General Session: Advocacy as Your Association's Cornerstone – Amplifying Impact and Member Value

Debbie J. Sousa

Executive Director, Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association, Inc.

Debbie Sousa has been Executive Director of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MMBA) since 2011. As Executive Director she oversees all activities of the MMBA, including education, legislative, membership, and other activities. She also serves as Secretary to the MMB Foundation. Prior to joining the MMBA, Sousa has held a variety of positions in the mortgage industry from processor to senior management working for a community bank, regional mortgage lender, national credit bureau and MI company. When she isn’t working, Sousa is involved in volunteer work in the community, loves spending time with kids and grandkids, escapes to Maine whenever possible, and enjoys going to a Red Sox or BC football game with her husband.

Betty Knecht

Executive Director, Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association

Betty Knecht is the Executive Director of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association (CMLA) where she brings her expertise in association management and leadership to advance the interests of mortgage professionals across the state. With more than two decades of experience, Knecht has a proven track record of driving innovation and fostering growth in the non-profit and association sectors. Before her current role at CMLA, and for 15 years, she served as Vice President of Events and Education at the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. Prior to AAMD, she was with the Colorado Association of Realtors. Her career is defined by her dedication to strengthening associations, promoting industry best practices, and mentoring emerging leaders. Her leadership in these roles has been marked by a commitment to creating value for members, promoting professional development, and building collaborative relationships across industries. Additionally, Knecht currently serves as the Secretary for the Board of Directors for Family Homestead, an organization that provides transitional housing for homeless families in the Denver area. She also serves as a Board member for the Colorado Society of Association Executives. Knecht earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Findlay in Ohio.

Erika Martens

Advocacy Chair, Oklahoma MBA, and Chief Financial Officer, FirstTrust Home Loans, Inc.

Erika Martens serves as the Chief Financial Officer for FirstTrust Home Loans. Having held many diverse positions in the mortgage industry, from underwriting and compliance to operations, technology, and investor relations gives her a unique vantage point when it comes to strategy and business analysis. Erika is the past President of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association (OMBA), OMBA Advocacy Chair, and a Mortgage Action Alliance State Captain. She also serves as Board Chair for the Health and Wellness Center, Oklahoma’s largest rural federally qualified health center. She holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University, and is an active member of several other community and faith- based organizations. She is a two-time recipient of the NEXT Powerhouse Award and is a proud wife and mother.

Jay Pascoe

Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association, Inc.

Jay Pascoe became the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association on January 1, 2020. Jay is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the association and advancing the association’s advocacy, education, and financial strategic objectives. Jay also promotes OMBA at national and state-wide events. Prior to joining OMBA, Jay was with 2 national trade associations in Washington, DC for 17 years. He was assistant Vice President of Membership for the National Association of Manufacturers for 9 years, where he managed a team of 18 individuals. In his first year with the association, he returned the division to a net gain in dues revenue after over five years of losses. After 3 years the division exceeded the association’s objective for net gain growth, followed by a 10-year high in member recruitment and retention. Prior to NAM, Jay was Director of Membership for the American Trucking Association for 6 years, where he implemented traditional and new programs for member recruitment and retention.