The Mortgage Bankers Association is starting 2026 with a major leadership appointment, appointing an experienced accounting executive to chief financial officer. 

The industry trade group welcomed Alexandra Brinton to the role of vice president, chief financial officer. With a background working for a variety of trade and nonprofit organizations, she will be responsible for MBA's managerial accounting and financial operations, including reporting, forecasting and risk management. 

"Her proven track record of strengthening associations and organizations through thoughtful, disciplined financial leadership makes her an excellent addition to our team," said the trade group's chief administrative officer Peter J. Grace in a press release.   

"She brings a strategic mindset, strong operational rigor and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that will be a real asset to our association as we further strengthen our financial operations," he further commented.

Brinton takes over the CFO position at Washington-based MBA that had previously been held by Lisa Haynes, who retired in late 2024. 

A certified public accountant, Brinton joins the trade group after most recently serving as controller at the American Association of Airport Executives. She previously also held that same title at the Internet & Television Association, The Conservation Fund and Interaction, a consortium of nongovernmental organizations. 

Her arrival also comes following the recent departure of former chief operating officer Marcia Davies, who retired at the end of 2025. Davies was in the leadership position for over a decade, ascending to the post after formerly serving as chief of staff to former CEO David Stevens among other roles. Davies also founded and led development of MBA's Mpower program, which was created to provide support and mentorship to women seeking to grow their mortgage careers.  

MBA expects single-family originations to total approximately 5.8 million units in 2026, which would represent an increase of over 6% from 2025, as the mortgage industry attempts to build back volume following the sharp downturn earlier this decade.