Tag Archives: Management and Career Moves

NEXT Future Transportation expands Advisory Board with China Market Expert

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NEXT Future Transportation, a company that is commercializing a patented autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, is adding a new member to its Advisory Board: Bill Russo will strengthen cross-border venture development initiatives to and from China.

Bill Russo is a highly respected automotive industry veteran, and an authoritative thought leader on the topic of automotive and mobility disruption in China.

Mr. Russo's career has spanned the information technology and automotive industries and has been working and consulting with businesses in China since 2004. Mr. Russo has advised numerous Chinese and global companies and institutional investors, most recently as Managing Director and the Automotive Practice leader at Gao Feng Advisory Company, on their overall growth and investment strategies.

Prior to this, Mr. Russo held executive positions at Chrysler, most recently as leader of the Chrysler business in North East Asia. In this role, he was responsible for strategic market expansion initiatives, product localization, and establishing the company's infrastructure for local sourcing and sales distribution.

"We are honored to have an expert in the Asia-Pacific market like Bill Russo join our Board of Advisors," said Emmanuele Spera, CEO of NEXT Future Transportation Inc. "NEXT will benefit from his experience with the Asian market and financial strategies as we pursue a growth plan that includes an emphasis on successfully executing transactions around the world."

"NEXT recognized the need to adopt a 'China at the core' strategy to be successful in a market that is developing rapidly and with a challenging set of conditions," said Bill Russo. "I am excited to support NEXT in identifying new growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. China's unique urban transportation challenges, high rate of adoption of mobile internet services, and rapid and aggressive introduction of alternative mobility solutions have combined to make the country a fertile ground for mobility innovation. DiDi Chuxing's recent investment in Careem is particularly exciting - given NEXT's existing partnership with Careem in the Middle East."

More information: http://www.next-future-mobility.com/.

*VIDEO (YouTube; courtesy Tech in Asia): https://youtu.be/2gLumx64avw

NEXT Future Transportation, a company that is commercializing a patented autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, is adding a new member to its Advisory Board: Bill Russo will strengthen cross-border venture development initiatives to and from China.

Related link: http://www.next-future-mobility.com/

FormFree Names Patty Pinckney Senior Director of Marketing

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree has hired brand strategist and marketing expert Patricia "Patty" Ramirez Pinckney as senior director of marketing. In this role, Pinckney will drive planning and implementation of FormFree's marketing campaigns, govern its strategic positioning within the mortgage industry and manage the firm's brand.

"Patty Pinckney has been an influential force in marketing for years. Her deep understanding of human behavior and global experience operationalizing integrated marketing strategies will be tremendous assets to FormFree as we grow our flagship automated asset verification service, AccountChek, and bring new products to market," said FormFree CEO Brent Chandler.

Pinckney brings more than 20 years' experience as a "big brand" marketer specializing in everything from brand development and strategic planning to full-scale marketing campaigns. She has applied her considerable expertise for global companies including Procter & Gamble, BBVA Bancomer and The Coca-Cola Company.

Pinckney, who worked with FormFree on a consulting basis prior to taking the post, most recently served as president of Mojo Communications and Marketing, a brand strategy firm that helps companies create deeper connections with a wider variety of audiences. Prior to that, Pinckney, who is bilingual, helmed The 650 Company, which develops business and communication strategies to engage Hispanic communities in both English and Spanish.

"Given my career-long passion for understanding consumers' motivations and bringing a global marketing approach to businesses of all sizes, joining the FormFree team feels like coming home," Pinckney said. "The mortgage industry is poised for innovation, and FormFree is leading the way with AccountChek, which has already demonstrated its power to transform the borrower and lender experiences. I look forward to further building the company brand and establishing long-lasting bonds between FormFree and the industries it serves."

About FormFree(R):

Leading lenders trust FormFree's automated verification solutions that streamline the loan origination process and provide better intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay. FormFree's flagship app, AccountChek(R), eliminates the hassle of collecting paper statements from borrowers by using direct-access data untouched by human hands to consolidate, analyze and verify assets. AccountChek securely delivers automated asset verification data and on-demand reports to more than 350 leading U.S. lenders. A HousingWire TECH100(TM) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information, visit http://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0810s2p-pinckney-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Patty Pinckney Joins FormFree as Senior Director of Marketing.

FormFree has hired brand strategist and marketing expert Patricia "Patty" Ramirez Pinckney as senior director of marketing. In this role, Pinckney will drive planning and implementation of FormFree's marketing campaigns, govern its strategic positioning within the mortgage industry and manage the firm's brand.

Related link: http://www.formfree.com/

NEXT Future Transportation Inc. Announces Addition to the Board of Advisors

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NEXT Future Transportation, a company that is commercializing a patented autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, announces the appointment of Thomas Wendt as a new member of NEXT's Board of Advisers.

Tom is a vision-driven and experienced automotive and mobility executive, VC, investor and trusted advisor to C-level executives of Fortune-500 and start-up companies. He is passionate about the ongoing mobility revolution and determined to play a role in how the way we engineer, build, sell and use cars is changing.

Tom is co-founder and Managing Director of Icebreaker Ventures, Autonomous World Fund, a multi-corporate strategic Venture Capital Fund, currently in fund raising, and focused on autonomous, connected, electrified and shared mobility technology and business models.

Prior to that Tom was a Senior Partner at Roland Berger, co-leading the firm's automotive practice in North America and Vice President at Alix Partners. He gained management expertise in rapid-growth environments with a proven ability to successfully set strategy, grow and turnaround business operations.

As a member of the NEXT's Advisory Board, Tom brings a unique combination of senior experience in Innovation Commercialization and Funding, combined with a strong network of relationships and experience of building a tech start up from the ground up.

"I am very excited to welcome Tom to NEXT's Advisory Board," said Emmanuele Spera, CEO of NEXT Future Transportation Inc. "His advice and expertise comes at an exciting time where NEXT is expanding its commercial growth initiatives and global partnerships. We look forward to working with Tom and we are excited to leverage his knowledge in driving NEXT forward."

"NEXT is intently focused on delivering the most advanced and innovative transportation solutions," said Tom Wendt. "NEXT's proprietary solution will offer a unique open innovation ecosystem for shared mobility and connectivity services, while providing a platform for continuous business model innovation and revenue growth. I am excited to join NEXT's dynamic management team and contribute my experience and leadership to assist in advancing NEXT to the next level."

To learn more, please visit: http://www.get-next.com/.

NEXT Future Transportation, a company that is commercializing a patented autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, announces the appointment of Thomas Wendt as a new member of NEXT's Board of Advisers.

Related link: http://www.next-future-mobility.com/

IDS Promotes Beckie Santos to Manager of New Product Development

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has promoted its former Manager of Development Beckie Santos to the newly created position of Manager of New Product Development. In her new role, Santos will leverage her development experience to work closely with the IDS development team as well as operations, quality assurance and compliance to help shape and guide future IDS solutions.

Santos will also oversee releases and updates, with an aim towards ensuring the global integrity of IDS systems. She will further work to make certain that releases run smoothly, coordinating with both customer support and development to certify that all updates are clean and efficient. Acting as the lender's advocate throughout the process of product innovation, she will maintain open lines of communication regarding changes in the system.

"IDS continues to experience phenomenal success in the market, and that growth is what compelled us to create the Manager of New Product Development position," said Mark Mackey, vice president and general manager of IDS. "Promoting Beckie into this role helps IDS make the most of the resources we have in the company, matching the talent with the roles that will bring the most strength to our organization and benefit to our customers."

Santos joined IDS in 2004 as a developer. During her tenure in development, she became known as a go-to developer for difficult projects and always had a can-do attitude in building solutions. In 2010, Santos was promoted to Manager of Development for IDS. In her new position, she will be reporting directly to Mackey.

"In the past 13 years that Beckie has worked at IDS, she has developed a wide breadth of experience and is known for her detailed knowledge of the IDS document engine," Mackey added. "Beckie has developed a broad set of skills in product management and development and has a deep understanding of the IDS products and services, as well as great awareness of the needs of IDS clients. I look forward to Beckie's impact and leadership in her new role."

"In my various development roles at IDS, I've always tried to approach system design with an eye towards the end user," Santos said. "With this new position, I am eager to forge an even more direct link between IDS and our clients to ensure user needs permeate every aspect of solution design and development."

