Meet the DEI Team
Our dedicated DEI team is working hard to increase resources that our member organizations can leverage to initiate or enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion related efforts in their organizations. By working collectively, the DEI team is currently
assessing new ways to help elevate your DEI efforts.
Lisa Haynes, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Lisa is responsible for accounting and financial functions, including setting the policies, procedures, strategies, and practices of MBA, as well as overseeing the Association's assets. She also works to ensure future financial stability for MBA through
strategic planning and forecasting.
With over 30 years of experience in the fields of finance and accounting, Haynes brings a wealth of knowledge to the CFO position. Prior to joining MBA, Haynes worked for Fannie Mae and served the company in several positions including Vice President
of Financial Planning & Analysis, Vice President for Finance Transformation, and Vice President for Operational Accounting, where she led a team of 45 professionals responsible for the management of single and multifamily loans worth approximately
$3 trillion.
Haynes has also been named MBA's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this role, she serves as an executive-level strategist partnering with the leaders of MBA's diversity and inclusion initiatives to promote a comprehensive strategy that fosters
a culture of diversity and inclusion within the real estate finance industry. In addition to working with Human Resources, Lisa develops and implements plans, programs, and activities that educate and engage employees on the value of diversity and
the critical importance of inclusion.
Before her work at Fannie Mae, Haynes established and grew her own consulting practice in Massachusetts. Her practice specialized in financial consulting services for nonprofits and small businesses. Haynes was also the Senior Associate Controller and
Director for John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. in Boston where she led the SEC and Management Reporting team during the company's demutualization in 2000.
Haynes holds a Master of Business Administration from the Boston University Graduate School of Management, Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley College, and is certified as a public accountant in the state of Virginia.
Amber Lawrence, Associate Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Amber is responsible for the strategic leadership and developing an organizational-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework, goals, equitable practices, and member-facing DEI initiatives. She oversees the internal DEI team and a variety of task
forces, and special projects.Prior to this role, she was a core member of MBA’s Education leadership team. In addition, she managed its professional certification and designation programs-notably, the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) program. In this capacity, she oversaw candidate
matriculation, curriculum development, and examination processes and served as the primary liaison for the Society of Certified Mortgage Bankers.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Communication from Howard University, and an Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching, offered in partnership with Howard University and the Coach Diversity Institute.
Email AmberConnect with Amber on LinkedIn
Ashley Reid, Specialist, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ashley supports the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and culture at MBA. She works with the DEI team and employee resource group EMBRACE to deepen the understanding and embodiment of equity and inclusion. Ashley brings a diverse
wealth of experience and knowledge in community building, equity and inclusion, and community care.
Prior to joining MBA, Ashley utilized her facilitation and organizing skills at Kindred Communities where she partnered with school communities across the Washington, D.C. metro area to help address issues of inequity, and build deeper connections
between staff, school leaders, and families to create a more inclusive and equitable community. She’s also served as an advocate and facilitator in various communities including Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ, and the Marin
Interfaith Council in Marin County, CA.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Print Journalism from North Carolina A&T State University, Master of Arts in Management from Wake Forest School of Business, and a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn
Contact MBA’s DEI Team
Interested in learning more about DEI resources and programs? Contact MBA's DEI Team.