"John Courson brings tremendous industry knowledge, business savvy and political skills to MBA," said Quinn.  "John has worked tirelessly on behalf of our industry for more than 40 years.  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."

Courson served as Chairman of MBA in 2003 and served as a member of MBA's Board of Directors, the Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG) and the Commercial Real Estate/Multifamily Finance Board of Governors (COMBOG).  He has previously served as Chairman of RESBOG, MBA's Legislative Steering Committee, MORPAC MBA's State and Local Liaison Committee and Mortgage Reform Task Force. He has also served as President of the California Mortgage Bankers Association and Michigan Mortgage Bankers Association, and as a Director of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association.

"John has spent over a decade actively engaged in MBA activities at all levels, including a year as our Chairman" continued Quinn.  "With that experience, and his over four decades in the industry, I know that John will hit the ground running and MBA will not miss a beat."       

Courson began his career in mortgage banking working for Kassler & Co. in Denver, Colorado, while attending high school and college. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Pacific Mortgage Company, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westwood Mortgage Corporation and as President and Chief Operating Officer of Fundamental Mortgage.

In 2004, Courson was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Housing Finance Agency.

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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 370,000 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 2,400 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.