Industry veteran takes charge of lobbying and advocacy initiatives
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has named Rachel Kelley (pictured) as its new vice president of legislative affairs.
In this role, Kelley will spearhead advocacy efforts for MBA’s legislative and policy priorities, focusing primarily on engaging with Republican members of the House of Representatives. Before this promotion, Kelley was the associate vice president of political affairs at the MBA.
“Rachel is passionate about political advocacy and real estate finance and has led several successful advocacy and fundraising campaigns at MBA, at other related industry trade groups, as a consultant, and while serving in key roles at the Republican National Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee,” Bill Killmer, MBA’s chief lobbyist and senior vice president of legislative and political affairs, said in a media release.
Kelley’s impact on MBA was notable even before her recent promotion. As AVP of political affairs, she played a crucial role in expanding the organization’s Political Action Committee (MORPAC) and Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA) grassroots program. Under her leadership, the MAA’s membership grew to over 65,000 industry professionals.
During the 2021-2022 election cycle, Kelley led member engagement efforts that raised nearly $3,050,000 in individual donations, positioning MORPAC among the top 10 national trade association PACs in terms of total fundraising receipts and contributions distributed.
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Before her tenure at MBA, Kelley held various political fundraising roles at organizations, including CLT Host 2020, Inc., the Republican National Committee, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She also has experience in lobbying and managing PACs for other industry groups, such as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and worked as a lobbyist for a multiclient firm specializing in business development and education appropriation grants.
Kelley’s career in political affairs began at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and included a role in the office of former US Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL).
“Her proven track record mobilizing support will add a unique dimension to our direct lobbying team,” Killmer added. “I am confident her deep relationships on Capitol Hill will generate successful legislative outcomes for MBA and its members.”
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