“He was filled with energy and great optimism about what the future holds for our industry,” Nichols wrote. “Truly inspirational. What a gift to us all! I view David as the single most influential leader in our industry. He was a true believer in the American Dream and fought for this on so many levels. His legacy will endure for generations to come.”
Avi Marcus, managing partner, ResiTitle PLLC, also recalled some of Stevens’ personal attributes: “He was as giving with his time as he was with advice and generosity. His insight and passion had an indelible impact on me, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Scott Olson, executive director of the Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA), issued a statement: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Dave Stevens. He was a significant force in the mortgage industry, and his leadership, vision and insight helped to shape the current landscape. Our hearts go out to his wife Mary and their children.”
Bob Broeksmit, the MBA’s president and CEO, also released a statement expressing condolences to Stevens’ family. He recalled Stevens’ impact on the industry “…as one of its great leaders and fiercest advocates.” He added that Stevens “grew up in the mortgage business before serving the industry and its customers both as FHA commissioner during and immediately after the 2008 financial crisis and then as president and CEO of MBA, where he was instrumental in rebuilding our organization and leading the industry out of the Great Recession.”
In her post honoring Stevens, Nichols included a meme of sorts featuring the late industry leader’s visage with a quote that embodied the optimism many of his colleagues recalled in the wake of his death. The quote is a prediction that yields optimism to an industry battered by inflation and high mortgage rates.
