J. Hunter Pickels 

Senior Vice President, Policy and External Affairs 

Hunter Pickels is Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs at the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC).  An experienced executive in the housing and community development industry, Hunter leads efforts to promote and enhance affordable housing opportunities through effective advocacy and policy reform.

Previously, he served as Chief Policy Officer at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development under Governor Larry Hogan.  There, he led various teams, including the Housing and Economic Research Office and the Office of Legislative Affairs, and played a key role in liaising with Congress, the state legislature, and other important stakeholders to build stronger communities and support economic growth.

Prior to joining the Hogan administration, he served as an aide to Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee.  He has also held senior political roles, serving as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Republican Party and leading the New York Republican State Committee’s Victory Program.

Hunter is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the U.S. Naval War College.  He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.