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MBA Announces Leadership Changes
Kempner steps down as president/CEO of mortgage finance industry association.
July 23, 2008
Changes are underway at the helm of the Mortgage Bankers Association.
The industry organization's president and chief executive of seven years, Jonathan Kempner, will step down on Dec. 31. John Courson, former MBA chairman, will become chief operating officer on Aug. 1 and president on Jan. 1.
Kempner joined MBA in March 2001 to lead the organization through a turnaround following a difficult three-year period. Since then, MBA has doubled its operating reserve fund and revenues.
Jonathan Kempner
"Navigating the highs and lows of the real estate cycles, with a first-rate leadership and wonderful membership, afforded me a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the most important industries in our society," said Kempner. "I am very proud of the extraordinary staff I have helped assemble at MBA, as my colleagues' dedication, intelligence and expertise make a true difference in the overall quality of life for many Americans. MBA's mission, I am convinced, will be enhanced with new leadership, and on a personal level, I very much look forward to a new position of leadership myself after nearly eight wonderful years at MBA."
Kieran Quinn, MBA chairman, said of Kempner, "He has poured his heart and soul into MBA with the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and devotion to our members, and always with a personal warmth and sense of humor."
Courson served as MBA chairman in 2003 and has been president of the organization's California and Michigan chapters. He began his mortgage banking career at Kassler & Co. in Denver while he was still in high school.
Courson went on to become president and CEO of Central Pacific Mortgage Co., president and CEO of Westwood Mortgage Corp., and president and COO of Fundamental Mortgage. In 2004, he was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California Housing Finance Agency's board of directors; he is now chairman of the board.
"John has worked tirelessly on behalf of our industry for more than 40 years," said Quinn. "He has been an advocate ensuring safe and affordable housing for all Americans and for simplifying the mortgage process. We are lucky to have John join MBA and steer our association to represent the real estate finance industry as we continue to build America's communities."
MBA is based in Washington, DC, and employs 370,000 people across the country. Its membership consists of more than 2,400 real estate finance companies, including mortgage brokers, commercial banks, Wall Street conduits and thrifts.
MBA's longtime chief economist, Douglas Duncan, left to take up the same position at Fannie Mae earlier this year.
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