The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced a series of promotions within its senior leadership team as part of a planned restructuring. The changes come as the trade organization prepares for the retirement of long-time MBA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marcia Davies at the end of the year.
Davies joined MBA in 2011 as chief of staff to former MBA President and CEO David Stevens, as well as the senior vice president of conferences and meetings. She was promoted to COO in 2014.
MBA credits Davies with ensuring cross-organizational alignment and facilitating the implementation of MBA’s strategic initiatives, as well as maintaining oversight of key organizational priorities. Davies founded mPower (MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach) in 2016, overseeing its growth into a community of more than 26,000 industry members.
“For well over a decade, MBA and its members have benefited tremendously from Marcia’s vision and passion for the mission and the people of the real estate finance industry,” MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit said in a press release. “Her most vital contribution to MBA was her leadership in restoring financial stability to the association. Her legacy in the industry will be the founding and development of mPower, enhancing the ability of thousands of women in our industry to strengthen their networks, conduct more business, and experience personal and professional growth. I have been blessed to have her leading by my side for the past seven years.”
As part of the restructuring, MBA announced the promotion of the following three senior executives:
- Peter Grace, previously senior vice president of membership, education, technology, and strategy, has been promoted to chief administrative officer and senior vice president of industry education and technology.
- Laura Hopkins, previously vice president of membership, has been promoted to senior vice president of membership and meetings.
- John Mechem, who had been vice president of public affairs, was promoted to senior vice president of public affairs and marketing.
Hopkins and Mechem will join MBA’s senior management team, of which Grace was already a member, according to the release. Each executive will report to Broeksmit.
“MBA is blessed with a strong group of emerging leaders, allowing us to create upward mobility for these three talented individuals already on staff,” Broeksmit said. “Peter, Laura, and John each bring exceptional and unique talents to their expanded roles, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow while MBA’s members gain the benefit of their experience and new perspectives.”
The association celebrated the promotion of the following six senior leaders to positions across various departments:
- Jonathan Kearns, previously associate vice president of product development of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), has been promoted to MISMO vice president of programs;
- Jamey Lynch, who had been associate vice president of political affairs, was promoted to vice president of political affairs;
- Kim Newell, previously associate vice president of meetings and sales, has been promoted to vice president of meetings logistics and sales;
- Dawn Williams, who had been associate vice president of conference programs and experiences, was promoted to vice president of conference programs and experiences;
- Liz Facemire, previously director of state government affairs, has been promoted to associate vice president of state government affairs;
- Jacqueline Salazar, previously director of commercial and multifamily real estate finance (CREF), has been promoted to associate vice president of CREF.
“I’m very proud to recognize these six outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, a ‘member-first’ attitude, and a passion for generating positive results and creating memorable experiences for our members, the industry, and consumers,” Broeksmit said. “Whether advancing key real estate finance policies, driving innovation at MISMO, or producing world-class conferences and events, each has made a lasting impact on MBA’s mission. Their promotions are a direct reflection of their talent, hard work, and the respect they’ve earned from our members and their peers. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in these expanded roles.”