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47 May 2024 F E A T U R E S T O R Y May 2024 » John Vella NMSA Chair, 2024-2026 Q: Why is NMSA membership important to you? And how does the Association contribute to the industry in terms of thought leadership and other initiatives? Vella: The industry is in need of a group like NMSA. When you have all your peers in the industry, you get differ- ent opinions and views on issues we are all facing, because we all encounter the same situations. The camaraderie of the group, the ability to share information, and the willingness to help each other out has been evident throughout the years. The goal is to continue that and continue to work together to find solutions that help borrowers, investors, and our own internal operations. NMSA is comprised of a truly unique group of individuals who are committed to their companies, and to the concept of "team." I call it a team because everyone communicates, not just when we have meetings, but there is a lot of communi- cation when we return to our offices. A lot of us see each other on the circuit and call each other up when there are issues and confide in each other. Q: Looking back at the last couple of years of Jocelyn's tenure as NMSA Chair, what would you say are some of the things that she has accomplished that you are looking to build off? Vella: I think both Wes [Iseley, NMSA Chair 2019-2021] and Jocelyn galvanized the team and attacked the issues we have had in the industry. They have set protocol on how to address these issues, so there is a solid game plan in place. The current financial market, from a real estate, interest rate, government reg- ulation, and loan product diversification standpoint, is creating new challenges for loan servicers that need to be addressed. Q: What is your vision for NMSA? What are some of your primary goals as you enter the role of NMSA Chair? Vella: Through NMSA, I would like to create a forum where everyone is com- fortable participating. Normally, you get the same participants and the same group involvement. I would like to broaden the group to make sure we are getting more people involved, and soliciting their input. We want to get committees together and encourage participation at all levels with different points of view. This process will help grow leadership for the future. The style is to have meetings centered around the top three to five issues we are facing in the market today. We will rally around those issues to make sure we are addressing what the team collectively thinks are the appropriate topics and we can tackle them from there. This way, ev- eryone is engaged and can prioritize what is important for the entire group. Q: When it is time for you to step aside as NMSA Chair and pass the torch to the next leader, how do you want your legacy remembered? What do you want to leave behind and pass along? Vella: Just taking what was done in the past with Wes, and then with Jocelyn, building off that and continuing to make the group have a bigger voice in the industry will really make a difference. Mentoring others inside MSEA is also important to make sure that they are part of this industry as it grows. Most importantly, organizing around the issues that we are facing today, and getting things done instead of just talking about them. When I look back, I want to have tackled key issues, and have made a difference in how NMSA is perceived. "I want to get committees together and encourage participation at all levels, getting more people engaged and different points of view." —John Vella, NMSA Chair, 2024-2026