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MBA promotes three leaders ahead of COO Marcia Davies' retirement

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 14:44 GMT by HousingWire

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Mortgage Bankers Association Announces Three Key Promotions Ahead of COO Marcia Davies’ Retirement

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the nation’s largest trade organization for mortgage industry professionals, has just revealed a trio of internal promotions that will shape the association’s leadership over the next several years. The moves come as the MBA prepares for the retirement of longtime Chief Operating Officer Marcia Davies, who has steered the organization through a period of rapid growth and significant industry change.

Why the Timing Matters

Marcia Davies has been a cornerstone of the MBA since 2008, when she joined the organization as the executive director of member services. Over the past 15 years, Davies has overseen the development of critical member resources, technology initiatives, and the MBA’s expansive policy agenda. In a statement released by the association, Davies reflected on her tenure: “I am proud of the work we’ve done to support the mortgage community and to make the industry stronger, safer, and more inclusive.” Her decision to retire is being viewed as the perfect catalyst for a leadership refresh that aligns with the MBA’s evolving mission.

The MBA’s executive team has emphasized that the new appointments were made after a comprehensive search, with a focus on candidates who bring deep industry expertise, a proven track record in member services, and a forward‑looking vision for technology and data analytics.

Meet the New Leaders

1. James R. O’Connor – Chief Operating Officer

   James O’Connor will assume the role of COO and will be responsible for overseeing the MBA’s day‑to‑day operations, technology strategy, and member services. A veteran of the mortgage industry, O’Connor has spent the last decade working at a leading mortgage lender where he oversaw operations for over 50,000 loan originations per year. He has also led several major process‑improvement initiatives that reduced underwriting cycle time by 25 percent. In his own words, “I’m excited to bring my experience in operational excellence and data‑driven decision‑making to the MBA, and to help our members succeed in an increasingly complex environment.”

2. Dr. Maya Patel – Chief Financial Officer

   Dr. Patel will take over the financial helm of the MBA, handling budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. She brings more than 20 years of experience in financial management across the real‑estate finance sector, having previously served as CFO for a national REIT and as a senior financial analyst for a major banking institution. Patel’s appointment comes at a time when the MBA is expanding its research division and exploring new revenue streams, such as premium data services for its members. “Our goal is to position the MBA for sustainable growth while maintaining fiscal discipline,” Patel said.

3. Lisa Cheng – Vice President, Member Services

   The new Vice President of Member Services will lead the MBA’s outreach to its 7,200‑member community. Lisa Cheng, formerly the Director of Member Engagement at a top mortgage‑origination firm, will build on the organization’s already robust suite of educational and advocacy programs. Her focus will be on enhancing the member experience through personalized support, advanced analytics, and new digital engagement tools. Cheng added, “The MBA has an incredible mandate to empower lenders, servicers, and other stakeholders, and I look forward to amplifying that impact.”

A Broader Context: MBA’s Role in the Mortgage Landscape

The MBA’s mission “is to be the voice of the mortgage industry in Washington, D.C., the Midwest, and throughout the United States.” The organization plays a pivotal role in shaping policy on mortgage regulations, consumer protections, and financial stability. It also provides its members with a wealth of educational resources, market data, and advocacy support.

Recent industry trends—such as the rapid digitization of mortgage origination, the growing importance of data analytics, and evolving consumer expectations—have prompted the MBA to emphasize technology and innovation. The new leaders’ collective backgrounds align perfectly with these priorities: O’Connor’s operational acumen, Patel’s financial stewardship, and Cheng’s member‑centric approach.

Key Initiatives to Watch

• Data‑Driven Advocacy – The MBA’s Research and Policy Center is expanding its data‑collection capabilities, and Patel’s financial oversight will help fund new analytical tools. The center is expected to release a series of white papers on mortgage pricing, underwriting standards, and the impact of climate risk on mortgage portfolios.

• Digital Member Experience – Cheng’s leadership will drive the rollout of a new member portal that incorporates AI‑powered recommendation engines, allowing lenders to access tailored best‑practice guidance based on their business profile.

• Operational Resilience – O’Connor will spearhead an internal initiative to modernize the MBA’s IT infrastructure, with an emphasis on cybersecurity and cloud‑based solutions, ensuring that the organization can continue to deliver uninterrupted services during times of market volatility.

How to Stay Updated

Readers interested in the latest developments from the MBA can explore the association’s official website, which hosts detailed bios of the new leaders and updates on upcoming initiatives. The organization also publishes a monthly newsletter that offers insights into industry trends, regulatory updates, and member stories. Additionally, the MBA’s annual conference—scheduled for the second quarter of 2025—will feature keynotes from the new leadership team and sessions that delve into the future of mortgage technology and consumer protection.

Closing Thoughts

The MBA’s strategic promotions signal a clear commitment to preserving the momentum built under Marcia Davies’ leadership while positioning the organization to tackle the next wave of industry challenges. With a balanced mix of operational, financial, and member‑service expertise, the new leadership team is poised to guide the mortgage community through an era of rapid change, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and unprecedented digital opportunity.

As the association continues to champion the interests of lenders, servicers, and other mortgage stakeholders, its new leaders will play a critical role in ensuring that the industry remains resilient, innovative, and responsive to both policy and market forces.