About IDS, Inc.:

IDS, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, was founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a nationwide provider of mortgage documents and compliance. IDS services include electronic signatures, closing documents, initial disclosures, document fulfillment and integration with leading loan origination systems and eClosing platforms. The IDS flagship doc prep solution, idsDoc, is recognized in the industry for its ability to be customized to meet specific lender needs, particularly in regards to major industry compliance changes.

More information: http://info.idsdoc.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0804s2p-beckiesantos-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Beckie Santos named to the newly created position of Manager of New Product Development at IDS.

Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has promoted its former Manager of Development Beckie Santos to the newly created position of Manager of New Product Development. In her new role, Santos will leverage her development experience to work closely with the IDS development team as well as operations, quality assurance and compliance to help shape and guide future IDS solutions.

Related link: http://info.idsdoc.com/

Mid America Mortgage Promotes Kara Lamphere to Chief Operating Officer

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has promoted former Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Correspondent Lending Kara Lamphere to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

"Kara Lamphere is a tremendous asset to Mid America Mortgage and has been essential to Mid America's ability to execute eClosings and eNotes in our retail and TPO channels. She has also lead Mid America's efforts to help brokers make the successful transition to mortgage bankers through our eCorrespondent division," said Mid America Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. "Having already played such a key role in our operations, Kara was the natural choice for our COO, and we have no doubt that she will continue to drive operational excellence and growth for Mid America in this new role."

Prior to re-joining Mid America mortgage in December 2016, Lamphere was employed at CMG Financial, serving as senior vice president of compliance, and later adding the role of managing correspondent lending operations. She also served as Chief Compliance Officer at Mid America Mortgage from July 2012 to July 2014.

In addition, Lamphere has also held senior-level positions with numerous other financial institutions. As Senior Vice President of Compliance at CMG Financial, she was responsible for the oversight of six critical areas within the organization: Compliance, Quality Control, Fraud, Internal Audit, Counterparty Relations, and Correspondent Operations. She was also tasked with developing policies, procedures, training, analysis, and other related responsibilities and successfully managed a team of over 50 people through teamwork and communication.

As Vice President of Compliance for PrimeLending, Lamphere managed Prime's compliance program, providing her direct expertise and leadership in Compliance Risk, Marketing, Consumer Complaints and Complaint Analysis, Auditing and Testing, and the full oversight of State Compliance Program. She was also integral in developing PrimeLending's training, policies and procedures, and product development.

"Mid America has been at the forefront of the push towards fully electronic mortgages, and to have played a role in that effort has been both challenging and rewarding," Lamphere said. "As COO, I am excited for the opportunity to challenge myself further in the industry and to aid Mid America in its continued success."

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.:

Mid America Mortgage, Inc., Addison, Texas, is a multi-state, full-service mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. In operation since 1940, Mid America has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, most recently with its adoption of electronic mortgage closings (eClosings) and promissory notes (eNotes). We offer a wide range of residential home loan programs to meet the needs of most home buyers and homeowners, and are also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans.

Mid America is looking for tech-savvy, service-oriented mortgage professionals to join its growing team. We are dedicated to providing our employees with industry-leading tools and technology to deliver a great package of competitive pricing, programs and knowledgeable service. Want to join our team? Visit http://www.midamericacareer.com/.

Additional information about Mid America Mortgage, Inc. can be found on the company's website at http://www.midamericamortgage.com/about/.

Twitter: @midamericamtge

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0803s2p-lamphere-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Kara Lamphere promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
*Photo Credit: Jason Gilmore, J&J Studio.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today it has promoted former Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Correspondent Lending Kara Lamphere to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Related link: http://www.midamericamortgage.com/

EPIC Insurance adds Denise Walsh as Assistant General Counsel

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Said EPIC Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dan Crawford, "Denise is a strong negotiator with exceptional skills in buying and selling businesses; as well as drafting operating and shareholder agreements, business formation documents, corporate resolutions and complex contracts. Denise will use these skills to great advantage as she assumes responsibility for all legal work related to EPIC's future mergers and acquisitions. We are very fortunate to add a top professional of her caliber to our legal team."

Walsh will report to Crawford and will be based in EPIC's New York City office.

Walsh joins from Saiber, LLC in Florham Park, N.J. She was previous with Marcus, Brody, Ford & Kessler, LLC in Roseland, N.J., who merged with Saiber in January 2014. Walsh was a member of the Corporate Law and Business Counseling Practice Group and the Financial Services Practice Group at both firms. Walsh began her legal career with Lowenstein Sandler PC, in Roseland, N.J., an Associate in their Litigation Department.

Professionally, Walsh has been recognized as a New Jersey Rising Star(tm) in the area of Business/Corporate Law (2012 - 2016) as well as one of the New Jersey Law Journal's "New Leaders of the Bar" (2012).

Academically, Walsh attended Seton Hall University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor, also magna cum laude, from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Denise Walsh can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
denise.walsh@epicbrokers.com
201-661-2436 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0802s2p-denise-walsh-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Intellectual Property Partner David J. Thibodeau

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David J. Thibodeau has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner, based in Boston and New Hampshire. Mr. Thibodeau's law practice emphasizes the development and refining of patent portfolios, strategic advice concerning competitive intellectual property rights, and due diligence for technology-based financial, merger/acquisition and other business transactions.

He regularly works with company founders, investors, engineers and scientists across the information technology industry in areas such as data storage, database systems, financial services, social media, network security, medical devices, semiconductors, optics, and antennas.

"We are very excited to have David join our Intellectual Property practice," said David Roise, Co-Chair of VLP's Intellectual Property Practice Group. "His extensive experience in patent prosecution, diligence, and strategic IP counseling mesh well with our already strong group of patent partners. In addition, his technology focus further extends the breadth and expertise of our group. We look forward to having him join the VLP team."

Mr. Thibodeau said the move to VLP will be beneficial for both him and his clients: "More than ever, technology companies require effective counsel to protect their innovations while avoiding litigation. Corporate consumers of legal services feel increasing pressure on their legal budgets, while demanding the best possible legal representation. I believe that VLP's cost-effective model is uniquely positioned to resolve these very valid client concerns." He added, "VLP's focus on corporate, finance, securities regulation, and technology transactions is the perfect complement to my own IP counseling and prosecution practice."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Thibodeau was a partner at several intellectual property law boutique firms and General Counsel of AirNet Communications, a venture funded start-up in the wireless infrastructure industry.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate.

VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0801s2p-Thibodeau-300dpi.jpg

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David J. Thibodeau has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner, based in Boston and New Hampshire. Mr. Thibodeau's law practice emphasizes the development and refining of patent portfolios, strategic advice concerning competitive intellectual property rights, and due diligence for technology-based financial, merger/acquisition and other business transactions.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/

TRK Connection Promotes Randy Abbey to Chief Technology Officer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- TRK Connection, a leading provider of mortgage quality control and origination management solutions, announced it has promoted former Senior Systems Architect Randy Abbey to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this new role, Abbey will bring to bear his two decades of SaaS, cloud security and diverse solution development expertise in managing the architecture, design, development and on-going support and maintenance of all TRK technology solutions, including its flagship mortgage quality control (QC) audit platform Insight Risk & Defect Management (RDM).

"TRK Connection was founded to deliver innovative solutions to support the mortgage and banking industries, particularly in the realm of mortgage QC," said Teri Sundh, CEO of TRK Connection. "Randy's prolific programming and software development skills have been instrumental in that endeavor, making him the natural choice to lead our future development strategy efforts."

An experienced technologist, Abbey has held positions as a test engineer, software developer, engineering lead, product manager, systems architect and multiple roles as a technology executive in a variety of industries. In 2009, Abbey founded and is currently president of RA3 Software, a provider of proprietary SaaS applications serving the supply chain, inventory management and fleet maintenance industries. As Senior Systems Architect at TRK, Abbey was responsible for leading the development efforts on Insight RDM.

"My goal in designing Insight RDM was to create the mortgage industry's first modern, scalable QC audit platform that delivered true, lender-driven functionality with an intuitive interface, configurable to any existing QC process and operable on any browser or device, and based on client feedback, I think we achieved that goal," Abbey said. "As CTO, I look forward to continuing to refine our current solution set, while also designing the TRK Connection roadmap and leading TRK's long-term technology initiatives to deliver additional innovation via technology to the mortgage industry."

