FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025 — The California Mortgage Bankers Association (California MBA) today announced a planned leadership transition, as Chief Executive Officer Susan Milazzo prepares to retire from the association. The California MBA Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Paul Gigliotti as her successor, effective October 1, 2025.

Mrs. Milazzo has served the California MBA and its members for 21 years, dedicating her career to fostering growth, education, and advocacy within the state’s real estate finance industry. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex market conditions and solidifying the association’s role as the voice of mortgage banking in California. To ensure a seamless transition for the industry and its members, Susan will be staying on as a consultant for the following year.

“It has been my honor to serve as the CEO for the California MBA for over 20 years, and I am very proud of the organization’s strength and resilience. Through the highs and lows of the market cycle this association has remained strong in its dedication to represent and support the California real estate finance industry. Paul will bring his passion for expanding on the foundation I’ve built to elevate the California MBA and provide new opportunities for members and our partners.
— Susan Milazzo, Outgoing CEO, California MBA

Paul Gigliotti brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a veteran mortgage leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial-services and technology industries. He has held executive roles for multiple mortgage lenders, and he has a distinguished track record of growing lending platforms while streamlining internal and external operational processes. His prior experience with organizations like AXIS and Pinnacle, as well as his service on the California MBA Board of Directors, has prepared him to lead the association and its members into the future.

This unique combination of leadership experience is complemented by his deep expertise in mortgage technology. As a respected Chief Growth Officer and consultant for major mortgage tech firms like Prudent AI, Paul is a recognized thought leader who has championed critical industry conversations at events such as the Mortgage Innovators Conference and many more. This extensive background makes him the perfect choice to lead the California MBA at a time when technology is reshaping the future of real estate finance.

“Throughout my career, whether building lenders such as Pinnacle, advancing education through AXIS, or driving innovation in technology with Prudent AI, my focus has always been on strengthening our industry and the people who make it work. Stepping into this role is an opportunity to bring those experiences together in service of our members. Susan has built an incredible foundation of advocacy and leadership, and I look forward to building on that legacy to ensure the California MBA remains a trusted voice and a vibrant community for all of us.”
— Paul Gigliotti, Incoming CEO, California MBA

The Board of Directors and the entire California MBA community extend their gratitude to Mrs. Milazzo for her dedicated service and welcome Mr. Gigliotti to his new role.

About the California MBA: The California Mortgage Bankers Association (California MBA) is the leading statewide trade association committed to protecting and advancing California and the nations real estate finance industry.