New association head pledges to safeguard brokers' future

The incoming president of NAMB promises to do more to further industry causes

The incoming president of a national broker association has pledged to do more to further the cause of the industry and help brokers’ livelihood.

John Councilman was sworn in as NAMB president Sunday at the group’s National Conference at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. Councilman praised outgoing president Donald Frommeyer, saying Frommeyer had helped resurrect the association “from the ashes”, and said he hopes to continue to advocate for the industry.

“When I look out at some of the things we face, when I look out at some of the regulatory structure, I think we can do better. I think we can change some of that for the better,” Councilman said.

Councilman said he would work to lobby on behalf of mortgage professionals to ensure they are secure from further regulatory imposts.

“There’s nothing wrong with making a living right now. The problem is, am I going to be hit with a buyback? Do I have compliance that I can’t possibly comply with? What is my future? We’re going to be working to make sure that your future is secure,” he said.

He also pledged to help mortgage professionals transition into the roles they desire.

“I find people who are mortgage bankers who would like to be brokers and people who are brokers who would like to be bankers. There are so many things that we need to fix to ensure that you can do what you really want to do and do well in this business.”

While Councilman said he would work to advance the cause of the industry, he called on mortgage professionals to do their part as well.

“We need to grow membership. You really need to be a member and be counted. And go out and do one other thing, and that is to tell somebody else they really need to be a member of NAMB. That is going to help us accomplish what I’ve set out here,” he said.