Federal Faces: Richard Santangelo, HUD

Richard Santangelo, program manager, public housing management and energy conservation, Department of Housing and Urban Development

Best known for: Revitalizing a HUD energy program that has led to the installation of energy-efficient equipment, the reduction of energy consumption and cost savings for thousands of public housing units nationwide.

Government service: During 42 years of federal service, Santangelo has worked for NASA as an engineer during the launch of Apollo 11, developed manufacturing techniques for the Navy and spent decades at HUD improving the quality of life for residents as a property-management specialist for public housing. Most recently, he leads HUD's efforts to bring energy conservation initiatives to public housing tenants.

Biggest challenge: Making public housing authorities aware of the cost savings in energy efficiency. This has involved training housing officials to identify areas where improvements can be made, making assessments of the costs and benefits, then utilizing the HUD-backed financing program to achieve these goals.

Quote: "You don't have to do extraordinary efforts to save energy. Our campaign is about awareness of what you can do in your everyday life."

-- From the Partnership for Public Service