Session Description:
Join Ainsley Zimmer, MBA's Senior Specialist for State and Local Association Engagement, for a conversation on the critical role local association members play in advancing key advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn how your association can align with the national MBA on advocacy, communications, and business development and discover how to leverage MBA’s research, policy, and advocacy resources, including the Mortgage Action Alliance, to enhance your association’s value proposition.
About Ainsley Zimmer:
Ainsley Zimmer is the Senior Specialist for State and Local Association Engagement at MBA and in that capacity works with state and local association volunteers and professional staff to support their unique and vital efforts to represent their members and the real estate finance industry in their states and localities. Before joining MBA in 2024, Ainsley worked in outreach in the nonprofit sector, coordinating programs and providing resources for nonprofit members and community partners to increase engagement in statewide and localized advocacy efforts in the New York Metro area. Ainsley was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. She received her B.A. in Government and Sociology with a minor in Data Analytics from the University of Virginia, where she graduated with Highest Distinction in 2023.
Session Description:
Change Acceptance Process
In order to embrace change and effectuate new processes, you need buy-in at all levels thoughout the organization.
Lessons in Leadership
Dealing with change and making progress requires more than just vision - it is communicating the importance, inclusion, and results amongst everyone.
Change Keeps Changing
The more things change ... the gerater the need to ensure flexibility and fluidity to not only meet the needs of today, but to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
Optimizing Optimism During Change
The market is changing. The customer is changing. Your organization is changing. That is scary and uncomfortable. Helping your team adopt optimism will secure a bright future.
About Steve Richman:
Steve Richman has been called energizing, passionate, practical, fun, creative and smart. As a nationally recognized presenter he has spoken to more than 750,000 individuals in every state in America. As a testament to the power of his presentations, over 85% percent of Steve’s presentations are rebookings from those that have previously seen him.
For a quick history about Steve, he is a graduate of The University of Maryland, The George Washington University Law School and is a member of the Maryland State Bar (out of state status). He has taught Public Speaking at Towson University and Negotiations for the Sellinger Business School’s MBA program and is an adjunct faculty member of the Shapiro Negotiations Institute. He has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University’s Business School in New York and has presented on Capitol Hill. He is a certified trainer in DiSC Behavioral Profiling and is a Master Certified Negotiations Trainer. Additionally, he has been a guest on multiple podcasts, radio shows and has published numerous articles and in 2019 and 2024 was named one of the most connected professionals in the mortgage industry by National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
On the personal side, Steve has been luckily married for 30 years (knock on wood), has the greatest son and best daughter in the world and he is an avid golfer and scuba diver.
Session Description:
Join our dynamic panel of NextGen Loan Officers as they share their personal journeys into this rewarding career. Discover the passion, perseverance, and practical insights that propelled them to success. From overcoming early challenges to mastering the art of customer connection, these rising stars will reveal the keys to thriving in today's competitive mortgage landscape.
Prepare to be inspired as our panelists candidly discuss best practices, industry trends, and the essential qualities that have empowered them to reach new heights. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvigorate your practice, this interactive session will equip you with the tools and motivation to take your career to the next level. Get ready to be transformed and take the first steps towards becoming a Loan Officer powerhouse!
About Amber Hoots:
Amber Hoots is a dedicated professional with almost 13 years of experience at Essent Guaranty, where her expertise in mortgage insurance has made a significant impact in the industry. With a solid foundation in retail banking, Amber excels in providing exceptional service and support to her clients.
Outside of her professional life, Amber is a proud mother of two energetic boys who share her passion for baseball. Balancing work and family, she enjoys spending her weekends cheering from the sidelines and creating lasting memories with her family.
In her free time, Amber loves to engage in her hobbies, which include singing, hiking, and volunteering in her community. Her commitment to helping others and embracing the outdoors reflects her vibrant spirit and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her.
About Dalton Jackson:
Dalton Jackson is a Loan Officer with Integrity Mortgage Group, bringing over six years of experience across multiple areas of the mortgage industry—from the appraisal desk to employment verifications and processing. He has gained a 360-degree view of the home loan process. That all-in perspective allows him to walk clients through every step of the mortgage journey with confidence and clarity. Known for his analytical approach and creative problem-solving, Dalton thrives on digging into the details and finding strategic solutions tailored to each client. He believes that the more you know, the better decisions you make—so he's always happy to share insights, talk through guidelines (yes, even for fun), or just nerd out on mortgage knowledge.
