General Session: What’s Fresh, What Works for Successful Conferences

Dawn Williams, AMP

Vice President, Conference Programs and Experiences, Mortgage Bankers Association

Dawn Williams, AMP, is the Vice President of Conference Programs and Experiences at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), where she leads the strategy and execution of conference programming, registration services and attendee experience across more than 15 annual events. She collaborates closely with MBA leadership, members, and industry experts to ensure conferences reflect the most pressing issues in mortgage finance and deliver measurable value to attendees. She earned her Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) designation in 2015 and was recognized as MBA’s Employee of the Year in 2017. Prior to MBA, she was Executive Director of the Default Attorney Group (DAG), a consortium of creditors’ rights law firms, and a marketing and events consultant for law firms and small businesses. Earlier in her career, she held marketing and advertising management positions with Time Life Books and May Company department stores. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Virginia.

Simin Bhagat

MBA of the Carolinas, MBA of Mississippi, Association Executive Director, Confluent Strategies

Simin Bhagat serves as Association Executive Director at Confluent Strategies, supporting the MBA of the Carolinas and MBA of Mississippi. With approximately seven years of experience, she brings a diverse background in project management, business development, profit growth, public relations, and employee development. Bhagat is an effective, self-motivated, and results-oriented professional who focuses on strengthening organizational operations and advancing member engagement and strategic initiatives.

Paul Gigliotti

Chief Executive Officer, California Mortgage Bankers Association, Executive Strategic Advisor, Prudent AI

Paul Gigliotti is the CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association. He operates on the principles of true integration between home and work. This whole-self approach to life allows for a stronger focus of energy on who we are as individuals, creating momentum toward where we want to go and aligning with how we will successfully meet our goals. Gigliotti has held executive positions at multiple companies, both in and outside the industry, enabling him to bring new perspectives and innovations to mortgage lending.

Diane VanOverbeke

Treasurer, Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association, Senior Loan Officer, Movement Mortgage

Diane VanOverbeke serves as Treasurer of the Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association and as a Senior Loan Officer with Movement Mortgage. A trusted advisor in the homebuying process, she guides borrowers through each stage with a focus on education and personalized support, helping clients successfully navigate the Treasure Valley, Idaho, market. Her involvement in the Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association reflects a strong commitment to giving back to the industry. In addition to her role on the board, she contributes to the Pacific Northwest Conference planning team and serves on the board of the Women’s Council of Realtors, supporting professional development and industry engagement.