Washington, D.C. June 4, 2008 - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today announced the nomination of Michael D. Berman, CMB, President of CWCapital as its Vice Chairman-Elect. Berman will be elected by MBA members at the Association's 95th Annual Convention, which will be held in October in San Francisco, California.

Berman’s nomination was announced at MBA’s President’s Conference, which is held each June. An active member for more than two decades, his nomination reflects his ongoing service and dedication to MBA and its members. Berman currently serves on MBA’s Board of Directors, Commercial/Multifamily Board of Governors (COMBOG)and the 2008 Fannie Mae DUS Advisory Council.  He also served on the Audit Committee and Chaired the Strategic Planning Committee in 2007 and served on MBA’s Council to Shape Change in 2006.

“Michael’s invaluable contributions and over 20 years of active involvement with MBA have proven he is an exceptional choice for the Vice Chairman position,” said MBA Chairman Kieran P. Quinn, CMB. “His extensive real estate finance background and innovative vision within the real estate finance industry will help him serve as a strong leader for the association as we, on behalf of our members, continue to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities to Americans in this ever evolving market.”

“Michael is a very accomplished and respected professional in the mortgage industry and we are very fortunate to have him serve as MBA’s Vice Chairman”, said Jonathan L. Kempner, MBA's President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a longtime friend and colleague, I look forward to working with him as an officer of the association in the years ahead.”

Berman has been in the mortgage finance industry since 1985, when he served as Executive Vice President, Co-Director of Originations and a member of the Loan Committee of CWCapital. Berman is a founder and principal of CWFinancial Services and serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Berman is also the President of CWCapital, the company’s multifamily and commercial lending subsidiary. In these capacities, he is responsible for supervising all loan production, underwriting, closing and servicing activities, as well as the management of approximately 200 employees in 13 offices nationwide. 

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 370,000 people in virtually every community in the country.  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,400 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's Web site: www.mortgagebankers.org.