Overview
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.
Marsha Baumgarner had more than 25 years of experience representing mortgage banking clients in commercial real estate lending. She handled matters involving originating, selling, and servicing loan transactions sold to secondary market investors, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Marsha also handled general commercial real estate matters, including the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, and financing of real estate assets. She represented lenders, developers, and service providers within the real estate industry in finance transactions, acquisitions, and construction and permanent lending programs.