(Washington, D.C.) – The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) announced today that Paulina McGrath has been appointed as Vice President of CHLA. In this role, McGrath will help lead the organization in advocating for independent mortgage banks nationwide as well as promoting policies that support underserved and first-time homebuyers.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Paulina to our leadership team as CHLA continues to grow and diversifies its offerings to our membership,” said Taylor Stork, President of CHLA. “Paulina is a proven leader who has advocated tirelessly for our industry. The IMB community will benefit immensely from her wisdom, experience, and understanding of the regulatory and legislative process.”
McGrath was Chair of the Board for Community Mortgage Lenders of America (CMLA), before merging with CHLA in 2022. As an outspoken advocate for community-based lenders, McGrath has written various op-eds and articles as well as testified before Congress, key regulators, and presidential administrations.
Since 2006, McGrath has served as President of Houston-based Republic State Mortgage Company, where she is responsible for overseeing the business’s operational growth and financial portfolio. During that time, Republic has been recognized by Inc and Fortune Magazine, and from 2019 to 2024 has been named by National Mortgage News as one of the Best Mortgage Companies to Work For.
McGrath has also been recognized by HousingWire as one of the 15 Women of Influence, and from 2018-2019 she served as President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) — making her one of only five women to hold this position in the organization’s over 100-year history.
McGrath holds a Master of Arts from George Washington University and Bachelor of Science from Auburn University.