After only a year, Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David H. Stevens is leaving the Washington-based industry group to become president of SunTrust Mortgage.

Stevens is stepping down as of June 30, the MBA said.

 “Dave has been an exceptional leader for MBA,” said MBA Chairman Michael Young.  “Although we are sorry to see him leave so soon, he leaves us well-positioned for the future. Dave delivered on his pledge to enhance MBA’s position as the industry’s leading voice in advocacy, policy, education and research and has developed a dynamic infrastructure for addressing member needs.” 

Stevens was hired in May 2011 after leaving his position as assistant secretary for housing and commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to HUD, Stevens held senior executive positions in the real estate and mortgage finance sectors.

SunTrust Mortgage is the home lending division of Atlanta-based SunTrust Banks Inc.

MBA Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President Marcia M. Davies will be the interim head of the association pending Stevens’ replacement.

A search for a permanent replacement is already under way, the association said.