MBA's Stevens, his cancer in remission, to retire as CEO

David H. Stevens is retiring as president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association on Sept. 30, 2018.

At the start of the organization's convention in Denver this week, Stevens announced he was in full remission from cancer, a diagnosis he had made public one year ago.

"With my cancer in remission, focusing on family, friends and staying healthy is my priority," said Stevens in a press release from the MBA that was issued as its annual convention ended. "This was a difficult decision; it's hard to walk away from supporting an industry that shaped my career. It's been an honor to work with the talented staff, strong leadership and diverse membership of the MBA."

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Stevens came to the MBA in 2011, replacing John Courson as the CEO, after having served as commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration in the Obama administration.

When Stevens was hired, the MBA was an organization in trouble, losing members because of the housing crisis and needing to sell its Washington headquarters in 2010 at a $40 million loss.

In May 2012, Stevens announced he was leaving the MBA to become president of SunTrust Mortgage, but the organization prevailed upon him to stay.

"The MBA has never been stronger and is well-positioned to manage this transition," said David Motley, who was recently installed as the group's chairman. "Dave has given his heart and soul to MBA for nearly seven years and on behalf of the entire membership, we are incredibly grateful for his leadership."

The MBA formed a search committee, chaired by its immediate past Chairman Rodrigo Lopez, to look for Stevens' successor.