Chandler on Getting Involved, Passing the Torch
(Christine Chandler by Anneliese Mahoney)
SAN DIEGO–“We always need to be moving forward,” said 2026 Mortgage Bankers Association Chair Christine Chandler, on stage at the MBA Commercial/Multifamily Finance Convention and Expo Feb. 9. “We owe it to our customers, our communities and our entire country. When our companies succeed, we empower others to succeed.”
“My focus as MBA chair is to help you move forward for the benefit of everyone,” Chandler, who also serves as EVP, chief operating officer and chief compliance officer at M&T Realty Capital Corp., said, noting how important the industry’s support is for MBA’s mission and activity.
“Now is the time for advocacy,” she said, explaining that what happens in Washington affects the entire commercial real estate finance industry. She described the difference in impact that is made when members get involved, stating “we need you” to help achieve MBA’s priorities.
As examples of ways to get involved, Chandler pointed to the Mortgage Action Alliance. She called for attendees to urge their representatives to support early reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. Chandler also highlighted MORPAC, MBA’s bipartisan political action committee.
And, she encouraged everyone to attend the MBA’s National Advocacy Conference. “Over the course of two days, you’ll meet with your representatives and senators and tell them your story,” she said, pointing out that the conference offers a CREF-specific track, where attendees can hear from relevant regulators and government officials.
“I speak from experience when I say that this conference works wonders,” she said. “A lot of politicians have never heard the truth about our industry. But when they hear it from you, it changes their thinking–and even their vote.”
Chandler said another issue she wants to move forward on is affordability, saying that not only does the industry need to push forward policies to make affordability better, it also needs to stymie ideas that will make the landscape worse–like burdensome environmental and reporting requirements or rent control.
“Once again, your involvement is crucial. Affordability will never happen on its own. It needs leaders like you and me to move the cause forward. And I know that together, we can make that happen,” she said.
Finally, Chandler touched on another move forward that’s important to her–propelling the next generation of leadership. She noted that MBA has a number of initiatives to forge the next generation, including the residential and commercial/multifamily future leaders programs.
Chandler pointed to an example from her own professional life, when she recently was able to pass a position to a younger colleague.
“I realized that if I was serious about empowering others, I needed to practice it myself,” she said. “Passing the baton is the right thing to do.”
