Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Senior executive with experience in housing policy, advocacy, strategic planning, and external relations. Focuses on building partnerships and finding solutions to affordable housing challenges. A passionate leader committed to solving complex problems through collaboration and innovation. Architect of MBA's placed-based "CONVERGENCE" initiatives to address the racial homeownership gap. CONVERGENCE programs currently exist in Memphis, TN, Columbus, OH, and Philadelphia, PA. Expansion to other cities under consideration. Currently serves as the Chair of the National Housing Conference, the oldest and broadest affordable housing coalition in America. Also active on housing-related board/councils for Freddie Mac, Rocket Mortgage, the National Urban League, the Homeownership Council of America, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.
Steve is the Principal of Belmont Links, LLC, a strategic consulting firm focused on helping mission-oriented clients achieve their objectives in the affordable housing arena. He believes that issue and market campaigns are more successful when they align partners around shared goals, and then leverage their respective strengths for more impactful results. He has designed and managed multiple coalitions focused on complex market and policy outcomes. Steve combines his expertise in housing finance and public policy with a passion for addressing the homeownership challenges facing underserved communities. Prior to Belmont Links, Steve led the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) efforts to find new solutions to affordability challenges for homeownership and rental housing. He is the architect of MBA's place-based CONVERGENCE initiatives, cross-sector collective impact coalitions focused on increasing minority homeownership in Memphis, Columbus, and Philadelpia. Over his career, Steve has worked closely with consumer, civil rights and affordable housing stakeholders across the US.
Manages MBA’s Affordable Housing Initiative, a strategic effort focused on building policy and business partnerships in support of affordable housing – both homeownership and rental. Works with an extensive network of stakeholders, including industry leaders, community groups, civil rights and consumer advocates, and policymakers. Leads MBA’s Consumer Affairs Advisory Council. Serves on boards for the National Housing Conference, National Urban League, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Homeownership Coalition of America, Quicken Loans Consumer Advisory Council, and Freddie Mac’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
Prior experience as a senior executive leading teams focused on public policy, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and industry relations. Managed relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, trade associations, consumer advocate, community groups, and civil rights organizations. Expertise on housing policy and advocacy strategies, including managing coalitions and complex issue campaigns. Frequent speaker at industry events and spokesperson with the media. Previously worked at the National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac, and Skyline Financial Services Corp. Bachelor's degree in political science from Marquette University and a Master's degree in political science from American University.