New Fannie, Freddie Chairmen

Philip A. Laskawy has been named non-executive chairman of Fannie, the Federal Housing Finance Board announced today. He replaces Stephen B. Ashley, who was booted along with former chief executive officer Daniel H. Mudd when the regulator placed Fannie and Freddie in conservatorship on Sept. 7.

From 1994 until 2001, Laskawy was chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young — which he joined in 1961, FHFB said. He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a BS in economics and served as chairman of the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation last year.

Laskawy serves on the boards of struggling General Motors Corp., Henry Schein, Inc., Lazard Ltd. and Lowes Corp.

John A. Koskinen was named non-executive of Freddie. He replaces Richard F. Syron, who was fired from the chairman and CEO posts.

Koskinen was chairman and CEO of Palmieri Co. from 1979 to 1993, where he gained experience restructuring and turning around companies that included Penn Central Transportation Co. and Mutual Benefit — the largest insurance company in history to fail. He was also Washington, D.C.’s, deputy mayor and city administrator and served as deputy director for management in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

Koskinen earned a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Duke University and a law degree from the Yale University School of Law — where he graduated cum laude.

“Both men bring distinguished experience to their new roles,” FHFA Director James B. Lockhart said in the statement. “Both of these individuals have the types of skills and experience needed to ensure a healthy financial future.”