About Makenzie Tuttle:
I have proudly been a part of the Fidelity Bank family since 2021. The Fidelity Bank and Right By You Mortgage values coincide with my own. As a Mortgage Loan Officer, my priority is to take the time to understand each unique scenario my customers bring me, and help my customers find the right program to meet their needs. I take the time to ensure that my customers have a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free process.
I strive to build lasting and meaningful relationships with my customers as I help guide them through one of the biggest investments they make in life. Being a part of this process and helping customers turn their dreams into reality is a rewarding feeling. I truly enjoy being able to “give back” in a way that serves not only borrowers, but their families as well.
I am primarily located in the Triad Region; however, with today’s resources, I can successfully service all counties in North Carolina and surrounding states.
I currently reside in Belews Creek, North Carolina, and have lived here my whole life. My family and I spend our free time enjoying the rays of sun on Belews Lake, riding ATVs, and snowboarding. I am also an active member of Awaken Church of Oak Ridge.
I am right by you each step of the home buying, refinancing, or building process. Being hands on throughout the entire process is very important to me. I would love the opportunity to show you what it means to be Right By You!
About Ally Cain:
With nearly a decade of experience and over 700 families served, the Ally Cain Mortgage Team is known for putting clients first. We treat every borrower like a friend—offering personal attention, clear communication, and expert guidance to make the mortgage process smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or Veteran, we’re here to help with transparency, efficiency, and care. From pre-approval to refinancing, trust our team to guide you toward your financial goals—stress-free.
Session Description:
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, mortgage lenders face growing challenges. Join us to hear directly from your state regulators on how they’re responding—along with key updates on licensing changes, examination trends, and what’s ahead for mortgage supervision.
About Bob Niemi:
Bob Niemi, CMB, serves as Director of Government Affairs at Weiner Brodsky Kider PC. With a wealth of experience and deep industry relationships, Bob offers strategic guidance to lenders on a wide range of regulatory and compliance issues, including state licensing, examination readiness, and acquisitions.
Beyond his role at WBK, Bob is deeply committed to the mortgage industry. He currently serves as Chair of the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Society for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), immediate past Chair of the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators (AARMR) Advisory Council, and Secretary/Treasurer of the MBA of Florida. These leadership roles highlight his dedication to advancing a regulatory framework that balances industry innovation with consumer protection.
A 30-year mortgage industry veteran, Bob previously served as Ohio’s Deputy Superintendent, member of the NMLS Policy Committee, and the NMLS Ombudsman. These roles give him a rare 360-degree perspective on the complexities of mortgage regulation and enforcement.
Bob has played a pivotal role in shaping national regulatory practices, particularly in modernizing state policies around remote work. In recognition of his impact, in 2024 he received the MBA’s Outstanding State & Local Association Leadership Award and AARMR’s Distinguished Service Award.
Bob earned his Certified Mortgage Banker designation in 2016 and resides in the Tampa Bay area with his wife Melissa, who is also a CMB.
Please note: Bob Niemi is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice.
About Annette Deffenbaugh:
Director of Mortgage Services, Annette Deffenbaugh, has been with The North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks for 13 years. Prior to her position with the Banking Commission, Deffenbaugh worked in the financial services industry, primarily in mortgage, for over 20 years. Deffenbaugh received a Bachelor of Science with concentrations in decision sciences and management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and later, returned to her alma mater and received a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in accounting.
About Ronald Bodvake:
Ronald “Ron” Bodvake is originally from Western Pennsylvania and has been a resident of South Carolina for the past 22 years after relocating to the Columbia area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, alongside Certified Public Manager and Public Sector Leadership Certificates.
Following a successful career in the consumer finance and mortgage industries, Mr. Bodvake joined the State Board of Financial Institutions in 2003 as an entry-level examiner. Over the next 13 years, he steadily progressed through various roles, ultimately being appointed Commissioner of Consumer Finance in 2016. In this capacity, he oversees the regulation of consumer finance lenders, mortgage lenders, and check cashing service providers operating in South Carolina.
During his tenure, Mr. Bodvake has led the Consumer Finance Division in embracing continuous process improvements. He spearheaded the implementation of the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) for all license types and transitioned examinations to a fully digital platform, streamlining operations and making processes more efficient and business friendly.
