MBA Hires Senate Staffer for Gov't Affairs Job

After months of searching, the Mortgage Bankers Association of America has hired Senate staffer Kurt Pfotenhauer as its new senior vice president of government affairs. Mr. Pfotenhauer, who begins in mid-May, is chief of staff to Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore. He replaces Howard Glaser, who left the trade group in November. Mr. Pfotenhauer has no experience in mortgage finance-related issues, but MBA president Jonathan Kempner does not see this as an issue. "Kurt is a fast learner, and we have plenty of people here to help him out," Mr. Kempner said. "It's a good choice for us, and he'll be up and running in no time." The MBA also named Cheryl Crispen senior vice president of communications, in charge of marketing, public affairs, media affairs, and publications. She joins the association from The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. In one other personnel change, Todd Howe has been let go as senior vice president of member services. The MBA declined to comment on his departure.