CCMS Designee Society Rebranding Highlights Community, Charitable Efforts
Industry members who achieve the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Commercial Certified Mortgage Servicing designation will now have a newly rebranded home for networking and collaboration–the CCMS Designee Society.
Previously the CCMS Designee Committee, the group has been renamed to better reflect its goals.
“The thought process was that ‘society’ would give more of a feeling of community and allow people to work together–use each other’s knowledge and use each other as contacts,” said Siobhan O’Keefe, CCMS Chair and Senior Vice President at Berkadia, acknowledging that’s likely consistent with the aim when the group was created. “We want to re-empower everybody to go to their fellow CCMS folks and network and brainstorm and collaborate.”
“What we’re trying to accomplish is not just passing a test and saying ‘I’ve received my certification.’ But taking what you know, taking your expertise and knowledge, and sharing that with the rest of the commercial mortgage industry–by participating in conference panels, and volunteering to teach courses throughout MBA, getting more involved and leading industry committees,” said Shannon Carmack, CCMS Society Education Committee Chair and Director of Commercial Mortgage Analytics and Administration at Ameritas.
When it comes to the community the society can create: “Once you’re a member, you’re a member for life,” Carmack said.
O’Keefe said with the transition, new ways for members to connect will be made available, such as a focused and private LinkedIn page, set to launch next year.
The rebranding comes amid a few notable milestones for the CCMS designation–for one, it just hit the 10-year mark. Over the past few years, some of the requirements have evolved, and the membership has grown.
Its leaders and members, both long-time and newcomers, are motivated to encourage even more participation among those in the industry.
Michael Heagerty, Principal at Gantry, has been a member since very early on–he actually participated in the first class.
“It’s really become a foundation of support and volunteers for the servicing side, and also a wonderful networking opportunity, where the industry leaders can get together and can raise issues,” Heagerty recalled.
Amid the other changes and evolutions, the CCMS Designee Society is also focusing on giving back, with the CCMS Philanthropic Committee. The group has partnered with the Mortgage Bankers Association Opens Doors Foundation.
“We were able to come together as a group and recognize that there was such an opportunity for us to give back in a very meaningful way,” said Marcy Thomas, Vice President, Portfolio Loan Manager with Grandbridge Real Estate Capital, and CCMS Society Philanthropic chair. “Where we are in our careers is a place where we should be able to use our resources, our influence and our networks to help the greater good. That’s why this partnership is so exciting and necessary for the CCMS community.”
For its ongoing efforts, MBA Opens Doors Foundation recognized the CCMS Philanthropic Committee, led by Thomas; Elizabeth Burnett, Slatt Capital; and Richard Pardoe of M&T Realty Capital Corp. with its Spirit Award in October.
“It is an honor to work with individuals and companies that come together to raise awareness and critical funds for Opens Doors,” said Deborah E. Dubois, President of MBA Opens Doors Foundation. “Their actions and commitment are a model for others who see giving back to the communities in which they live and work as an important part of being a leader in the real estate finance industry. Honoring the CCMS Philanthropic Committee with our Spirit Award is our way of saying thank you for going above and beyond in supporting our mission.”
Thomas envisions a continuing long-term partnership with MBA Opens Doors Foundation, and encourages those in the society to get involved.
“We are leaders in commercial real estate, in the industry, and we can turn that influence and that network together and make it stronger to help another group,” Thomas continued.
