PRESS RELEASE


MBA Chair Fights Fraud

Regina Lowrie to Handle Strategic Planning, Advocacy for Best Practices

NOVATO, Calif.--(Oct. 18, 2006) -- Regina Lowrie, outgoing chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, has joined The Prieston Group, (http://priestongroup.com) country’s only provider of integrated mortgage fraud insurance, training and loss mitigation.

A 29-year veteran of the mortgage banking industry, Ms. Lowrie, is currently president and CEO of RML Investments Inc., a consulting firm serving the financial services industry. She previously headed up Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Company as its president and founder and will draw upon her vast experience to handle advocacy work, strategic planning and business modeling for TPG.

“There is tremendous synergy between my views and The Prieston Group’s mission of not only protecting lenders against fraud, but also advocating for and building upon best practices throughout the industry,” said Ms. Lowrie, CMB. “This new role is another avenue for me to continue my commitment and passion to the real estate finance industry. I will continue to advocate on important issues such as abusive lending practices, financial literacy, consumer education and, most importantly, mortgage fraud. I believe mortgage fraud against lenders is one of the most troubling issues facing our industry today and that TPG’s promotion of industry-wide best practices is a key component in addressing this problem.”

Ms. Lowrie will serve as a principal of TPG, with her long history of success in the mortgage banking industry serving her well in this new role.

“The addition of Regina to our staff will bring benefits that extend far beyond The Prieston Group and our clients; the industry as a whole will benefit from this partnership,” said TPG Chairman Arthur Prieston. “I have known Regina for many years and know that she is one of our industry’s most talented and committed individuals. Her talent, vision and insight will help continue moving the industry forward, especially as it relates to best practices. Her commitment, knowledge and vast experience make her a perfect fit for TPG.”

Ms. Lowrie founded Horsham, Penn.-based Gateway in 1994 with seven employees and $1.5 million in startup capital and grew it to more than 800 employees, 58 offices and originations of $2 billion annually. Widely recognized throughout the country as a premier, high-quality mortgage banking operation, Gateway is Greater Philadelphia’s largest independent mortgage company. Ms. Lowrie sold her interest in the company in July.

Prior to founding Gateway, Ms. Lowrie’s previous responsibilities had trained her in a variety of senior management positions handling loan origination, processing, underwriting, operations, secondary marketing and federal and regulatory compliance.

Yet Ms. Lowrie’s commitment to the industry extends far beyond her immediate positions and responsibilities. In 1995, she took office as the first woman president of the local MBA chapter in the Greater Philadelphia area, and is credited with being one of that chapter’s most active presidents. She has also been active in the MBA of Pennsylvania, which brought her recognition and involvement on the national level. In 1996, she was elected to the MBA’s Board of Governors, and has served as chairman of the Residential/Single-Family Board of Governors (RESBOG) and as chairman of the Political Action Committee (MORPAC), among other leadership positions. She assumed the role of MBA chairman in October 2005, becoming the first woman to do so in the organization’s 94-year history.

As MBA chairman, Ms. Lowrie has continued MBA’s offerings including information and resources on mortgage fraud. She also continued implementing MBA’s three-year strategic plan that includes achieving greater breath and depth in the membership base, enhancing MBA’s position and visibility on the legislative and regulatory front and establishing MBA as a leader in the creation of industry standards in technology and education.

She is particularly proud of creating the Council to Shape Change, a think tank of real estate finance leaders. The group examined the state of the industry, as well as current trends and conditions, and put together a vision of what the industry would look like in the future. This vision will serve as an industry blueprint for various decisions over the coming years, including those that relate to best practices.

Ms. Lowrie has also been honored outside the mortgage industry for her achievements. The Philadelphia Business Journal and the National Association of Business Owners named her one of the 25 Women of Distinction in 2006. Additionally, in November, she will be recognized as an outstanding member of the Philadelphia community by the Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Delaware Valley.

SOURCE: The Prieston Group