About TRK Connection:
Founded in 2013, TRK Connection prides itself on its ability to develop technologies that allow businesses to surpass their organizational needs and meet their business objectives. As an innovator in the mortgage origination and quality assurance space, TRK continues to develop and refine solutions geared to promote and strengthen the loan origination process, pre/post-close loan audits and the defect remediation process.

Currently, TRK offers solutions that support Mortgage Audit & Quality Control (Insight Risk & Defect Management(tm)), Loan Origination Vendor Management (Core Connect(tm)), Complete LOS Connectivity Platforms and more. For more information, visit http://trkconnection.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0721s2p-randy-abbey-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: TRK Connection Promotes Randy Abbey to Chief Technology Officer.

TRK Connection, a leading provider of mortgage quality control and origination management solutions, announced it has promoted former Senior Systems Architect Randy Abbey to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this new role, Abbey will bring to bear his two decades of SaaS, cloud security and diverse solution development expertise.

Related link: http://trkconnection.com/

The Mortgage Collaborative Appoints Arthur Prieston, CMB, Chair of Newly Formed Capital Markets Committee

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, today announced that industry authority Arthur Prieston has been appointed chair of its newly formed Capital Markets Committee. In this role, Prieston will lead capital market engagements for the group's lender members.

Prieston is the Chairman of The Prieston Group, which includes TPG subsidiary PBIS and affiliate American Mortgage Law Group. Spanning three decades, his career includes consulting-relevant experience in mortgage banking, legal and insurance fields, mergers and acquisitions including: conducting structured quantitative and qualitative analysis, program definition and management, and developing operational and growth strategy.

"We couldn't be more thrilled that Arthur has agreed to take on this role inside The Collaborative," said David G. Kittle, TMC's Vice Chairman and President. "The newly formed Capital Markets Committee is the first of three high level committees we're launching to elevate engagement between our lender members and our preferred partners while increasing their profitability."

Prieston's duties as Chair of the Capital Markets Committee, will include:

• Cultivating trust-based lender relationships;
• Leading strategy and transformation engagements;
• Supporting development of compelling responses to new business opportunities;
• Assessing and managing risks and issues, and making adjustments as needed; and
• Ensuring business outcomes are achieved

The Mortgage Collaborative network is more than 110 lenders strong, with an aggregate annual origination volume of over $180 billion. The network caters to lenders of all sizes, with a strong mix of independent mortgage brokers and community banks and depositories.

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

Based in San Diego, The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 to empower mortgage lenders across the country with better financial execution, reduced costs, enhanced expertise, improved compliance, and to help its members access the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. The association is managed by its founding members: John Robbins, CMB; David Kittle, CMB; Gary Acosta, CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP); and Jim Park, former chair of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). Robbins and Kittle are former chairmen of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA).

For more information, visit: http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, today announced that industry authority Arthur Prieston has been appointed chair of its newly formed Capital Markets Committee. In this role, Prieston will lead capital market engagements for the group's lender members.

Related link: http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/

ARMCO Promotes COO Phil McCall to President

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of financial quality control and compliance software ACES Audit Technology(TM), announced that chief operating officer Phil McCall has been promoted to company president. In his new role, McCall will oversee all operations for the company, including the expansion of the company's award-winning ACES Audit Technology platform.

McCall, who has been with the company since 2014, is a respected subject matter expert in the field of mortgage quality control and championed the development and implementation of ARMCO's ACES Analytics, the industry's first loan quality control benchmarking software and the technology behind ARMCO's Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report.

"ACES Analytics and the Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report have made a big impact in our growth, visibility and standing in the industry over the past few years," said Avi Naider, ARMCO's CEO. "Phil's vision for technology and mortgage quality control is a key component of our growth over the next several years. We anticipate the company will continue to benefit from his vision in his role as president of ARMCO."

Phil McCall has been in the mortgage industry for more than 25 years and has held numerous executive positions with both mortgage lenders and mortgage technology providers. In the past year, he received two top industry awards: HousingWire magazine's HW Vanguard Award, which the magazine states "recognizes C-level and business unit executives who have become leaders in their respective fields within housing and mortgage finance - those whose leadership is moving markets forward," and the 2017 Tech All-Star Award by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), which recognizes an individual who has made significant and outstanding contributions in mortgage technology. McCall is a key contributor to several mortgage quality and auditing technologies, is a member of MBA's Fraud Issues Committee and has been sought out as a mortgage fraud subject matter expert by multiple law enforcement agencies.

"I'm truly excited to be a part of an organization like ARMCO that shares my commitment to technology innovation and my passion for real change," said McCall. "It's especially important today, as the industry drives its focus even more toward loan quality and data integrity. I'm looking forward to the great things we will accomplish as we grow, and the positive changes we'll make for lenders and the industry as a whole."

About ARMCO:
ARMCO - ACES Risk Management delivers web-based audit technology solutions, as well as powerful data and analytics, to the nation's top mortgage lenders, servicers, investors and outsourcing professionals. A trusted partner devoted to client relationships, ARMCO offers best-in-class quality control and compliance software that provides U.S. banks, mortgage companies and service providers the technology and data needed to support loan integrity, meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk and drive positive business decisions. ARMCO's flagship product, ACES Audit Technology(TM), is available at any point in the mortgage loan lifecycle, to any size lender, and is user-definable.

ACES standardizes audit requirements, ties pre-funding reviews to post-closing quality control audits, enables seamless trend analysis, identifies credit, compliance and process deficiencies and helps create manageable action plans. For more information, visit http://www.armco.us/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of financial quality control and compliance software ACES Audit Technology(TM), announced that chief operating officer Phil McCall has been promoted to company president. In his new role, McCall will oversee all operations for the company, including the expansion of the company's award-winning ACES Audit Technology platform.

Related link: http://www.armco.us/

Mortgage Capital Trading Taps Industry Capital Markets Veteran Bill Berliner as Director of Analytics

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing technology firm, announced that it has appointed Bill Berliner to the newly created position of director of analytics. In this role, he will take the lead to develop new products and services, enhance existing solutions, and help expand MCT's footprint as the preeminent industry-leader in secondary marketing capabilities for lender clients.

"Bill adds significant expertise and experience to our solid team of senior capital markets professionals," said Curtis Richins. "He will be instrumental in helping further grow our breadth of robust products and services as well as enhance existing solutions ranging from analytics tools, hedging products, MSR services, advisory offerings, Best Ex strategies, technology, and more. We are very pleased to have been able to recruit a long-time industry veteran like Bill who is armed with through and through capital markets experience."

Mr. Berliner has more than 30 years of deep experience in a variety of different areas of secondary marketing. He is a seasoned financial professional with extensive knowledge working with fixed income trading and structuring, research and analysis, risk management, and esoteric asset valuation.

Mr. Berliner has held executive-level secondary positions and has a proven track record of success working for well-known companies such as Thomson Reuters, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Countrywide Securities Corporation, Nikko Securities U.S., and Bear Stearns, and has also owned his own consulting practice. In addition, he has experience using the mortgage industry's most recognizable analytical and risk systems and worked with numerous sophisticated secondary marketing models.

"I am delighted to join the MCT team," said Berliner. "I've always been impressed with MCT's dedication to their clients and look forward to further adding to and enhancing their already strong and deep suite of products, solutions and advisory services."

Mr. Berliner has also written extensively on mortgages, MBS, and the capital markets. He is the co-author, with Frank Fabozzi and Anand Bhattacharya, of Mortgage-Backed Securities: Products, Structuring, and Analytical Techniques, which was named one of the top ten finance texts in 2007 by RiskBooks. He wrote and edited chapters for The Handbook of Mortgage-Backed Securities, The Handbook of Fixed-Income Securities, Securities Finance, and The Encyclopedia of Financial Models. In addition, Mr. Berliner co-authored papers published in The Journal of Structured Finance and American Securitization. He also wrote the monthly "In My View" column for Asset Securitization Report from 2008-2012.

Mr. Berliner holds an M.B.A. in Finance from the Rutgers Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications from Rutgers College.

About MCT:
Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT) is a capital markets-focused risk management and advisory services company providing independent analysis, training, hedging strategy and loan sale execution support to clients engaged in the secondary mortgage market. Founded in San Diego, California in May 2001, the company has expanded to include field sales and support offices in Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco and Charlotte. MCT is a recognized leader in the industry and currently supports more than 150 clients on the HALO (Hedging And Loan sales Optimization) Program.

