MBA Opens Doors Foundation Announces 2025 Award Winners
LAS VEGAS–The MBA Opens Doors Foundation today announced the recipients of the Opens Doors annual awards, which recognize those who have made lasting contributions to advance the Foundation’s mission of providing mortgage and rental assistance to families with critically ill or injured children.
The Foundation presented its annual Community Champion Award, the Founder’s Award, and the David H. Stevens Spirit Award during the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) 2025 Annual Convention and Expo.
The 2025 Opens Doors Foundation award winners are:
Community Champion Award: David Spector, Chairman and CEO, Pennymac
Founder’s Award: Kurt Pfotenhauer, Vice Chairman, First American Title Insurance Company
David H. Stevens Spirit Award: Marcia Davies, Chief Operating Officer, MBA
“This year’s honorees reflect everything the MBA Opens Doors Foundation stands for—compassion, dedication, and the belief that community can change lives,” said MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, CMB. “Through their extraordinary generosity, David, Kurt, and Marcia have helped countless families with critically ill or injured children stay in their homes when they needed stability the most. Their impact is profound, and we are honored to celebrate them.”
The Community Champion award, created in 2013, recognizes an individual, group or company that has dedicated significant time and effort to advance the Foundation’s mission. Opens Doors is pleased to present the Community Champion Award to David Spector of Pennymac.
In 2020, as the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spector’s leadership ensured that philanthropy remained a priority, doubling Pennymac’s Annual Appeal commitment and launching the “Pennymac Gives Back” campaign, which encouraged employee giving and included a company match of up to $50,000. Even in the face of ongoing market uncertainty in 2024, Pennymac donated more than $100,000, reinforcing a company-wide culture of compassion and care for families at risk of losing their homes due to a child’s medical crisis. To date, Pennymac and its employees have contributed more than $650,000 to the Foundation.
The Founder’s Award recognizes significant contributions to the Open Doors mission. The award recognizes one or more individuals who have demonstrated sustained action and whose personal commitment to the Foundation exemplifies the core values, spirit, and essence on which Opens Doors was founded.
Pfotenhauer has demonstrated his steadfast leadership, generosity, and a deep commitment to community. Since joining the Open Doors Board of Directors in 2016, Pfotenhauer has exemplified the values that define the real estate finance industry – compassion, integrity, and a drive to support families in crisis, especially those caring for critically ill or injured children at risk of losing their homes.
As Vice Chairman of First American Title Insurance Company, Pfotenhauer has led the company’s support of nearly $300,000 and expanded awareness of the Foundation’s mission by promoting the Foundation’s “Get Caught Doing Good” principle. Pfotenhauer and his wife Nancy have been steadfast supporters and have played an essential role in the success of the Foundation’s Annual Appeal, Charity Wine Auction, and other key events. His influence extends beyond Opens Doors, with leadership roles at MBA, MISMO, and MORPAC, as well as national recognition as a HousingWire Vanguard.
In memory of former MBA President and CEO and Opens Doors Founder Dave Stevens’, the MBA Opens Doors Spirit Award was renamed The David H. Stevens Spirit Award in 2024. The renaming recognizes Steven’s dedication to helping families caring for a sick or injured child stay in their home and recognizes his intention to create a foundation to help vulnerable families.
This award recognizes an individual or group of individuals, from one or more organizations, whose enthusiasm and support for Opens Doors brought new people and organizations to the Opens Doors roster of supporters and whose efforts amplified the impact the Foundation has on vulnerable families in America.
Opens Doors is pleased to honor Marcia Davies, Chief Operating Officer at MBA, for her spirit and support.
Within a year of the Foundation’s launch in 2011, Marcia Davies joined the Board of Directors, becoming a passionate advocate for its mission and a driving force behind its early and continued success. Together with her husband, Scott, she has personally contributed over $130,000 to support the Foundation’s work. Davies has brought visionary leadership, creating new revenue opportunities, expanding visibility across MBA conferences, and engaging speakers and performers to support the cause. Her efforts have helped raise more than $200,000 through unique auction items, including signed guitars and microphones, leaving a lasting impact on the families Opens Doors serves.
“Our ability to help families in crisis depends on the generosity and commitment of our industry,” said Debra W. Still, Vice Chairman, Pulte Financial Services and Chair of the Opens Doors Board of Directors. “This year’s Opens Doors Award winners have supported the Foundation over many years. Their commitment has never wavered despite the challenges our industry has faced. It is deeply gratifying to recognize them for their outstanding support.”
The Opens Doors Foundation, through its Home Grant Program, provides relief in a time of personal crisis. The Home Grant Program is a critical part of a family’s support structure, especially when a parent or guardian must take unpaid leave to be with a critically ill or injured child. Grants of up to $2,000 are made monthly to families with a child in treatment and who are in need of mortgage or rental payment assistance.
For more information on the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, please click here.
