Vanessa Freeman serves as the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG). Ms. Freeman brings extensive investigative leadership experience across federal oversight, global security operations, and interagency partnerships. She oversees investigative efforts aimed at protecting the integrity of HUD programs and strengthening accountability across diverse and high‑risk environments.

Before joining HUD OIG, Ms. Freeman served with distinction at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General. Most recently, she was the Director for International Partnerships, where she advanced complex policy initiatives and led engagement with major United Nations humanitarian implementers. She previously served as Special Agent‑in‑Charge for the Middle East and Africa Division, expanding the division into four global teams responsible for investigating fraud, corruption, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and employee misconduct affecting multiple federal programs. Her leadership broadened investigative reach and enhanced oversight of international operations in demanding environments. From 2023 to 2026, Ms. Freeman also served as Vice Chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency’s Leading, Inspiring, and Fostering Talent Network, where she contributed to developing future oversight professionals.

Ms. Freeman began her federal career at the U.S. Department of State as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. Over the course of her career, she twice served as a Regional Security Officer, advising U.S. Ambassadors, directing security programs at U.S. Embassies, and coordinating with host‑nation law enforcement. During eight years overseas, she responded to bombing incidents, led death investigations, and managed protective operations in non‑permissive environments. Domestically, she held leadership roles including Section Chief/Acting Assistant Special Agent‑in‑Charge, overseeing criminal investigations, expanding interagency partnerships, and managing multimillion‑dollar anti‑terrorism assistance programs. She additionally led DS programs supporting investigative operations worldwide, including property and evidence, asset forfeiture, and analytical support.

Ms. Freeman graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Relations (with Honors) and Political Science, and a minor in Economics. She brings a global perspective and proven record of strengthening investigative operations—experience that will continue to advance HUD OIG’s mission to combat fraud and safeguard public trust.