The company also develops and supports MCTlive!(TM), an award-winning real-time, trading and best-execution secondary marketing platform. MCT's LockCentral(TM) is the industry's largest outsourced centralized lock desk service. In addition, MCT offers a suite of tools and supporting guidance for MSR needs.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0710s2p-berliner-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Bill Berliner named to the newly created position of director of analytics at MCT.

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing technology firm, announced that it has appointed Bill Berliner to the newly created position of director of analytics. In this role, he will take the lead to develop new products and services, enhance existing solutions, and help expand MCT's footprint as the preeminent industry-leader in secondary marketing capabilities for lender clients.

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/

Veteran Corporate Attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt Joins Hoge Fenton

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- We are pleased to announce that veteran corporate attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt, formerly a shareholder at Hopkins & Carley, has joined Hoge Fenton. With over 30 years of experience advising companies and business owners, Lloyd is a well-known and respected corporate, M & A and business transactions attorney.

A graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law and admitted to practice in California, Illinois and Indiana, Lloyd will be based in our Silicon Valley office. He will continue to serve clients in the technology, financial services, e-commerce, retail, food & beverage, and manufacturing sectors. Lloyd provides strategic business and legal advice to companies, often serving as outside general counsel, and advises on formation, governance, stock plans, mergers and acquisitions, strategic joint ventures, corporate dissolution, and partnership and shareholder disputes.

"Lloyd's sophisticated expertise deepens our bench, expanding our ability to serve our clients and strengthening our M & A and high level corporate practice," said Karl D. Chandler, Chair of Hoge Fenton's Corporate group. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Lloyd personally over the years. His commitment to professional excellence and client service makes him a great fit for Hoge Fenton, and I very much look forward to having him on the team."

"I am very pleased and excited to join the Hoge Fenton Team. The firm has been a mainstay of the Silicon Valley legal services community for more than six decades, and has an excellent reputation for providing superior legal services," said Lloyd Schmidt. "I have known or worked with several of the Hoge Fenton attorneys over the years, and I am confident that we share the same vision for dedicated client service, quality advice and counsel, and adherence to the highest standards of professionalism."

"We are pleased to have Lloyd on the Hoge Fenton team. He brings an added layer of 'wise counsel' to our Corporate group," said Daniel W. Ballesteros, Managing Shareholder of the firm. "Finding great lawyers and great people is our top priority when recruiting. We are grateful to have found such a person in Lloyd."

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:

Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: http://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

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*Photo Caption: Attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt Joins Hoge Fenton.

We are pleased to announce that veteran corporate attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt, formerly a shareholder at Hopkins & Carley, has joined Hoge Fenton. With over 30 years of experience advising companies and business owners, Lloyd is a well-known and respected corporate, M & A and business transactions attorney.

Related link: http://www.hogefenton.com/

Jake Seid, Real Estate Industry Veteran Joins Qualia Advisory Board

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Qualia today announced that Jake Seid will join the company's board of advisors. In addition to his time as president of Ten-X (formerly known as Auction.com) and Managing Director at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Seid is an investor and advisor to a myriad of companies touching the real estate sector, including Blend Labs, LendingHome, Opendoor, Reside, Roofstock, Shogun, and Ten-X.

"Adding Jake to our team is a major win for Qualia," said Nate Baker, Qualia's CEO. "Real estate is such a vast and diverse industry. We look forward to gaining from his expertise and insights to transform the real estate transaction process at the point of exchange of property."

Qualia empowers title settlement professionals and real estate law firms with an all-in-one, easy-to-use software platform for more efficient and secure real estate closings. Its award-winning intuitive design and hassle-free onboarding are just a few of the many reasons why professionals across the country are switching to Qualia, the future of title settlement software.

According to Seid, "I'm passionate about working with great teams and Qualia fits the bill. The entire team is dedicated to supporting the title agent at every stage of the real estate transaction. I look forward to helping them continue their growth trajectory."

More information: https://www.qualia.com/.

Media Contact:
Matt Kaufman
Qualia Labs, Inc.
matt@qualia.com
Phone: (415) 952-8310

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Qualia today announced that Jake Seid will join the company's board of advisors. In addition to his time as president of Ten-X (formerly known as Auction.com) and Managing Director at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Seid is an investor and advisor to a myriad of companies touching the real estate sector.

Related link: https://www.qualia.com/

Mortgage Automation Pioneer Hires Veteran Tech Entrepreneur Michael Schreck as CEO

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Cloudvirga(SM), developer of next-generation loan officer and direct-to-consumer point-of-sale (POS) systems, has named Michael Schreck its chief executive officer. He succeeds cloudvirga co-founder Bill Dallas, who will continue as chairman of cloudvirga's board of directors.

Schreck joins cloudvirga on the heels of a successful Series B funding round that netted the company $15 million led by Blackstone Group portfolio company Incenter (joining previous investors Upfront Ventures and Dallas Capital). He brings a deep understanding of the digital mortgage space and two decades of experience nurturing leading tech firms as a CEO, venture capitalist and co-founder.

"The mortgage industry has been waiting for decades for a modern, automated and intelligent software platform that drives down costs while improving compliance," said Schreck. "That software is finally here with cloudvirga, built inside a top originator and now in flight at eight of the country's top 40 non-bank originators. Our customers, whether retail or call center, now have a compelling answer to Rocket Mortgage and a proven path to reducing their costs."

Cloudvirga re-engineers the mortgage workflow to give consumers greater control over the loan application process and accelerate the mortgage sales funnel for loan officers. The company's digital mortgage technology delivers underwriter-ready loan applications with unmatched speed and quality, resulting in massively reduced costs to produce.

"Michael embodies the entrepreneurial mindset and enterprise expertise that will define the next phase of cloudvirga's growth," said Dallas. "His record of success leading top-caliber companies and attracting heavyweight global talent will benefit cloudvirga tremendously as the company continues to accelerate."

For 20 years, Schreck has built and led pioneering companies whose innovative technologies enable the world's leading brands to better engage with their customers. He most recently served as managing director of Altisource Labs, an innovation center within mortgage software provider Altisource Portfolio Solutions. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing more than 1,000 employees across four next-generation software and analytics companies, including leading software-as-a-service providers Equator and Mortgage Builder.

Schreck previously held CEO positions at digital publishing firm Zmags and government service provider Corrective Solutions. He also co-founded General Catalyst Partners, a multi-billion-dollar venture capital firm where Schreck helped develop successful startups including Upromise, SmartBargains, m-Qube and CoreMetrics. Collectively, these companies were acquired for over $1 billion by SLM, GSI Commerce, VeriSign and IBM, respectively.

Schreck started his career as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company and Monitor Company. He holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University.

About cloudvirga(SM):

Cloudvirga's next-generation loan officer and direct-to-consumer point-of-sale (POS) systems re-imagine the digital mortgage process by leveraging data and automation to address back-office compliance tasks earlier in the loan process, radically cutting overall loan costs, increasing transparency and reducing the time it takes to close a loan for both borrowers and lenders. Founded by top fintech veterans with a proven track record of building mortgage-related technologies, cloudvirga is committed to delivering software that reinvents the mortgage process for lenders and borrowers. Cloudvirga's initial customer roster includes eight of the top 40 non-bank mortgage originators in the United States.

For more information, visit http://www.cloudvirga.com/ or follow cloudvirga on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/7577062/.

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* PHOTO Caption: Michael Schreck joins cloudvirga as CEO.

*Editorial Note: Usage of company name "cloudvirga" is lower case except when starting a sentence, and is a service mark of cloudvirga, Inc.

Cloudvirga(SM), developer of next-generation loan officer and direct-to-consumer point-of-sale (POS) systems, has named Michael Schreck its chief executive officer. He succeeds cloudvirga co-founder Bill Dallas, who will continue as chairman of cloudvirga's board of directors.

Technologies Management, Inc. Adds Consulting Strength in Telecom Network Planning and Cost Management

MAITLAND, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Technologies Management, Inc. ("TMI") announced today the addition of Don Gale to its team of consultants. TMI, a leading provider of consulting services, project management, compliance reporting and information tools to over 200 communications companies, said that Mr. Gale's addition to their consulting team significantly enhances the firm's expertise in the areas of communications network design, implementation and cost optimization, allowing it to better serve its clients' needs in those critical areas of their operations.

Mr. Gale brings over 20 years of technical, financial, business development, and managerial experience to TMI's consulting practice via his previous roles at Covad, MegaPath, Level 3, Pac-West, Qwest, and Nextel.

