President Barack Obama announced Thursday that he has selected Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion as White House Director of Urban Affairs.

In his new position, Carrion will be responsible for ensuring that all federal funds allocated for the revitalization of urban areas are spent on the most effective programs.

In a statement released by the White House, Obama said he is looking forward to working with Carrion and other leaders to ?bring long overdue attention to the urban areas, where 80 percent of the American people live and work.?

During his two terms as Bronx borough president, Carrion oversaw the creation of 40,000 new housing units and 50 new schools, and the revitalization of millions of acres of parkland.

Carrion is expected to address the residents of the borough for the last time as Bronx president from Lehman College Friday morning.

Carrion's background has many experiences