The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Open Doors Foundation welcomed three new members to its board of directors: Mark Jones, MBA 2022 vice chairman and CEO and co-founder of Amerifirst Home Mortgage; Rick Thornberry, CEO of Radian Group Inc.; and Lamia Soghier, medical unit director, neonatal intensive care unit, Children’s National Medical System.
“Mark, Rick, and Lamia bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from their respective fields and a deep passion for giving back to their communities,” Open Doors Foundation Chair and President and CEO of Pulte Financial Services Debra Still said in a release. “I look forward to collaborating with them and developing new strategies that will increase our impact and broaden our ability to serve more families with critically ill or injured children.”
Located in Kalamazoo, Mich., Jones co-founded Amerifirst Home Mortgage in 1983. Since then, the company has grown to more than 80 locations and 900 employees. It is ranked first by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in rural lending, third in Federal Housing Administration lending in Michigan, and manages a $6 billion servicing portfolio, according to the release.
Thornberry brings with him 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. His company, Radian Group, is one of the largest private mortgage insurers of U.S. residential mortgages, and its real estate services segment is a leader in each of its industries.
In addition to her roles at the Children’s National Medical System, Soghier is an assistant professor of pediatrics at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is certified in both pediatrics and neonatology and an active clinician and researcher. Soghier is deeply involved in promoting clinician education as a means of improving infant health.
“One of the many wonderful things about Opens Doors is the dedication and passion our board members have for our mission and for reaching populations in need of housing assistance,” MBA Opens Doors Foundation President Deborah Dubois said. “Mark, Rick, and Lamia embody the true spirit of an Opens Doors champion.”