Erwin Tam

Erwin Tam serves as Director of Financing at the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2021. CalHFA is California’s statewide affordable housing lender, committed to expanding access to homeownership and affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income Californians.

In his role, Erwin oversees the agency’s financial strategy and operations, including the controllership, treasury and capital markets, financial planning and analysis, data analysis, budgeting, and financial risk oversight. Under his leadership, CalHFA achieved its highest credit ratings in its 50-year history, enabling the development and delivery of innovative housing solutions across the State.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to affordable housing finance, Erwin was honored with a 2024 C-Suite Award by the Sacramento Business Journal.

Before joining CalHFA, Erwin built a career in municipal advisory and investment banking, most recently as Senior Vice President at Backstrom McCarley Berry & Co. in San Francisco. He has advised on and structured over $18 billion in municipal bond transactions financing infrastructure, public utility, transportation, and education projects.

He holds a BA in Economics and Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

AC25 Session: Managing and Maximizing Your Financial Resources