WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2025) - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today announced the promotion of six employees across several association departments.
Effective today, the following employees will assume their new roles:
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Jonathan Kearns, previously Associate Vice President of Product Development of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), has been promoted to MISMO Vice President of Programs;
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Jamey Lynch, AMP, who had been Associate Vice President of Political Affairs, was promoted to Vice President of Political Affairs;
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Kim Newell, CMP, CEM, previously Associate Vice President of Meetings and Sales, has been promoted to Vice President of Meetings Logistics and Sales;
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Dawn Williams, AMP, who had been Associate Vice President of Conference Programs and Experiences, was promoted to Vice President of Conference Programs and Experiences;
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Liz Facemire, previously Director of State Government Affairs, has been promoted to Associate Vice President of State Government Affairs;
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Jacqueline (Jacky) Salazar, CCMS, previously Director of CREF, has been promoted to Associate Vice President of CREF.
"I'm very proud to recognize these six outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, a 'member-first' attitude, and a passion for generating positive results and creating memorable experiences for our members, the industry, and consumers," said Bob Broeksmit, CMB, MBA President and CEO. "Whether advancing key real estate finance policies, driving innovation at MISMO, or producing world-class conferences and events, each has made a lasting impact on MBA's mission. Their promotions are a direct reflection of their talent, hard work, and the respect they've earned from our members and their peers. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in these expanded roles."
Kearns has held ascending roles on MBA's MISMO team since 2019. In his new role, he will oversee MISMO's program strategy and execution, leading initiatives that drive standardization, innovation, and digital transformation across the mortgage finance industry. Prior to joining MISMO, Kearns served as Senior Vice President of Technology at DocMagic, Inc., where he led the development of advanced digital mortgage platforms supporting eClosings, eVaults, and electronic signatures. A recognized leader in mortgage technology, he brings more than a decade of experience building solutions that promote interoperability, improve efficiency, and align with regulatory requirements.
Lynch has held ascending roles since initially joining MBA in 2017 as an Assistant Political Director. Subsequently, she was promoted to Associate Political Director in 2019 and to be an Associate Vice President of Political Affairs in 2024. In her new and enhanced role, she will continue to lead MBA's political engagement strategy, including serving as Assistant Treasurer of the real estate finance industry's foremost political action committee, MORPAC, overseeing the association's grassroots network, the Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA), and managing all aspects of MBA's premier direct advocacy event, its annual National Advocacy Conference (NAC). Prior to joining MBA, Lynch worked at a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs agency managing integrated advocacy campaigns for clients across all levels of government. She holds both Bachelor of Science in Marketing and master's in business administration degrees from Florida State University. Lynch earned her Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designation in 2019
Newell has held leadership roles spanning meetings logistics, and sales, driving sponsorship revenue and enhancing member engagement. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the logistics and execution of conferences, exhibits, and sponsorship programs. Prior to joining MBA in 2003, Newell held senior roles at GES Exposition Services and the Helicopter Association International. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and maintains certifications as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM).
Williams joined MBA in 2012, and in her new role, will oversee the strategy and execution of content, registration services, and attendee experience for more than 15 annual events. Williams works closely with leadership, members, and subject matter experts to ensure MBA's conferences address the most critical issues in mortgage finance while delivering high-impact experiences for attendees. Prior to joining MBA, she served as Executive Director of the Default Attorney Group (DAG) and held senior marketing roles at Time Life Books and May Company department stores. She earned her Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designation in 2015 and was named MBA's Employee of the Year in 2017. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Virginia.
Facemire, who joined MBA in 2023, will help lead MBA's policy and advocacy engagement at the state and local levels. She will also continue to oversee the State Legislative and Regulatory Committee (SLRC) and its subgroups, guiding strategy across a broad range of issues, including origination, servicing, compliance, data security, and AI. In her new role, she will lead MBA's efforts to expand further into commercial/multifamily policy and strengthen MBA's engagement with state Attorneys General. Facemire was named MBA's Employee of the Year in 2025. Prior to MBA, she held multiple roles at Rocket Mortgage, including loan originator, underwriter, and state policy lobbyist, bringing deep technical knowledge and hands-on industry experience to MBA.
Salazar has been a key contributor to the association's commercial real estate finance efforts, with a focus on strategic planning, organizational growth, and member engagement. In her new role, she will continue to support industry initiatives, member programs, and the delivery of events and councils that foster collaboration and innovation across the commercial/multifamily community. Prior to joining MBA in 2021, she held positions at Fannie Mae, NewPoint Real Estate Capital, and Prudential Asset Resources, where she specialized in risk management, compliance, and audit coordination. She was named MBA's Employee of the Year in 2023 and earned the Certified Commercial Mortgage Servicer (CCMS) designation in 2025.