MBA Honors Ken Koranda of MidAmerica Bank with the 2007

Andrew D. Woodward Distinguished Service Award

Boston, MA  The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today awarded Ken Koranda, President of MidAmerica Bank, with the Andrew D. Woodward Distinguished Service Award at the association`s 94th Annual Convention and Expo held in Boston.  The award was given to Koranda in recognition of his dedication and prominent service to MBA and the mortgage lending industry. 

This year`s award is especially relevant because it has been renamed to honor of the late Andrew D. Woodward, an industry friend, colleague and leader who passed away earlier this year.  Among other activities in his long and distinguished career, Woodward was instrumental in developing MBA`s Council to Shape Change report which was released in August 2006.

"Last year we lost a one-of-a-kind character, a truly special individual who was beloved by his family, MBA and the entire industry, said MBA`s past Chairman, John Robbins, CMB.  "While it won`t make the loss of Andy any easier to bear, we thought one way to honor him this year, and for years to come, would be through naming the Distinguished Service Award after him." 

 Nominees for the annual award must be associated with an MBA member firm, have a record of sustained and extraordinary service to MBA and the mortgage industry, and have a strong reputation for ethical and professional conduct.

"Ken has been described by those who have worked with him as thoughtful, statesman-like and a true consensus builder." said Robbins.  "When the situation calls for a keen intellect, a true diplomat, and the ability to look at all sides of an issue, Ken is one of the first people we call. He is a true ambassador for MBA and the industry." 

Koranda has been active in MBA for over 15 years, involved in nearly every aspect of MBA`s activities, from committee work to lobbying activities to speaking at conferences.  He has also served on RESBOG and MBA`s Board of Directors.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 500,000 people in virtually every community in the country.  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation`s residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 3,000 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA`s Web site: www.mortgagebankers.org.

Aleis Stokes   (202) 557-2741     astokes@mortgagebankers.org