We are deeply saddened to announce that our friend, colleague, and mentor, Marsha Baumgarner, passed away peacefully on September 23 surrounded by family. There are no words to describe the depth of her loss personally and professionally. The countless people whose lives she touched are the better for having known her, and then some.
In her professional life, Marsha shined for her brilliance and impeccable judgment. As vice president and deputy general counsel at Fannie Mae, she drafted and implemented the Multifamily Selling and Servicing Guide, as well as the loan and related documentation still in use today. Marsha also contributed significantly to establishing a new agency lending platform at Beech Street Capital, where she served as executive vice president and general counsel. When Capital One Bank acquired Beech Street Capital, Marsha continued her service as senior vice president, closing, managing all commercial real estate transactions for the bank. The combination of her sharp legal mind, her wise judgment, and her remarkable creativity, made Marsha a unique problem solver and celebrated deal maker.
Marsha leaves behind a legacy of support and mentorship among her colleagues. Through formal training, water cooler discussions, and organic instruction, Marsha’s memory will live on in the careers and lives she helped influence. She was part professor, part deal manager, and an unceasing north star. The vibrant agency and HUD practice we enjoy today is distinctly rooted in her hard work and vision, which was instrumental in building our team’s foundation. We miss her deeply, and are proud to work toward meeting the lofty standards she leaves behind.
©2026 Carlton Fields, P.A. Carlton Fields practices law in California through Carlton Fields, LLP. Carlton Fields publications should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information and educational purposes only, and should not be relied on as if it were advice about a particular fact situation. The distribution of this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship with Carlton Fields. This publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication or proceeding without the prior written consent of the firm, to be given or withheld at our discretion. To request reprint permission for any of our publications, please use our Contact Us form via the link below. The views set forth herein are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the firm. This site may contain hypertext links to information created and maintained by other entities. Carlton Fields does not control or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this outside information, nor is the inclusion of a link to be intended as an endorsement of those outside sites.
Media Contact
Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager
