Freddie CFO Dead in Apparent Suicide

The chief financial officer of Freddie Mac was found dead this morning.Fairfax County police found David Kellermann dead at his home in Vienna, Va., according to WUSA 9 — a local television station. Police were reportedly alerted by Kellermann’s wife that he had committed suicide. “The Freddie Mac family is truly saddened by the news this morning of David Kellermann’s death,” a statement from the secondary lender said. “He will be most remembered for his affability, his personal warmth, his sense of humor and his quick wit.” Kellermann had been with the McLean, Va.-based company for 16 years, according to a biography from Freddie. After the secondary lender was seized by its regulator in September 2008, Anthony S. Piszel was ousted as CFO and Kellermann, who was Freddie’s corporate controller, was named interim CFO. Kellermann’s responsibilities included financial controls, financial reporting and capital oversight. He also oversaw compliance with the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley as well as the annual budgeting and financial planning processes.

Freddie photo of David Kellermann

“He began as a financial analyst/auditor in 1992, worked for several years in the company’s securities sales and trading unit, and has served in a variety of positions in the company’s capital markets division, most recently serving as vice president strategy execution and integration and the investments and capital markets division controller,” Freddie’s biography says.A report from CNN indicated police found no signs of foul play but have not yet ruled that the death was a suicide.

“For many years, we have known David as a person of the utmost ethical standards who was hardworking and knowledgeable in his field,” a statement from the Federal Housing Finance Agency said. “David was an inspiration to his staff and many others who were privileged to work with him.

“We extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

No further details were yet available.