I cannot believe that 12 months have passed so quickly. It seems like yesterday that I took the oath of office as president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB). During this last year, we have faced many challenges, but these challenges have presented us with many opportunities to build a better future.
Many of you have stepped forward as volunteers and worked tirelessly to ensure our industry remains a viable channel of distribution for the consumer. Through your efforts, you have built a stronger relationship with Congress and the regulatory agencies. Our relationship with them is better than ever thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
I wish I had the space to name all of the volunteers who have worked so hard this past 12 months. I do want to thank Harry Dinham, Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair and Mike Anderson, Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair, for their work this past year. It has been a very busy year in Congress and with the regulatory agencies, and both Harry and Mike have lead us through this regulatory maze, volunteering long hours to protect our interests and that of the consumer.
George Hanzimanolis has worked tirelessly with NAMB Enterprises to find new companies that will not only provide benefits to our members, but will be a source of new revenue for the association.
John Councilman, chairman of the FHA/VA Committee, has been a star working with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on all the changes that have occurred this last year. If you ever have a question about HUD or FHA, John is the expert. His knowledge and expertise has built a close working relationship with these two governmental agencies.
Olga Kucerak, chair of the Membership Committee, stepped in to take over the committee early in my term. She immediately picked up where she left off from serving as chair last year, and has guided us through many changes over the past year.
There are so many others who should be recognized, but space just does allow me the opportunity to give you the credit you each so richly deserve. We all know who you are and what you have done for the association.
The glue that has held our association together this past year has been the staff of NAMB, lead by Chief Executive Officer Roy DeLoach. Roy, along with Assistant Director of Government Affairs Jon Otto, Director of Membership and Marketing Paul Niermann, Finance Coordinator David Breedlove, and Director of Certification Anika Sallinas need special recognition for all they have done and under some very difficult changes that NAMB has experienced this year. They are truly dedicated to the mission of NAMB and our industry. Roy has provided the leadership and cohesion that was needed to see us through this year.
Last June at our annual meeting, I presented Roy with the Energizer Bunny Award. This year, he should receive at least three Energizer Bunnies as he has done the work of three people and has managed to be everywhere at the same time. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated staff. When you see them, please give them a big thank you for all they do for us.
Congratulations to Bill Howe, our incoming president, and NAMB’s 2010-2011 officers and directors as they take office at the annual meeting in June. It will be an exciting time for all of us as we work with Bill to implement his plans and objectives for the coming year.
Again, I thank you for the opportunity to have served as your president. It has been difficult for all of us these last few years. I know there are better times ahead for us. Reading this means you have survived the worst and proven that you are a true professional. Our channel of distribution is needed by the industry and the consumer. We will continue our efforts to strengthen our industry and protect the consumers we serve every day.
Jim Pair, CMC is with Mortgage Associates Corpus Christi and is president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. He may be reached by e-mail at
[email protected].