Session Description:
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the transformative impact of AI in the mortgage industry. This session will explore how cutting-edge AI technologies are revolutionizing the way we approach mortgage processing, underwriting, and customer service.
Hear from industry experts as they delve into the practical applications of AI and discover how AI-powered tools can help you better serve your clients, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.
About Dawn Hooper:
Dawn Hooper is widely recognized as a strategic leader and industry catalyst whose career spans over two decades in the mortgage and insurance industries. Currently serving as Regional Director at Lenders One, she brings a rare blend of operational insight, regulatory expertise, and relationship-driven growth strategy.
Colleagues often describe Dawn as someone who doesn’t just adapt to change-she drives it. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping mortgage licensing policy in North Carolina and the national level, collaborating directly with lawmakers and the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System to elevate industry standards. This foundational work reflects her commitment to both compliance and innovation.
In every role, Dawn has demonstrated a consistent ability to build trust, expand partnerships, and scale operations. Her tenure as a Strategic Growth Manager further showcased her talent for identifying market opportunities and aligning them with organizational goals.
Dawn’s dedication to professional development is evident in her pursuit and attainment of the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, a testament to her deep industry knowledge and her leadership acumen. As a member of the MBA Future Leaders Program and Path to Diversity Scholarship recipient, she not only advances her own expertise, but also actively mentors others, fostering a culture of continuous learning and inclusivity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dawn is known for her authenticity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She balances a demanding career with community service and family life, embodying the values she promotes in her work.
In sum, Dawn Hooper is more than a seasoned professional, she is a visionary leader whose impact resonates across the industry.
About Melissa Langdale:
Melissa Langdale is the Founder and CEO of Praxis Lending Solutions, an executive consultancy firm helping mortgage lenders modernize workflows, adopt emerging technologies, and reduce their cost to originate. A recognized leader in housing innovation, Melissa has served as President & COO of The Mortgage Collaborative and led operations for fintechs and community banks alike. She’s the creator of the weekly “Mortgage Maverick” series spotlighting industry changemakers, the host of the leading innovation focused webcast and podcast called “Future Proof,” and a national speaker on transformation and AI. Melissa lives in Austin, TX, with her husband and twin boys.
About Pete Fugaro:
Pete is a co-founder of Prymak, a mortgage technology consulting firm, and has served as President since its inception in 2000. Prior to Prymak, Pete spent 7 years at FiTECH Systems, a mortgage and credit union technology provider. His last role was Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Implementation. Pete started his banking and technology career in 1985 with Dime Bancorp (now JP Morgan Chase) and last role was Systems Manager for their mortgage closing technology. Pete holds a BA degree in Economics from Stony Brook University. Pete has authored and contributed to numerous industry news articles, has been a speaker at over 50 industry conferences and teaches technology at the MBA’s School of Mortgage Banking.
Career accomplishments include the privilege to advise hundreds of lenders on technology strategy, graduating from MBA’s Future Leaders Program in 2006, earning his Certified Mortgage Banker designation in 2011 and serving on MBAC’s board of directors from 2013-2019.
Pete lives in Greensboro, NC and enjoys running, golf, spoiling the family’s miniature poodle and spending time with his wife Rene’ of 35 years and their adult children.
About Cecilia Janson, CMB, CTC:
Cecilia Janson is the founder and managing director at BlueJ Strategies with extensive experience and leadership in mortgage banking, operations, and technology. She is an active industry leader serving as MBA Technology Committee Co-Chair and instructor for the School of Mortgage Banking II. She is recognized as a thought leader on innovation, leadership, and process optimization. Outside of work, Cecilia enjoys hiking and when she isn't managing her daily mortgage world, Cecilia and her husband own and operate a seafood business - some say she’s an expert in mortgages by day and seafood on nights and weekends.
Session Description:
I’ll will discuss the most recent news about credit scores (Classic FICO vs FICO 10T vs VatnageScore 4.0), updates on proposed changes to credit reports (bimerge or trimerge), and news about trigger leads.
About Jordan Goldberg:
If you ask Jordan for his number, he will tell you 823. That is his credit score, not the beginning of his cell phone number.
Since 1993, Jordan has helped make homeownership possible for thousands of consumers. Jordan’s career spans 30+ years including positions as a top producing mortgage originator with SouthTrust Bank, a wholesale mortgage account executive with EquiBanc, and a key account manager for Credit Plus. Jordan is currently EVP of Sales with Xactus, the leading verification provider in the mortgage industry.
