California MBA Announces New CEO: Welcome, Paul Gigliotti
Leadership announcement
Welcome, Paul Gigliotti.
Chief Executive Officer, California MBA
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 MilazzoOutgoing 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 GigliottiIncoming 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.
From our officers
What California MBA leadership is saying
I am fully supportive of this leadership transition and believe that Paul is the right choice to lead the California MBA. I am excited about the future of the association under his guidance. He brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to our industry, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance the interests of all our members across the state.
Gary BechtelChairmanSusan Milazzo’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the California MBA into the powerhouse it is today. She has left an incredible legacy of advocacy and member support. We are confident that Paul Gigliotti is the perfect leader to build on this foundation. His vision and deep industry knowledge will be invaluable as we navigate the future of the real estate finance industry.
Nick PabarcusPresident, ResidentialI have complete confidence in Paul and the direction he will take the California MBA. The transition has been smooth, and I am genuinely excited for what’s to come. Paul’s leadership will be key in helping us continue to advocate for our industry and serve our members effectively. I look forward to supporting him and the association in this next chapter.
Cody CharfaurosPresident, CommercialThe transition to Paul’s leadership has been seamless, a testament to the excellent work and planning by Susan and the entire team. Paul has a clear and compelling vision for the California MBA, focused on strengthening our advocacy efforts and providing even greater value to our members. We’re excited to see his plans come to life and to support him in this new chapter.
Kevin PeranioTreasurer