"TMI is extremely pleased that Don has chosen to bring his technical strengths and well-regarded expertise to our firm," commented TMI President Sharon Thomas. "His diverse experience and accomplishments are the perfect addition to our already highly regarded consulting team and will allow us to satisfy the increasing demand for technical expertise as communications companies expand and enhance their broadband networks through fiber and wireless deployment."

The addition of Don Gale builds on TMI's strategy to provide a full range of superior consulting services and support to broadband and voice communication service providers, including CLECs, ILECs, cable, VoIP, ISP, and wireless companies.

To learn more visit: http://www.tminc.com/.

About TMI:

Technologies Management, Inc. is a consulting firm specializing in state and federal regulatory matters for the communications and competitive energy industries. Established in 1986, our firm brings our ability to collaborate, innovate, and accurately manage required regulatory actions to our clients. Our solid experience with market entry, product planning, project management, and regulatory compliance has enhanced the value of hundreds of competitive service providers by establishing compliance "best practices" and maintaining good standing with state and federal regulatory agencies. Each member of TMI's consulting staff has worked within the industry or the public utility commission environment and brings practical, real world experience to help our clients meet their goals.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Durst-Jarrell
Director of Marketing, TMI
407-740-8575
durstjarrell@tminc.com

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Technologies Management, Inc. ("TMI") announced today the addition of Don Gale to its team of consultants. TMI, a leading provider of consulting services, project management, compliance reporting and information tools to over 200 communications companies, said that Mr. Gale's addition to their consulting team significantly enhances the firm's expertise in the areas of communications network design, implementation and cost optimization, allowing it to better serve its clients' needs in those critical areas of their operations.

Utelogy Corporation Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Jimmy Ho as Product Development Vice President

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- telogy, which makes software for control, enterprise management and analytics of audiovisual systems for business and education, announces Giang "Jimmy" Ho joins the company as Vice President, Product Development.

Utelogy has seen steady growth in clients, representative firms, and solution partners throughout North America. Increased focus on product development and innovation ensures that Utelogy clients and partners will continue to benefit from Utelogy software solutions.

"Jimmy brings strong leadership and deep experience from start-up organizations to multi-billion dollar enterprises. His work ethic and discipline will contribute to our mission of delivering the best AV solutions for business, education, and government," said Utelogy co-founder and CTO Scott McGarrigle.

Jimmy Ho comes to Utelogy with more than 20 years of experience and a focus in business and IT strategy and optimization. "I enjoy the opportunity to develop and empower development team members to contribute to their full potential," said Mr. Ho. "My philosophy is that regardless of what you do, be the best at it because you can never lose. We either win or learn a valuable lesson."

At age 23, Ho was the Director of Operations for Orion Hanel, then the largest foreign company in Vietnam. After migrating to America in the 1990s, he co-founded businesses in the service industry, joined a start-up in information security, then served as a Senior IT resource for a very large financial services organization in Orange County, Calif.

In addition to undergraduate studies in economics and information technology, Jimmy holds an MA in Leadership from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Conn. and a post-master from Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), New York.

About Utelogy Corporation:

Utelogy Corporation publishes an enterprise technology control and management platform for higher education, corporations and emergency response centers. Utelogy is a flexible, scalable software solution for control, management, and analytics of AV systems that puts the power in the hands of the user. For more information, visit http://www.utelogy.com/.

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Utelogy, which makes software for control, enterprise management and analytics of audiovisual systems for business and education, announces Giang "Jimmy" Ho joins the company as Vice President, Product Development. Utelogy has seen steady growth in clients, representative firms, and solution partners throughout North America.

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Real Estate Partner David B. Franklin

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David B. Franklin has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mr. Franklin's practice concentrates on real estate transactions and land use, primarily in California and Hawaii. He represents clients in acquiring, leasing, financing, entitling, developing, constructing, selling and exchanging real estate. Additionally, he regularly represents clients regarding general business needs, including formation, entity structure and multi-state operations.

"David brings over 40 years of real estate experience to VLP's very active group," said Byron Rodriquez, Chair of the firm's Affordable Housing & Community Development Practice Group. "We're especially looking forward to adding his California and Hawaii land use experience, which will complement our existing developer-focused practices in those states."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Franklin was a partner of Dentons US LLP and its predecessor-by-merger firms McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP and Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps LLP. He is a graduate of Duke University School of Law and member of the state bars of both California and Hawaii.

"When I began practicing law, few if any law firms had more than a single office. As technology developed, faxes and then emails made it possible to communicate across continents as easily as to the colleague in the next room. Then we began emailing even to that colleague in the next room," Mr. Franklin said. "Now I am excited to join a firm that is taking the technology to the next level, doing away with the 'next room' while maintaining the degree of connection between colleagues."

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

Learn more at: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David B. Franklin has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Franklin's practice concentrates on real estate transactions and land use, primarily in California and Hawaii.

FormFree Names Douglas Brewer Director of its Enterprise Architecture

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree today announced the appointment of senior software developer Douglas Brewer to the role of director of enterprise architecture. Brewer, who first joined FormFree in 2014, will be responsible for managing the retention and growth of FormFree's software development team, overseeing enterprise software design and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of software updates.

An experienced architect of custom software, web-based user interfaces and APIs, Brewer specializes in signal processing, machine learning and other enabling technologies that rely on advanced algorithms and mathematical models to analyze data. Prior to joining FormFree, Brewer loaned his programming expertise to companies in diverse industries ranging from manufacturing to e-commerce to traffic control and spent five years as co-owner of BlackBox Software. He earned his bachelor's degree and doctorate, both in computer science, from the University of Georgia.

"Doug has been the powerhouse behind FormFree's technology assets as we've built out game-changing solutions for our customers," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "His commitment to quality, creativity and leadership has been integral to the innovations we've brought to market as well as those still under development."

FormFree's flagship product, AccountChek, is an automated asset verification app that streamlines the loan underwriting process for both borrowers and lenders, reducing the time it takes to close loans and resulting in higher borrower satisfaction.

"Thanks to its founders' vision, leading FormFree development team has been a gratifying professional challenge and opportunity," said Brewer. "It is not every day that you have a chance to change the world."

About FormFree:

Leading lenders trust FormFree's automated verification solutions that streamline the loan origination process and provide better intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay. FormFree's flagship app, AccountChek(R), eliminates the hassle of collecting paper statements from borrowers by using direct-access data untouched by human hands to consolidate, analyze and verify assets. AccountChek securely delivers automated asset verification data and on-demand reports to more than 350 leading U.S. lenders. A HousingWire TECH100(TM) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information, visit http://www.formfree.com/.

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FormFree today announced the appointment of senior software developer Douglas Brewer to the role of director of enterprise architecture. Brewer, who first joined FormFree in 2014, will be responsible for managing the retention and growth of FormFree's software development team, overseeing enterprise software design and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of software updates.

Industry Veteran Joins Mortgage Technology Vendor, LBA Ware

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), a leading provider of automated compensation software and systems integration solutions for mortgage lending and retail banking, announced it has hired Finn Klemann as director of business development. In this role, Klemann will bring his more than 20 years of business development and sales experience in forging new relationships for LBA Ware in the financial services industry, with a specific focus on targeting growth in the mortgage industry.

"With the mortgage industry on the cusp of true digital transformation, now is the time for LBA Ware to expand its footprint in order to deliver innovation to the industry's back-office processes, like LO compensation," said Lori Brewer, founder of LBA Ware. "Finn's deep background in mortgage technology, coupled with his extensive experience in financial services business development, make him the ideal candidate to lead LBA Ware's next phase of growth."

Prior to joining LBA Ware, Klemann was vice president of sales for the Northeast territory at LoanLogics, a mortgage technology and outsourced services provider. Klemann has also held several high-level sales positions with financial services companies such as Interthinx (now First American Mortgage Services), Ascendant Capital Partners, Haverford Financial Services, Envestnet and Lincoln Financial Distributors.

"In the decade since I first entered this space, I've observed the mortgage industry's gradual transition into the digital world, and with solutions like CompenSafe and LOS Talker, LBA Ware is well positioned to deliver efficiency and process optimization to the back-office side of the mortgage transaction," Klemann said. "As Director of Business Development, I look forward to uncovering new opportunities for growth for LBA Ware and nurturing its existing relationships."

