This year marks Kathleen Caswell's 15th year with Freddie Mac. She joined the company as a regional account executive, and for the last seven years has served community lenders in New England, New York and New Jersey.

She'll celebrate another milestone this month, when she is inducted as Chair of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Kathleen has been a member of the MBA since 1991, and has held various board positions since 2007, including President of the MBA Foundation, Director and Treasurer.

In her new role, she will lead the Massachusetts MBA. "It's really just a progression," Kathleen says. "To me, becoming Chair is really about continuing to support a range of audiences. Whether a member represents a community lender, an independent bank, a larger bank or a mortgage broker, I want to gain firsthand knowledge of the issues that concern them and apply that knowledge – to my role at Freddie Mac as well as to my role with the Massachusetts MBA."

Kathleen brings a deep understanding of many aspects of lending, including production, risk and capital markets. "I've experienced many mortgage banking cycles, and have remained consistently committed to responsible lending that helps qualified borrowers get into a home," she says.

"We must find solutions to responsible access to credit for those who need it most," she notes. Top of mind for her in the new year is how student loans impact millennials' ability to purchase a residence, whether a condominium or a single-family home.

And that's why it's so important for the Massachusetts MBA to be an educational platform. "I'm looking forward to bringing new ideas that support our lenders through education," Kathleen says. "For both the Massachusetts MBA and its members, knowledge is power."

Her commitment to education includes training, relevant programs, industry insight and operational and marketing strategies that keep members up-to-date. "The Massachusetts MBA is the voice of our lenders, and I want to continue its tradition as our lenders' advocate," she adds.

As to her role at Freddie Mac, Kathleen is quick to say that it has always been her philosophy to find out what Freddie Mac can do to help customers today, and in the future.

"Every day is an exciting day at Freddie Mac," she says. "Freddie Mac is focused on developing new programs and new technologies that will help our customers do more business. I'm bringing that energy and enthusiasm to my role with the Massachusetts MBA.

"It's an honor to have the opportunity to affect change. I'm humbled by it."