MBA announces recipient of annual legislative service award

Member receives award for driving efforts to introduce reform

MBA announces recipient of annual legislative service award

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has conferred its Burton C. Wood Legislative Service Award to Christine (Chrissi) Rhea, president and CEO of the Mortgage Investors Group (MIG).

The award is given annually to an MBA member in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the association and the broader real estate finance industry. Rhea was named this year’s recipient during a ceremony that took place at the MBA’s 2024 National Advocacy in Washington, DC.

“Chrissi is a results-driven, passionate MBA member and policy advocate who, for many years, has fought for meaningful change on the industry’s biggest issues and priorities,” said Mark Jones, 2024 MBA chairman and president of Union Home Mortgage.

Jones also acknowledged Rhea’s role in the association’s efforts to curb the misuse of trigger leads, which has led to the introduction of bipartisan legislation in both chambers of Congress.

“She embodies what it means to be a leader and is so deserving of this award,” Jones added.

See LinkedIn post here.

Rhea is a member of the MBA’s board of directors and is the immediate past chair of the Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG).

Her efforts to bolster MBA’s advocacy initiatives have also been evident through her participation in the “Advocacy in August” campaign and contributions to the Mortgage Bankers Association Political Action Committee (MORPAC).

Additionally, Rhea plays an active role in the MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Executive Council (IMBEC), among other committees.

The Burton C. Wood Legislative Service Award was named after the MBA’s late legal counsel, who served the association’s advocacy efforts for over three decades.

Wood was known for his effective lobbying skills and was the inaugural recipient of the award in 1990. He passed away in 2010.

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