MBA Honors Bill Emerson with Lowrie-Woodward Distinguished Service Award
DENVER–The Mortgage Bankers Association honored Bill Emerson, President of Rocket Companies, with its Lowrie-Woodward Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes an individual for dedication and prominent service to MBA and the mortgage lending industry in a variety of capacities involving both legislative and regulatory activities.
Emerson was presented with the award in a ceremony held here during MBA’s 2024 Annual Convention & Expo.
“Bill is a mortgage industry titan who has an uncanny ability to inspire and lead and continues to be a trusted strategic partner on key regulatory and legislative issues that impact consumers and MBA members,” said Laura Escobar, 2025 MBA Chair and President of Lennar Mortgage. “Bill upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity and always goes above and beyond what it means to be an industry leader. He is truly deserving of being this year’s Lowrie-Woodward Distinguished Service Award recipient.”
Emerson has been an active MBA member for more than 15 years. He served as 2015 MBA Chairman and as Vice Chair of MBA’s Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG) from 2012-2013. He dedicates a tremendous amount of his time and expertise to various committees, including the State Legislative and Regulatory Committee, the Residential Loan Production Steering Committee, the Loan Administration Steering Committee, and the RESBOG Voting Committee. Emerson is also involved in several MBA workgroups, taskforces, and networks, including the Basel III Workgroup, the Information Security Working Group, and the Independent Mortgage Bankers Network.
Emerson serves as President of Rocket Companies and sits on its Board. As president, Emerson is responsible for setting strategic goals, ensuring alignment across various operational teams, and overseeing the overall operations. He has previously served in various ascending roles, including Interim CEO, Vice Chairman of Rock Holdings, Inc., and CEO of Rocket Mortgage.
The Lowrie-Woodward Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor an individual can receive from his or her fellow MBA members. Nominees for the annual award must meet the following criteria:
Be associated with an MBA member firm;
Compile a record of long, sustained, and extraordinary service to MBA and the mortgage industry; and
Have a strong reputation for ethical and professional conduct.
MBA’s Distinguished Service Award was renamed in the early 2000s in memory of Andy Woodward, who had served as MBA Chairman and set an extraordinary example for his leadership abilities. In 2023, MBA added the name of Regina Lowrie, CMB, MBA’s first female chair, and a longtime industry executive and advocate.