About LBA Ware:

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Macon, Ga., LBA Ware is a leading provider of mortgage and retail banking technology solutions. With over 25 lending-oriented applications still in operation today, LBA Ware provides cutting edge solutions that leverage automation and system integration to ease the pain points of repetitive manual workflow, empowering lenders to maximize productivity and operational efficiency.

For more information about LBA Ware and their software solutions, visit http://lbaware.com/.

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*PHOTO Caption: Finn Klemann to head business development at LBA Ware.

LBA Ware(TM), a leading provider of automated compensation software and systems integration solutions for mortgage lending and retail banking, announced it has hired Finn Klemann as director of business development. In this role, Klemann will bring his more than 20 years of business development and sales experience in forging new relationships for LBA Ware in the financial services industry, with a specific focus on targeting growth in the mortgage industry.

Ann Fulmer Joins FormFree as Chief Strategy and Industry Relations Officer

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree(R) today announced that it has hired mortgage loan quality subject matter expert and analyst Ann Fulmer as its chief strategy and industry relations officer. FormFree's flagship product, AccountChek(R), is an asset verification app that streamlines the loan underwriting process for both borrowers and lenders, resulting in higher borrower satisfaction and shaving more than a week off the time it takes to close a loan.

In her role, Fulmer will drive FormFree's strategic planning and implementation, manage the firm's institutional relationships and interactions with federal and state regulators and oversee outreach to industry associations and advocacy groups. In addition, she will spearhead the firm's long-term development of a comprehensive mortgage compliance solution.

"Ann Fulmer has been a FormFree friend and advisor for years, so we already know that she is a tremendous asset with unmatched expertise in data-driven loan quality methodologies," said FormFree Founder and President Brent Chandler. "Her role is integral as we implement strategies for building even greater value and functionality into AccountChek and explore further asset-related innovations in consumer lending."

A nationally recognized strategist, thought leader, speaker and author specializing in data integrity, fraud and federal/Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulatory compliance in mortgage loan originations, Fulmer has been a mortgage industry mainstay for more than 17 years.

Most recently, Fulmer was vice president of industry relations and strategy for First American Mortgage Solutions following its 2014 acquisition of mortgage fraud solutions provider Interthinx, a groundbreaking data and analytics innovater she joined in 2005. Previously, Fulmer built her grassroots mortgage fraud expertise in metro Atlanta in her roles as DeKalb County district attorney and in the county's tax assessor's office, where she helped develop metrics to identify mortgage fraud in property transactions.

"Thanks to the maturation of augmented intelligence and other digital solutions that automate data-intensive processes, the mortgage industry is poised to solve some of its most deeply-rooted challenges, and FormFree has led the way with its AccountChek asset verification app already transforming both the borrower and lender experience," said Fulmer. "Given my decades-long obsession with risk management and fraud mitigation in mortgage lending, joining FormFree as an employee feels a lot like coming home."

About FormFree(R):

Leading lenders trust FormFree's automated verification solutions that streamline the loan origination process and provide better intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay. FormFree's flagship app, AccountChek(R), eliminates the hassle of collecting paper statements from borrowers by using direct-access data untouched by human hands to consolidate, analyze and verify assets. AccountChek securely delivers automated asset verification data and on-demand reports to more than 350 leading U.S. lenders. A HousingWire TECH100(TM) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information, visit http://www.formfree.com/.

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FormFree(R) today announced that it has hired mortgage loan quality subject matter expert and analyst Ann Fulmer as its chief strategy and industry relations officer. FormFree's flagship product, AccountChek(R), is an asset verification app that streamlines the loan underwriting process for both borrowers and lenders, resulting in higher borrower satisfaction and shaving more than a week off the time it takes to close a loan.

EPIC Insurance adds Broker/Producer Nick Pedisich

CONCORD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Pedisich has joined the firm as a Transportation Industry-focused insurance broker/producer. Pedisich will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of insurance and risk management programs for transportation clients and those in related industries. He will be based in EPIC's Concord, Calif. office and report to Curt Perata, President of EPIC's Pacific North Region.

Prior to joining EPIC, Pedisich spent almost 10 years with Paul Hanson Partners Transportation Insurance in Napa, Calif., where he was part of the commercial insurance sales and service teams providing risk management solutions to transportation, warehousing and logistics companies across California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.

Pedisich attended the University of California Santa Barbara prior to completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing at California State University - Sacramento.

Said Curt Perata, "We are excited to add another dynamic young professional to our growing operations here in Northern California and the West. Nick's energy, knowledge of the transportation industry, strong consulting skills and customer service orientation will be of considerable value to the EPIC clients we serve."

Nick Pedisich can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
nick.pedisich [at] epicbrokers.com
925-822-9154 - Direct
707-344 6401 - Mobile.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0522s2p-Pedisich-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Pedisich has joined the firm as a Transportation Industry-focused insurance broker/producer.

Technologies Management, Inc. Selects Director for Its Burgeoning Telecom Regulatory Compliance Reporting Practice

MAITLAND, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Technologies Management, Inc. ("TMI"), a leading provider of regulatory consulting services, network optimization, and project management to communications providers, has named Patrick MacNeil as Director of Compliance Reporting.

MacNeil will guide TMI's Compliance Reporting Department as it continues to expand, by further enhancing the online reporting system to improve the client experience, strengthening client relationships, and identifying new strategic directions for this rapidly growing segment of TMI's business. He brings many years of leadership experience in staff and management development, financial and budget administration, process and operations optimization, and information technology including VoIP integration through his previous roles at AT&T and General Electric.

"TMI's Compliance Reporting Services has grown by 23 percent over the last 36 months and we are projecting an additional increase of 20 percent by end of 2017," said TMI's President, Sharon Thomas. "We look forward to continued success for TMI across the board with the addition of Patrick MacNeil as Director of Compliance Reporting."

Thomas adds, "Patrick's high energy, collaborative abilities, and solid industry experience will enable us to continue to provide our new and existing clients with innovative reporting solutions, exemplary customer service, and highly regarded regulatory assistance."

The appointment of Patrick MacNeil as Director of Telecom Regulatory Compliance Reporting is the first in a series of announcements from TMI, demonstrating the exciting increase in client levels and new projects that the firm has been awarded.

To learn more visit: http://www.tminc.com/.

About TMI:
Technologies Management, Inc. (TMI) is a consulting firm specializing in state and federal regulatory matters for the communications and competitive energy industries. Established in 1986, our firm brings our ability to collaborate, innovate, and accurately manage required regulatory actions to our clients. Our solid experience with market entry, product planning, project management, and regulatory compliance has enhanced the value of hundreds of competitive service providers by establishing compliance "best practices" and maintaining good standing with state and federal regulatory agencies. Each member of TMI's consulting staff has worked within the industry or the public utility commission environment and brings practical, real world experience to help our clients meet their goals.

Media Contact:
Sharon Thomas
sthomas@tminc.com
407-740-8575

Technologies Management, Inc. ("TMI"), a leading provider of regulatory consulting services, network optimization, and project management to communications providers, has named Patrick MacNeil as Director of Compliance Reporting.

William Reyes Joins Wholesale Trading Insurance Services in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Wholesale Trading Insurance Services, LLC (WTIS) announced today that industry veteran William Reyes has joined the firm as Director/Casualty Broker in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; he will work in conjunction with the firm's principal office in San Francisco.

"With over 17 years in casualty broking and underwriting throughout California and the Western U.S., Bill brings WTIS and its retail broker-clients significant experience and knowledge of all facets of complex casualty brokerage. In addition, his expertise in real estate, construction, distribution and hospitality are recognized by the key carriers that participate in those sectors," said Kristopher Bauer, President of WTIS.

Reyes joins WTIS from Risk Placement Services, where he was a Senior Vice President and worked for over twelve years. Prior to his tenure at RPS, Reyes was a senior property and casualty underwriter at Chubb.

WTIS is a privately-held wholesale insurance broker created and managed by industry veterans whose goal is to better align the business interests of the retail broker, the wholesaler and insurance carriers for the benefit of the buyer. WTIS has substantial expertise in Property, Casualty and Professional/Management Liability. WTIS is a JenCap Holdings Company.

For more information about WTIS, visit: http://wtisllc.com/.

About JenCap Holdings, LLC:
JenCap Holdings is a consolidator of specialty insurance distribution and program management businesses, including managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters, transactional wholesale brokers and captive managers. JenCap Holdings will drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Les Ross, of WTIS
415-442-8502
lross@wtisllc.com

Nicole Conley
650-422-3156
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

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Wholesale Trading Insurance Services, LLC (WTIS) announced today that industry veteran William Reyes has joined the firm as Director/Casualty Broker in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; he will work in conjunction with the firm's principal office in San Francisco.

