who make up our Finance Division.”

Whitlinger's appointment follows the departure of Christian Lown, who served as CFO from June 2020 to June 2024.