MBA Appoints Amber Lawrence as AVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Mortgage Bankers Association appointed Amber Lawrence as Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, responsible for advancing DEI programs for the association and overall real estate finance industry.

“As a 15-year veteran of MBA and the real estate finance industry, Amber has developed deep relationships with top industry leaders, and I can’t think of anyone more dedicated, passionate and well suited for this position. I look forward to seeing Amber grow our DEI reach within the industry,” said MBA President and CEO Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB.

“Amber is no stranger to developing and executing programming that has benefited the real estate finance industry,” said Lisa Haynes, MBA Senior Vice President, CFO and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “Along with her in-depth expertise in program planning and her background in DEI leadership and coaching, Amber is the ideal person to elevate MBA’s DEI programming.”

Previously, Lawrence served as Associate Director of Career Development Programs. In that role, she was a core member of MBA’s education leadership team, where she managed its professional certification and designation programs. Notably, she managed the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB®) program, responsible for candidate matriculation, curriculum development and the examination process. In addition, she was responsible for the management of the Certified Residential (CMS) and Commercial Certified Mortgage Servicer (CCMS) designations; Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU) designation; and Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designation. She also provided oversight on facilitation of several MBA Education courses, including MBA’s premier classroom program, the School of Mortgage Banking (SOMB).

Later this year, Lawrence will receive an Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching, offered in partnership by Howard University and the Coach Diversity Institute. She is also an active participant in MBA’s DEI internal and external efforts, and serves on MBA’s DEI Advisory Committee.

Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Arts in legal communications from Howard University.