The Mortgage Collaborative Welcomes LaNette Holley as Director of Strategic Initiatives

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, announced the hiring of LaNette Holley as their Director of Strategic Initiatives.

"Adding LaNette to our team further enhances our ability to create innovative solutions that will benefit our lender member's ability to compete more effectively in today's market," said Jim Park, CEO of The Collaborative. "LaNette brings hands-on industry experience and a genuine passion for the housing industry to the team."

LaNette Holley comes to The Mortgage Collaborative with over 25 years of experience in the area of mortgage lending. As Director of Strategic Initiatives, LaNette will help lead The Collaborative's efforts to continue to creatively expand the benefits of membership that the cooperative network delivers to its originating members.

Prior to joining TMC, Holley served for 15 years at Fannie Mae in many different aspects of their account management team. Prior to this most recent role, she spent six years as a mortgage loan originator and four years working as a processor and an underwriter.

LaNette maintains active involvement with several charities, including the Alzheimer's Association, Autism Speaks, March of Dimes, and the Children's Home & Aid Society.

The cooperative network also recently announced the dates and locations for their next two Lender Member Conferences, which will be held August 20-23, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. and February 11-14, 2018 in San Diego, Calif. The conferences provide The Collaborative's Lender Members a unique opportunity to interact with top industry leaders and to attend and participate in compelling educational and peer-to-peer networking sessions. Details on their recent and upcoming conferences can be found at www.mortgagecollaborative.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

Based in San Diego, Calif., The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 to empower mortgage lenders across the country with better financial execution, reduced costs, enhanced expertise and improved compliance and to help its members access the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. The association is managed by its founding members: John Robbins, CMB; David Kittle, CMB; Gary Acosta, CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP); and Jim Park, former chair of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). Robbins and Kittle are former chairmen of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA).

For more information, visit http://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, announced the hiring of LaNette Holley as their Director of Strategic Initiatives. Holley comes to The Mortgage Collaborative with over 25 years of experience in the area of mortgage lending.

Jim Paul Joins Bank of Southern California N.A.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that Jim Paul has joined the Bank as Vice President, Business Banking at the Del Mar Corporate office. He will primarily focus on building new client relationships for the bank.

Mr. Paul has over twenty-five years of sales and business development experience, building long-term, profitable relationships in new markets both individually and through team efforts. Most recently, Jim was the Vice President of Business Banking at BBVA Compass Bank in Dallas, Texas.

"We are pleased to welcome Mr. Paul to San Diego and Bank of Southern California. He is a seasoned relationship banker with a strong track record of originating new business and developing profitable client relationships," commented Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer.

"As we continue to expand our bank's business development division, we are excited that we are assembling a team of professionals with such diverse backgrounds, but with a shared focus of providing a high-level client experience," concluded DiVita.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, Calif., is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professional, and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates seven branches in San Diego and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

REF: OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / PINK:BCAL / OTC:BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that Jim Paul has joined the Bank as Vice President, Business Banking at the Del Mar Corporate office. He will primarily focus on building new client relationships for the bank.

Simplifile Hires Toni Carroll as National Settlement Account Manager

PROVO, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, announced it has hired title and settlement industry veteran Toni Carroll as national settlement account manager. In this position, Carroll will maintain and improve Simplifile's settlement software vendor relationships while supporting the sales effort to deliver Settlement Collaboration to the real estate industry.

"Toni Carroll's more than 30 years of title and settlement expertise and her passion for improving settlement processes via technology make her ideally suited to drive the growth of Simplifile's Collaboration solution in the title and settlement market," said Simplifile President Paul Clifford. "She is a tremendous asset to our organization, and we are eager to see her bring her industry experience to bear."

Prior to joining Simplifile, Carroll was business development manager for First American Professional Real Estate Services, where she assisted the sales team in increasing its new customer base and provided subject matter expertise to the sales and development teams. Her other recent positions include state agency manager for the southeast and mid-Atlantic divisions of North American Title Insurance Company and vice president of sales for TSS Software Corporation, which was acquired by First American Title Insurance Company in 2013.

"Having conducted more than 3,000 closings in my title industry career, I am intimately familiar with the challenges title and settlement professionals face in collaborating with their lender partners," Carroll said. "Simplifile has a long-standing reputation of delivering efficient, cost-saving solutions to the settlement industry, and I am eager to continue that tradition with the advancement of the Settlement Collaboration solution."

About Simplifile
Simplifile, the nation's largest e-recording network, was founded in 2000 to connect settlement agents and county recorders via its e-recording service. Today Simplifile has broadened its services to include collaboration tools and post-closing visibility for mortgage lenders and settlement agents working together on real estate documents. Through Simplifile, users can securely record, share, and track documents, data, and fees with ease.

To learn more, visit https://simplifile.com or call 800-460-5657.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0426s2p-Toni-Carroll-300dpi.jpg

Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, announced it has hired title and settlement industry veteran Toni Carroll as national settlement account manager. In this position, Carroll will maintain and improve Simplifile's settlement software vendor relationships while supporting the sales effort to deliver Settlement Collaboration to the real estate industry.

Mortgage Capital Trading Adds Cara Krause to its Growing Sales Team

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing technology firm, announced that Cara Krause has joined the company as regional sales director. Ms. Krause will handle business development efforts and client management for new lender clients in the Northeast region of the country.

Ms. Krause has more than 25 years of experience working in the mortgage banking industry and possesses extensive knowledge in the areas of secondary marketing, production, correspondent lending, the utilization of supporting technologies. She has a proven track record of expanding territories, increasing revenue, and providing hands-on customer service.

Ms. Krause comes to MCT from Impac Mortgage where she successfully developed key relationships with lenders that helped grow the company's correspondent business channel. Before Impac, she was vice president and regional account manager at Envoy Mortgage where she established a territory for delegated and non-delegated correspondent lending for a new division.

She has also worked at a senior sales capacity for companies which include: First Horizon Home Loans; Fleet Bank Boston/Washington Mutual; Carteret Savings Bank; and several other lenders and banks.

"We are pleased to welcome Cara to the MCT team. She is a veteran of the mortgage industry and brings extensive experience to help grow and nurture our list of lender clients," said Bill Wooten, managing director at MCT. "Cara has an excellent reputation and a long-standing track record of developing strong relationships with lenders of all types, adding depth to our sales efforts in the Northeast."

MCT continues to grow by way of its unique business model that combines hands-on daily trading support for secondary marketing departments and an industry-leading secondary marketing technology offering.

About MCT:
Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT) is a capital markets-focused risk management and advisory services company providing independent analysis, training, hedging strategy and loan sale execution support to clients engaged in the secondary mortgage market. Founded in San Diego, California in May 2001, the company has expanded to include field sales and support offices in Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco and Charlotte. MCT is a recognized leader in the industry and currently supports more than 150 clients on the HALO (Hedging And Loan sales Optimization) Program.

The company also develops and supports MCTlive!(TM), an award-winning real-time, trading and best-execution secondary marketing platform. MCT's LockCentral(TM) is the industry's largest outsourced centralized lock desk service. In addition, MCT offers a suite of tools and supporting guidance for MSR needs. For more information, visit http://www.mct-trading.com or call (619) 543-5111.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0426s2p-Cara-Krause-300dpi.jpg

Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing technology firm, announced that Cara Krause has joined the company as regional sales director. Ms. Krause will handle business development efforts and client management for new lender clients in the Northeast region of the country.

The Capacity Group – an EPIC Company adds Jeanne Braun as President of Health Care Strategy Group

MAHWAH, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Capacity Group of NY LLC (CGNY), a division of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company and a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefit consultant, announced today that Jeanne Braun has joined the firm as president of CGNY's newly established Health Care Strategy Group.

Braun will be responsible for new business development, program design and management and coverage placement. She will oversee CGNY's delivery of products, services and solutions to clients in the healthcare industry, in collaboration with EPIC teams serving healthcare professionals across the nation. Braun will report to Rob Salem, President of CGNY.

With a career spanning more than 25 years working in the medical professional liability sector, Braun has an extensive background in healthcare, both as a hospital administrator and an Executive Vice President of a medical professional liability insurance company where she developed specialty programs for hospitals, medical facilities and large doctor groups.

