John B. Johnson, the co-founder and former CEO of MortgageAmerica Inc., passed away on April 15 at the age of 84.
Johnson began his mortgage banking career began in 1966 at Colonial Mortgage Company, where he rose through the ranks to become chief operating officer. He moved to Molton-Allen & Williams where he held different positions, rising to executive vice president of the mortgage banking division. He organized MortgageAmerica Inc. in 1978 and served as its CEO until his retirement in 2012.
Johnson was a prominent leader in his industry’s trade organizations, serving as president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama for 1980-1981 and serving on the board of directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association from 1999-2003. He also served as chairman of the MBA’s Residential Board of Governors in 2001-2002 and was chairman of the board of directors for MERS in 2006.
“John was an exemplary leader among independent mortgage bankers and for the MBA and its Alabama association,” said MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit. “He was a consummate gentleman and a tenacious advocate for our industry, nurturing personal and professional relationships with key elected representatives to advance our issues. He will be sorely missed.”