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OMBA Committees |
If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved with OMBA, joining a committee is one of the best ways to do it. Committees are where members connect, share ideas, and help shape the programs, events, and advocacy that move our industry forward.
Ready to jump in? Send our Executive Director, Rich Swerbinsky, a quick note at rich@ohiomba.org and he’ll help you find the right fit.
Affordable Housing Committee
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Leadership Chair: Andrew Panagos — Spartan Advisory, LLC · andrewpanagos@icloud.com Co-Chair: Drew Huggins — CrossCountry Mortgage · drew.huggins@ccm.com This committee brings together lenders, housing advocates, policymakers, program sponsors, and community partners to expand access to homeownership and strengthen housing opportunities across Ohio. The work centers on four key pillars: Counseling, Communication, Education, and Advocacy — all aimed at driving sustainable outcomes for families and communities statewide. Questions? Contact Andrew Panagos at andrewpanagos@icloud.com or 401-533-6257. |
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Communications & Member Engagement Committee
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Leadership Chair: Molly Woeste — McSteen Surveyors · mollyw@mcsteen.com Co-Chair: Anthony Ruiz — Advantage Partners Solutions · aruiz@advcredit.com This committee drives membership outreach, supports OMBA’s virtual event calendar, and finds creative ways to keep members engaged year-round. If you want a hands-on role in growing the OMBA community and shaping how we communicate with Ohio’s mortgage industry, this is your committee. Questions? Contact Molly Woeste at mollyw@mcsteen.com or 440-773-4983. |
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Annual Convention Committee
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Leadership Chair: Brian Hewitt — Fifth Third Bank · brian.hewitt@53.com Co-Chair: Dawn Carpenter — KEMBA Financial Credit Union · dcarpenter2@kemba.org The Convention Committee partners with the Executive Director and Executive Committee to plan and deliver OMBA’s Annual Convention — from selecting themes and identifying top-tier speakers to shaping programming for a broad cross-section of the mortgage industry. The 2026 conference set an all-time attendance record with 225+ attendees and 130+ organizations. The 2027 planning is already underway — this is your chance to help shape it. Questions? Contact Brian Hewitt at brian.hewitt@53.com or 614-561-7737. |
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Education Committee
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Leadership Chair: Jeremy Bowling — Huntington National Bank · jeremy.bowling@huntington.com Co-Chair: John Smit — Union Savings Bank · jsmit@usavingsbank.com The Education Committee designs and delivers high-quality programs — both virtual and in-person — that keep Ohio’s mortgage professionals informed, compliant, and equipped to serve their clients. A key initiative is OMBA’s Future Leaders Program, a four-day curriculum that culminates in an in-person day at the Ohio Statehouse. This committee is also how you help shape learning opportunities and support the next generation of industry leaders. Questions? Contact Jeremy Bowling at jeremy.bowling@huntington.com or 216-650-8002. |
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Ethics Committee
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Leadership Chair: Adam Rose — Western Ohio Mortgage Corporation · arose@westernohiomortgage.com The Ethics Committee maintains the highest standards of professional conduct across OMBA’s membership. Members review and recommend methods of enforcement, investigate concerns or abuses referred by the Board, and ensure all actions support the best interests of OMBA and its members. The committee may also recommend disciplinary actions such as censure, suspension, or expulsion when necessary — protecting both the reputation and strength of the organization. Questions or ethics concerns? Contact Adam Rose at arose@westernohiomortgage.com or 937-441-1233. |
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Legislative & Government Affairs Committee
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Leadership Chair: Shad Belanger — Revolution Mortgage · sbelanger@revolutionmortgage.com Co-Chair: John Salter — Arch MI · jsalter@archmi.com This committee is OMBA’s bridge to the Statehouse, executive agencies, and federal and local leaders. Members help build relationships with legislators, regulators, and policymakers while making OMBA’s voice heard on the issues that matter most. The committee monitors legislative and regulatory activity, reviews proposed bills and amendments, and works alongside OMBA’s lobbyist to provide timely updates and insights to the membership. Questions? Contact Shad Belanger at sbelanger@revolutionmortgage.com or 440-570-6126. |
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Women’s Committee
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Leadership Chair: Heidi Belnay — Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association · heidi@ohiomba.org Co-Chair: Dawn Carpenter — KEMBA Financial Credit Union · dcarpenter2@kemba.org The Women’s Committee supports and empowers women across Ohio’s mortgage industry through networking events, programming, and initiatives designed to celebrate and elevate women who lead, build, and inspire. From the Raising the Bar interview series to the annual Margaritas & Mingle networking event, this committee creates real spaces for connection, recognition, and growth. Questions? Contact Heidi Belnay at heidi@ohiomba.org or 609-425-4221. |
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Not Sure Which Committee Is Right for You?
Reach out to Rich Swerbinsky and he’ll point you in the right direction. Committee involvement is open to all employees of OMBA member companies.
rich@ohiomba.org · (440) 552-0691
| → Join OMBA to Get Involved |