Jason Scott Returns To Regions Bank

Jason Scott is returning to Regions Bank and its subsidiary Sabal Capital Partners as managing director and head of Conventional Loan Production, the companies announced in a press release. Scott previously worked with Regions as director of originations for its Real Estate Capital Markets Group, where he originated permanent commercial real estate loans. In that role, he closed more than $1 billion in Fannie Mae, HUD, and CMBS transactions, among others. “The Regions Bank and Sabal Capital Partners family is a recognized leader in multifamily and commercial real estate finance, having grown considerably in the last few years,” he said.  “I am excited to return to this incredible team and begin this new role to further expand the Real Estate…

Joseph O’Doherty Joins Mizuho As Head Of Residential Mortgage Finance

Joseph O’Doherty is joining Mizuho Americas as Managing Director, Head of Residential Mortgage Finance, the company announced in a press release. O’Doherty will launch and lead Mizuho’s Mortgage Finance business. It will include the “full suite of Agency and non-Agency mortgage products,” the company says. As Managing Director, he will work with Mizuho’s MBS Trading and Sales teams to He reports to Head of Fixed Income Division Thomas Hartnett and is based in New York. “Securitized Products is a core pillar of our overall markets business in the Americas, where we continue to expand the perimeter of our offering and the depth of talent on our team,” said Hartnett.  “Joe’s outstanding record of business development and leadership with clients, places…

Carol Crawford Takes Exec Position At FirstClose

Carol Crawford is joining fintech data and workflow solutions provider FirstClose as its Chief Marketing Officer, the company announced in a press release. Crawford will lead strategy and execution for brand development, integrated marketing, and multi-channel communications. She brings more than two decades of experience in mortgage and financial services marketing and leadership to the position. Her most recent position was Senior Director at ICE Mortgage Technology. She has also served as Chief Marketing Officer of ClosingCorp, which was acquired by CoreLogic during her tenure, as well as positions at First American and CoreLogic. “Carol is a highly accomplished and visionary leader in data and technology marketing and sales with a proven track record of creating effective campaigns that drive…

EVP: Rocket’s “Inflation Buster” Result Of Listening To Clients’ Needs

By KIMBERLEY HAAS As interest rates climb towards seven percent and loan applications fall to their slowest pace since 1997, leaders at Rocket Mortgage say they have a solution and it has a name: Inflation Buster. Rocket’s new Inflation Buster program was announced on Sept. 16. It gives homebuyers a reprieve by reducing their monthly mortgage payment by one percentage point for the first year of their loan, according to a press release. Bill Banfield, EVP of Capital Markets at Rocket Mortgage, sat down for an interview with The Mortgage Note to explain how the program is the result of leaders at the company listening to the needs of their clients. “You, me, everybody is talking about inflation. You can’t…

Brad Chmura Joins Anchor As CRO

Anchor Loans has hired Brad Chmura as Chief Revenue Officer, the company announced in a press release. Chmura will be responsible for revenue growth, company sales, loan fulfillment, and customer service, as well as boosting Anchor’s brand. The company specializes in large loans for experienced real estate investors. He has more than two decades of experience in business-to-business sales and operational leadership. Prior to joining Anchor, Chmura served as CEO at CoreVest Finance, a national lender for real estate investors. He has also served as Vice President of Sales at First American Mortgage Solutions and Director of Global Mortgage Sales for CoreLogic. “Brad is a highly accomplished, recognized leader in sales and operations, with a proven track record of driving…

Jerry Halbrook Joins Pennymac

Pennymac has appointed fintech exec Jerry Halbrook as its Chief Mortgage Innovation Officer, the company announced in a press release. Halbrook brings four decades of experience to the company. He will be responsible for developing and launching new tech solutions and preparing for future innovations. “Pennymac welcomes Jerry and his extensive expertise as we continue to make significant strides towards building the future of technology in the mortgage banking industry,” said Doug Jones, President and Chief Mortgage Banking Officer at Pennymac.  “Jerry is a proven leader who will accelerate Pennymac’s growth in sectors where our industry is moving – especially in today’s competitive and volatile market.” His previous experience includes roles in the top 10 mortgage lenders, plus boutique firms…

Rocket Announces Exec Leadership Changes

Rocket’s CFO and General Counsel are both retiring, resulting in changes to its executive leadership, the company announced in a press release. Julie Booth, CFO and Treasurer, will be retiring effective November 15. She has been with Rocket Mortgage for nearly 20 years and has served as CFO since 2005. She will be replaced by Brian Brown, currently Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to Rocket, he consulted with financial services companies at EY. “During her time as CFO, Julie has been a tremendous leader in our organization, helping guide our company through significant growth and expansion, culminating with our IPO in 2020,” said Jay Farner, Rocket Companies Vice Chairman and CEO.  “Even more impressive is the tremendous team Julie has built…

Priscilla Almodovar Named Fannie Mae CEO

Priscilla Almodovar has been named Fannie Mae’s CEO and member of the Board of Directors, the GSE announced in a press release. Almodovar will succeed former interim CEO David C. Benson, who will remain in the role of President. “It’s an honor to join Fannie Mae and lead the company as it carries out its vital role in the housing finance market and works to help ensure that equitable, affordable housing is available to people in communities across the country,” Almodovar said.  “I look forward to working with the Board, Management, and my new colleagues at Fannie Mae to continue this important work, which has benefited so many people over the company’s more than 80-year history.” She offers three decades…

Q&A With SingleSource COO: Ed Austin Speaks About Services, Protecting Neighborhoods

The Chief Operating Officer at SingleSource Property Solutions said in a recent interview with The Mortgage Note that their mission is to protect neighborhoods. Ed Austin has been working in the mortgage industry for 25 years on the vendor management side. He has been COO of SingleSource in Pennsylvania for seven years. In August, the company celebrated its 20-year anniversary of the launch of home equity service offerings. The company’s second mortgage services are available in economical bundles and include valuations, title products, and online closings, according to a press release. Austin said in a statement that with their specialized home equity bundles, lenders are significantly reducing the amount of time and expenses associated with closing a second lien transaction.…

Bill Stevens Appointed To St. Mary’s Board Of Directors

St. Mary’s Bank appointed Bill Stevens as the newest member of its Board of Directors in their September meeting. Stevens, who is president and owner of Harvey Construction Corporation, will fill the spot of a former director who resigned due to ill health. “Bill, a long-time member of St. Mary’s Bank, is genuinely committed to the mission of our credit union,” said Steve Grzywacz, chairman of the board. “With his business acumen and deep roots in New Hampshire, he will make a great addition to our board.” Stevens oversees Harvey’s business and construction operations. Harvey is a leading commercial construction firm. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire. His prior experience includes project management…