Jordan’s knowledge and experience have made him one of the mortgage industry’s go-to experts on understanding credit scores and how our financial decisions impact our ability to get a mortgage.
Jordan and his wife have been married for 26 years, they have 3 girls and 1 boy, and they split their time between Raleigh and Carolina Beach. Jordan has a Business degree from Florida State University, he is certified on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and he has been trained by Fair Isaac & Company and VantageScore on understanding credit scores.
About Alyson Finn:
Alyson Finn is a Sr. Manager in FICO’s Client Services Division. She works with mortgage originators to help drive adoption of all of FICO’s products including FICO’s newest score 10 T. She has 15+ years of deep relationship management and sales experience in the mortgage and financial services industries. She was a mortgage loan originator for a handful of lenders, such as HSBC, Bank of America and TIAA Bank. She then worked her way into B2B and B2B2C roles as a relationship and client success manager building and growing client relationships by acting as their trusted advisor. Alyson holds a B.S. in Business Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Session Description:
MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit will review MBA’s legislative accomplishments, its success in navigating the big changes at federal government housing and regulatory agencies, and some of the priorities and challenges ahead for the industry.
About Bob Broeksmit:
Robert (Bob) Broeksmit is President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Bob is a senior finance executive and corporate officer with a 35-year career in the mortgage sector. He has directed all aspects of lending activities, including marketing, sales, operations, secondary marketing, loan servicing, and default management. He has also served as a mortgage underwriting expert testifying on many large, high-profile cases.
Prior to joining MBA in 2018, Bob served as President and Chief Operating Officer with Treliant, heading the firm’s mortgage litigation support practice and serving diverse financial services clientele including large banks, independent mortgage lenders, community banks, credit unions, and service providers to the mortgage industry. As a Washington-based financial services
consultancy, Treliant’s mortgage practice included strategic advisory for executive management and corporate boards; litigation defense, including file reviews, litigation strategy, expert reports, and expert testimony; CFPB examination preparation and implementation of mortgage regulations promulgated by the CFPB and other regulators; and operational aspects of mortgage banking, ranging from origination to servicing and loss mitigation.
Before Treliant, Bob held senior leadership positions in the mortgage business, including fourteen
years with Chevy Chase Bank (including after its purchase by Capital One), where he was Executive Vice President and President of its B.F. Saul Mortgage Company subsidiary. Bob also was a Vice President at Prudential Home Mortgage for seven years. He has overseen annual originations of $9 billion, a balance sheet of $10 billion in residential mortgages, and a servicing portfolio of $20 billion. He also held positions at Great Western Mortgage, Krupp Residential Mortgage, and The Money Store.
Bob has served as the Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Residential Board of
Governors and as a member of its Board of Directors. Firms under his leadership have garnered
multiple awards for servicing operations excellence, including Freddie Mac’s Tier One and Hall of
Fame designations. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and a graduate of Yale University.
Session Description:
With the year more than half over, much like passing the turn on a golf course, join Tabrasa and Mortgage Market Guide's Chief Market Analyst Bill Bodnar for "Reading the Markets - The Back Nine." This engaging presentation will cover key economic and market trends to watch as we finish 2025. Bill will explore topics such as the economy, Federal Reserve policies, interest rates, the housing market, and more. The discussion will offer clear insights and thoughtful perspectives to help you understand the financial landscape ahead. Join us for a straightforward look at what’s next for the markets with Bill Bodnar’s guidance.
About Bill Bodner:
Bill Bodnar is the Chief Revenue Officer at Tabrasa and the catalyst behind Mortgage Market Guide, an industry leading market intelligence solution.
For nearly 25 years, his easy-to-understand market expertise makes him the trusted mentor for thousands of mortgage loan originators and realtors.
His ability to share valuable market and economic insights in a fun format, make him a highly sought-after speaker in mortgage and real estate.
About Kyle Draper:
Kyle Draper is the CEO and co-founder of Hire Culture Virtual Assistants, dedicated to helping leaders reclaim their time and focus through skilled delegation. A sought-after coach and video marketing therapist, Kyle empowers entrepreneurs to embrace authenticity and build meaningful connections online. As an Amazon Best-Selling Author and co-owner of The Collective Coaching, he’s mentored thousands across North America, transforming how they grow their businesses by leveraging relationships and simplifying challenges. Kyle’s innovative approach to leadership and productivity inspires growth with intention and confidence.
