Ohio MBA - Committees

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

Chairperson: Current Board Trustee/Drew Huggins with CrossCountry Mortgage - Drew.Huggins@ccm.com

Want to expand access to homeownership and strengthen housing opportunities across Ohio? Join our Affordable Housing Committee!

This group brings together lenders, housing advocates, policymakers, program sponsors, and community partners to create stronger, more effective affordable housing solutions. The committee’s work centers on four key pillars: Counseling, Communication, Education, and Advocacy - all aimed at driving positive, sustainable outcomes for families and communities statewide.

It’s a powerful way to collaborate with peers, influence housing policy, and make a real impact on the future of homeownership in Ohio.

For questions or to join the Affordable Housing Committee contact: Drew Huggins with CrossCountry Mortgage at Drew.Huggins@ccm.com or 937-620-7664.

Communications Committee

Chairperson: Current Board Secretary/Andrew Panagos, Go Mortgage - andrew@gomortgage.com

Want to help grow OMBA and shape the member experience? Join our Communications & Member Engagement Committee! This group helps drive membership outreach, brainstorms and supports our 7–10 monthly virtual events, and finds creative ways to keep members engaged year-round. It’s a great way to connect with peers, make an impact, and play a hands-on role in strengthening OMBA’s value to Ohio’s mortgage community.

For questions or to join the Communications Committee contact: Andrew Panagos with Go Mortgage at andrew@gomortgage.com or 401-533-6257 .

Annual Convention Committee

Chairperson: Current Board Vice President/Dawn Carpenter - dnc1220@gmail.com

Want to help shape OMBA’s biggest event of the year? Join our Convention Committee!

This group partners with the Executive Director and Executive Committee to plan and deliver OMBA’s Annual Convention — from selecting a theme and identifying top-tier speakers to shaping programming that appeals to a broad cross-section of the mortgage industry.

It’s your chance to play a direct role in building a premier event that brings Ohio’s mortgage community together for education, networking, and inspiration.

For questions or to join the Convention Committee Contact: Dawn Carpenter at dnc1220@gmail.com or 614-932-5391 .

Education Committee

Chairperson: Current Board Trustee/John Smit, Union Savings Bank - jsmit@usavingsbank.com

Passionate about education and professional growth? Join OMBA’s Education Committee!

This group helps design and deliver high-quality, turnkey educational programs — both virtual and in-person — that keep mortgage professionals informed, compliant, and equipped to better serve their clients. The committee also develops resources for potential and first-time homebuyers preparing to enter the market. A key initiative of this committee is OMBA’s Future Leaders Program, a four-day curriculum that culminates in an in-person day at the Ohio Statehouse.

It’s a chance to shape learning opportunities across the industry, support the next generation of leaders, and ensure our members always have access to the tools and knowledge they need.

For questions or to join the Educational Committee contact John Smit with Union Savings Bank at jsmit@usavingsbank.com or 513-247-0300 x 724.

Ethics Committee

Chairperson: Current Immediate Past President/Chris Hiner, Park National Bank - chris.hiner@parknationalbank.com

Want to help uphold integrity in Ohio’s mortgage industry? Join OMBA’s Ethics Committee!

This committee plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct across our membership. Members review and recommend methods of enforcement, investigate concerns or abuses referred by the Board, and ensure that all actions support the best interests of OMBA and its members. The committee may also recommend to the Board of Trustees disciplinary actions such as censure, suspension, or expulsion when necessary — helping protect both the reputation and strength of the organization.

It’s a great way to safeguard professionalism, promote trust, and make a lasting impact on the integrity of our industry.

For questions or to report a potential ethics issue contact: Chris Hiner, Park National Bank at 419-524-3370 .

Legislative & Government Affairs Committee

Chairpersons: Current Board Members/Shad Belanger, Revolution Mortgage (sbelanger@revolutionmortgage.com) and Brooks McDowell, First Commonwealth Bank (bmcdowell@fcbanking.com)

Want to shape the laws and policies that impact Ohio’s mortgage industry? Join OMBA’s Legislative & Government Affairs Committee!

This committee serves as OMBA’s bridge to the Statehouse, executive agencies, and (when appropriate) federal and local leaders. Members help build and maintain constructive relationships with legislators, regulators, and policymakers while making OMBA’s voice heard on the issues that matter most. The group also 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.

It’s a chance to be at the center of advocacy — protecting our industry, informing our members, and ensuring mortgage professionals across Ohio have a strong voice where decisions are made.