Opening General Session: Inside Washington
In the early months of President Trump’s second term, gain insight from a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of American government and politics. Former White House Chief of Staff and Republican National Committee chief Reince Priebus offers perspective from his extensive experience during a time of historic change. Sponsored by Longbridge Financial. The session opens with a welcome from MBA’s 2025 Chair, Laura Escobar, and her updates on the association’s initiatives.
Speakers
Welcome
Laura Escobar is a 35-year real estate finance industry veteran who has held leadership positions with both bank-owned and independent mortgage companies overseeing all aspects of mortgage banking. Since 2018, she has been President of Lennar Mortgage, the mortgage lending subsidiary of Lennar Corporation, leading a team of more than 1,650 associates in 34 locations across 28 states. Escobar joined Lennar Mortgage in 2002 as Branch Manager; in 2004, she was promoted to Senior Vice President managing the Eastern Region; and in 2016, she became Executive Vice President, overseeing operations and production of the company's Builder Division. Escobar currently serves on several advisory boards and committees, including MBA’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors. She is also a member of the MORPAC Steering Committee; Fannie Mae AHAC; Freddie Mac Advisory Board; NAHREP; NAMMBA Visionary Ambassador; and United Way’s chapter – Women United. Passionate about “Paying It Forward,” Escobar is on the MBA Opens Doors Foundation’s Board of Directors and is very active in her local community in South Florida, showing support and volunteering through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. She is also a licensed mental health counselor and devotes much of her time working with underprivileged women and minorities.
Featured Speakers
Reince Priebus currently serves as the President of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a nationwide law firm with more than 350 attorneys. Prior to joining Michael Best, Reince was named White House Chief of Staff shortly after the 2016 Presidential campaign. Beginning in 2011, he served as chairman of the Republican National Committee for the longest term in modern history. He oversaw a dramatic turnaround of the RNC, rescuing its finances, repairing its operations, and raising over one billion dollars. He was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2016 and 2017. Before serving as RNC Chairman, Reince was chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. He previously served as a visiting Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. He is currently an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
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