“I am proud to honor these hard working individuals for the many invaluable contributions they have made to MBA,” said Jonathan L. Kempner, MBA’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  “Their strong dedication and commitment to excellence have positively impacted the mortgage industry and we look forward to many successes in their new roles.”

Bona, previously Senior Director, Strategic Marketing, was Interim Marketing Manager for McKinley Marketing before joining MBA. Currently, she manages a 13-employee division supporting the association’s various revenue generating divisions.  During her two years at MBA, Bona has established a full service in-house design team and has substantially increased marketing/design job completion.  Prior to joining MBA, Bona was Publisher for The Cellular Industry Association.  As Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Bona will be responsible for the development, implementation and management of MBA’s strategic marketing programs.

Bagshaw, previously Senior Director and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has served MBA in a full range of technology responsibilities including the establishing of architectural standards, the development of MBA’s overall internal information technology policies and procedures, and the development, operation, and security of MBA's technology infrastructure.  Bagshaw’s strategic vision on positioning MBA’s technology enables MBA to deliver products and services to its members and has made MBA a leader in the association community. Prior to joining MBA, Bagshaw was Vice President of Engineering at Oleran Net Solutions, Inc.  He has over 18 years in the non-profit, healthcare, and technology services vertical markets, a B.S in Computer Sciences from Siena College, and multiple industry certifications.  As Vice President and CTO, Bagshaw will be responsible for MBA’s overall information technology infrastructure, operations, and strategy.

Fennell, previously Senior Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO), has played a critical role in managing MBA's information systems and data assets.  She is responsible for developing MBA's business and web applications, business analytics, and managing MBA's data assets.  She has developed and executed a strategic information systems vision for MBA, which includes a new generation of web applications, leveraging of business analytics for improved efficiencies, implementing Lean process re-engineering activities, and deploying various strategic business intelligence tools.  Fennell's vision has solidified MBA’s position as a technology leader in the association community.   Prior to joining MBA, Fennell was the Principal Consultant leading the not-for-profit software division of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.  As Vice President and CIO, Fennell will be responsible for MBA's business analytics and data mining activities and the development of MBA's next generation of products and services for its members and customers.

Creighton, previously Director, Government Affairs, has been instrumental in much of MBA’s advocacy success.  His leadership of a wide coalition of industry participants in response to the gulf coast hurricanes has proved vital to the success of the industry’s efforts to aid the hurricane affected areas.  Prior to joining MBA, Creighton was Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Steve Israel.  In Creighton’s new role as Senior Director, Government Affairs, he will be responsible for securing the enactment of federal legislation benefiting the real estate finance industry and will manage multiple issue campaigns.

Eddy, previously Director, Government Affairs, has led MBA’s political action committee (MORPAC), which is the only political action committee to directly represent the interests of the real estate finance industry in our nation’s capital.  Under Eddy’s leadership the committee has raised $1.2 million during the 2006 election cycle to support candidates who advocate issues of importance to the real estate finance industry.  Prior to joining MBA, Eddy worked in several capacities within the Clinton Administration and was Chief of Staff at America Coming Together (ACT).  As Senior Director, Government Affairs, she will be responsible for the operation of MORPAC activities under the direction of the Vice President of Government Affairs.

Harrington, previously Director, Government Affairs, has been instrumental in MBA’s advocacy efforts on a wide range of issues related to the Government Sponsored Entities (GSEs). Her expert analysis has been critical in MBA’s efforts to ensure that the concerns facing the real estate finance industry are addressed during the debate on GSE oversight reform.  Prior to joining MBA, Harrington was the Assistant General Counsel for Freddie Mac.  In Harrington’s new role as Senior Director, Government Affairs, she will be responsible for the development and promotion of MBA policies on issues relating to GSEs, financial privacy and banking law.

Rappaport, previously Director, Government Affairs, has been the lead lobbyist on a wide range of appropriations-related issues and has focused on FHA and flood insurance. Prior to joining MBA, Rappaport was a lobbyist for the National Association of Home Builders for five years.   As Senior Director, Government Affairs, she will manage multiple issue campaigns and will assist in the development and implementation of MBA legislative and regulatory strategy.

Green, previously Director, Commercial Multifamily Real Estate, has been instrumental in staffing MBA’s Portfolio Investors, Mortgage Banking, and Loan Origination Committees and for providing analysis of public policy issues that fall under their jurisdiction. Prior to joining MBA, Green was the Managing Principal for Convergence Analytics, and prior to that, was a Managing Director with the National Association of Realtors. In his new role as Senior Director, Commercial Real Estate Finance, Green will be responsible for the management of key commercial business segments.

Walsh, previously Director, Research and Economics, has specialized in industry performance benchmarking and served as the MBA project manager and contact for various studies, forums, and reports.  She has been instrumental in providing content and general industry expertise for MBA publications, conferences and educational programs. Prior to joining MBA, Walsh was a Manager in Ernst & Young's Real Estate Advisory Services Group.  In her role as Senior Director, Research and Economics, she will provide the strategic direction in implementing MBA’s company performance benchmarking efforts and identifying the key operational trends in the industry.

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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 280,000 people in virtually every community in the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,200 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's Web site:  www.mortgagebankers.org.