David H. Stevens, who served as president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) from 2011 until 2018, passed away unexpectedly this week.

Stevens’ career in real estate and mortgage finance started at World Savings and Loan and included leadership roles at Freddie Mac, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Long & Foster Companies.

Immediately before joining MBA, Stevens served as assistant secretary of housing and federal housing commissioner at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama. After he retired from MBA, Stevens was CEO of Mountain Lake Consulting, a financial services consulting firm focused on the real estate finance sector, and served on the board of Dynex Capital.

“David Stevens was an icon within the housing finance industry who shared NAHB’s vision in making the American dream of homeownership a reality for so many American families,” said NAHB CEO Jim Tobin. “We are thankful for his vision and dedication, especially during such difficult times for the industry as the Great Recession, and we know his voice and leadership will be missed.”

For more information, see MBA’s statement.