The 72nd episode of What the M features Steven Nesmith, CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

In this episode, Kent and Steve sit down with Steven to talk about the affordable housing shortage and how public housing is changing. They discuss mixed-income communities, modular construction, converting commercial buildings into housing, and new ways to finance redevelopment. Steven also shares how his experience in public service, law, and mortgage servicing, along with his own upbringing in public housing, shaped his approach to helping residents build a path toward homeownership and greater opportunity.

Welcome to What the M, Steven!

The 71st episode of What the M features Mark McArdle, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Relations, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Newrez, LLC.

In this episode, industry veteran Mark McArdle shares his unique perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape in mortgage servicing, the impact of state and federal enforcement priorities, and the role of technology and AI in compliance. Before turning to the servicer side, Mark worked for the United States Treasury Department and was the Assistant Director of Mortgage Markets at the CFPB from 2017 to 2025, where he led a team that worked closely with industry and other stakeholders to help inform the Bureau and the public on current and future trends in the mortgage origination and servicing markets. He also led efforts to modernize HMDA reporting and spearheaded the Bureau’s mortgage response to COVID-19. At Newrez, he leads initiatives to shape mortgage policy, partnering closely with regulators, trade groups, consumer groups and other stakeholders. Having worked in all facets of the industry, Mark has invaluable insights to share on navigating the complex environment of mortgage regulation and how industry players can adapt.

Welcome to What the M, Mark!

In this special episode of “What the M,” Steve and Kent are honored to welcome Brian D. Montgomery as a guest. While Brian is well-known throughout the mortgage default servicing industry for his distinguished career in housing finance and public service, he also has a unique firsthand perspective on one of the most consequential days in American history: as the Director of Presidential Advance, he was traveling aboard Air Force One with President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. For the 25th anniversary of that fateful day, Brian was kind enough to visit with us and answer questions about the events, the aftermath, and the moments he most vividly remembers.

Brian D. Montgomery is a former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and two-time Federal Housing Commissioner. He served in senior leadership roles under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, becoming the only person to lead the Federal Housing Administration twice. As Director of Presidential Advance, Montgomery traveled extensively with President George W. Bush and, in addition to being aboard Air Force One with the President on September 11, 2001, he helped coordinate presidential events and logistics in the days that followed, including visits to the Pentagon and Ground Zero. He later received the September 11 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his service. With more than 30 years of experience in government and housing finance, Montgomery has played a significant role in housing policy, mortgage finance, disaster recovery, and regulatory reform.

We are honored to welcome Brian to the podcast.