Demetria McCain is director of policy at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). In this role, she leads the organization’s policy team and its diverse policy advocacy portfolio, including working with senior leadership to set the strategic direction for the organization’s legislative, policy, and advocacy work in criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation. McCain joined LDF from the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she served as the appointed principal deputy assistant secretary from September 2021 through June 2024. As the head of FHEO, she worked to advance the office’s mission to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities. As an esteemed practitioner of public policy, McCain brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding to the role. Her demonstrated record and expertise in efforts of racial justice, ranging from economic justice to fair housing to support of low-income and diverse communities, serves as an asset to LDF and the work the organization does nationwide.