Lanie Boudreaux is a mortgage broker at St. Martin Bank & Trust Company in Lafayette, La., and the president of the Louisiana Mortgage Lenders Association (LMLA). National Mortgage Professional Magazine spoke with her about the role her association plays in the Louisiana mortgage market.
How and why did you get involved in your association? Can you share the track within your association that led to the leadership role?
A friend of mine served on the board of directors for many years. He recruited me and two others. Once on the board, I began to gain experience and an understanding with how the LMLA operates, and I was nominated for the president’s position. Obliviously, I accepted—I wanted to get involved to learn more and get advice from people who has been in the business for a while.
I have been serving on the board for our local chapter, Acadiana Mortgage Lenders, and I felt that I needed to get out there more and help grow this industry in Louisiana. Through my involvement with LMLA, I have met so many wonderful people who are willing to help and give advice whenever needed.
Why do you feel members of the mortgage profession in your state should join your LMLA?
All involved in the state’s mortgage profession should join LMLA for one simple reason: To have a voice in our industry. I am one of the younger ones in this industry and I feel that being part of this association shows that you want to learn and you are serious about your career.
What is your association’s role in the state legislative and regulatory environments?
From time to time, bills and resolutions are introduced to the House and Senate, and LMLA has an opportunity to voice our opinion regarding the language of the bills. Our Legislative Committee chairman keeps us up to date with all issues we need to address.
What do you see as your most significant accomplishments with the association?
Accomplishment within LMLA as president is always about education and transparency. Rules, regulation, programs, etc. are forever changing, and LMLA is ever present to assist with these changes. We also have grown a mortgage conference for our state that is held every August. I feel we have more participation every year and more people wanting to get involved and participate.
As the state affiliate for NAMB what do you feel that adds to your association and towards the overall agenda for the mortgage profession nationwide?
NAMB is the ultimate voice for our industry. NAMB testifies before Congress, works with the CFPB and helps to educate mortgage professionals. The bottom line is NAMB “Protects our Industry.” In my opinion, every mortgage professional should be involved in their local mortgage association, their state association and their national association. As they say, there is strength in numbers.
In your opinion, what can be done to bring more young people into mortgage careers?
Getting young people involved with a mortgage career will be challenging. With the housing market collapse of 2008 and the negative press our industry has received, the proverbial “bad taste in the mouth” is still present. The key, as I see it, involves education. This is a rewarding career once you learn and understand the regulations that go with it.
How would you define your state's housing market?
The state’s housing market has been very healthy for many years, with no change is sight. Louisiana has a solid economic base in energy, medical and entertainment. The food, the culture and the ever-friendly atmosphere of Louisiana is attracting individuals from all over our country.
Phil Hall is managing editor of Louisiana Mortgage Professional Magazine. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