Said Braun, "As a part of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, The Capacity Group - already one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the country - now has access to the broad resources and global reach of a Top 20 U.S. retail insurance broker. Our combined organizations share similar beliefs and values, and understand the importance of comprehensive risk management support and client service excellence, particularly in view of the many changes continuing to impact the health care industry. This is an exciting time to be EPIC."

Jeanne Braun can be reached at:
Capacity Group of NY
jbraun@braunstrategies.com
516-277-8368

About The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company:

The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company offers an expansive range of standard and customized insurance and financial products, while providing superior customer service for all types of businesses, industries, and individuals. It has a diversified insurance distribution and product platform in Retail, Wholesale and Specialty Program business, as well as all types of personal, commercial, specialty and benefits lines of business.

Headquartered in Mahwah, N.J. the firm has grown organically and through a series of acquisitions and strategic partnerships to become one of the 100 largest insurance brokerage firms in the U.S. It is currently ranked number 39 by Business Insurance magazine, and is among the Top 25 privately held brokerage firms in the U.S. according to Insurance Journal Magazine. For additional information, please visit https://capcoverage.com/.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions across California and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0417s2p-Jeanne-Braun-300dpi.jpg

Capacity Group of NY LLC (CGNY), a division of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company and a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefit consultant, announced today that Jeanne Braun has joined the firm as president of CGNY's newly established Health Care Strategy Group.

Twelve 11 Media Names Kristin Messerli Managing Editor of Mortgage Women Magazine

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- Twelve 11 Media, the Publisher of "Mortgage Women Magazine" and "Mortgage Compliance Magazine," announced today that Kristin Messerli has been named Managing Editor of Mortgage Women Magazine. Kristin officially started on April 1, 2017 and the May-June 2017 issue of "Mortgage Women Magazine" will be the first issue produced under Kristin's leadership.

In her role as managing editor, Kristin will be responsible for leading and overseeing all editorial content of the magazine as well as being the magazine's spokesperson. Ben Slayton, publisher of "Mortgage Women Magazine" is thrilled to have Kristin to lead the magazine and to take it into a new direction with a new look and focus. She will continue to maintain the magazine's core mission of empowering women across the mortgage industry to maximize their potential and to enable them to take the best advantage of the opportunities placed before them.

Kristin is the founder of Cultural Outreach Solutions LLC, which is focused on providing effective methods to reach today's young and diverse homebuyers to mortgage and real estate companies. Since 2013, she has built a successful nationwide practice including training, digital marketing, analytics, and market education through numerous published articles and speeches. She has worked with over 50 lenders, including clients such as National Ml and lenders of all sizes in all lending channels.

Kristin is also a second-generation entrepreneur in the mortgage industry and holds over 13 years of experience working in the financial industry and international human relations. She is passionate about advancing homeownership in multi-cultural and underserved segments, as she understands that homeownership is the best way to empower communities to generate wealth and upward mobility.

Prior to Cultural Outreach Solutions, she was a social worker and community organizer in the Latino immigrant community. She later consulted for international social enterprises with former McKinsey consultants at the University of Oklahoma where she earned her Master's degree in Public Administration.

"Mortgage Women Magazine" and "Mortgage Compliance Magazine" are the only two publications in the U.S. Mortgage Industry that are 100 percent focused on Mortgage Women and Mortgage Compliance, two of the most important issues in the mortgage industry today.

About Mortgage Women Magazine:

Mortgage Women Magazine is the preeminent publication and resource for women in the mortgage industry by:

- Publishing quality, timely and relevant articles that are meaningful and helpful to its subscribers.

- Maintaining highly visible, knowledgeable and respected writers for the magazine.

- Providing business resources to our subscribers that will assist them in their everyday mortgage business responsibilities.

- Always keeping the magazine focused on its core subscribers' needs by providing a publication that is solely focused on the needs of women working in the mortgage industry.

- Strive to acquire advertisers that are reputable and that will provide services and/or products to our subscribers.

For more information visit: http://www.mortgagewomenmagazine.com/.

About Mortgage Compliance Magazine:

Mortgage Compliance Magazine is a monthly Digital publication that was conceived by one of the mortgage industry's well know compliance professionals. The idea was to create a magazine whereby it would focus its editorial content totally on the needs of the professionals that work in the Mortgage industry's Legal, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management and Quality Assurance area of the mortgage banking business, including but not limited to the Federal and State Chartered Banks and Credit Unions and Mortgage Banking Firms through-out the country.

Mortgage Compliance Magazine is a free digital subscription. It is available to all of the mortgage industry's Legal, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management and Quality Assurance professionals. For more information visit: http://www.mortgagecompliancemagazine.com/.

Twelve 11 Media, the Publisher of "Mortgage Women Magazine" and "Mortgage Compliance Magazine," announced today that Kristin Messerli has been named Managing Editor of Mortgage Women Magazine. Kristin officially started on April 1, 2017 and the May-June 2017 issue of "Mortgage Women Magazine" will be the first issue produced under Kristin's leadership.

Melyn Acasio Joins Bank of Southern California, N.A.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that Melyn Acasio has joined the Bank as Vice President, Client Relationship Manager at the Del Mar Corporate office. She will primarily focus on building new client relationships for the bank.

Ms. Acasio brings with her over thirty years of experience in the financial industry, developing highly profitable banking relationships in San Diego. Most recently, Melyn held a similar role at Seacoast Commerce Bank in San Diego.

"We are excited to welcome Melyn to our growing team of bankers. Her expertise in building meaningful relationships with clients and her vast experience in the banking industry strengthens our mission of delivering banking solutions to clients with a high-level customer service and relationship banking approach," commented Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. "The expansion of our San Diego team shows our continued commitment to serving the individuals, businesses, and professionals in our community," concluded DiVita.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, Calif., is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professional, and small-to-medium sized businesses.

The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates seven branches in San Diego and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

REF: OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / PINK:BCAL / OTC:BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that Melyn Acasio has joined the Bank as Vice President, Client Relationship Manager at the Del Mar Corporate office. She will primarily focus on building new client relationships for the bank.

Alessandro Feitosa joins 5 Bars as Vice President, Solution Engineering

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- 5 BARS(R) announced today that Alessandro Feitosa has joined 5 Bars as Vice President, Solution Engineering. Alessandro brings 15 years of experience and expertise in the sports and technology space. He has led strategic pursuits and deployments across the globe.

Alessandro has been involved with the design, engineering, installation and management of high density Wi-Fi networks, including World Cup Soccer, MLB, NHL and NBA facilities as well as dozens of stadiums worldwide.

Prior to joining 5 Bars, Alessandro held key technology roles at Nokia, Cisco, Juniper Networks and Ruckus Wireless.

"We are beyond thrilled to have Alessandro join the 5 Bars team," said Monnie McGaffigan, President of 5 Bars. "His expertise in this space is second to none and anyone that has worked with Alessandro appreciates his experience and commitment to excellence."

About 5 Bars:

5 Bars is an Irvine, California based, privately held premier provider of Wireless Master Plans for Counties, Cities, Stadiums and Large Scale Venues developing comprehensive wireless strategies through a unique holistic view of all assets, coverage and capacity.

5 Bars offers fully managed wireless solutions, network development, ownership and end-to-end management delivering commercial indoor and outdoor distributed antenna systems (DAS), carrier-grade Wi-Fi networks, and small cell systems on behalf of cities, properties and service providers.

For more information, visit http://5bars.com/.

Media Contact:
5 Bars
(949) 514-4617
info@5bars.com

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0324s2p-5-bars-sports-300dpi.jpg

5 BARS(R) is a U.S. registered trademark.

5 BARS(R) announced today that Alessandro Feitosa has joined 5 Bars as Vice President, Solution Engineering. Alessandro brings 15 years of experience and expertise in the sports and technology space. He has led strategic pursuits and deployments across the globe.

LBA Ware Adds Matthew Marshall as Solutions Consultant

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), a leading provider of automated compensation software and systems integration solutions for mortgage lending and retail banking, announced it has hired Matthew Marshall as a solutions consultant to support the firm's sales efforts. In this role, Marshall will be responsible for articulating the value proposition of LBA Ware's solutions through preparing and delivering technical presentations to clients and prospects, while also collaborating with the sales team to understand customer requirements and provide support where needed.

"The demand from mortgage lenders for solutions that facilitate the efficient assembly and organization of data and eliminate redundant, manual, and inefficient processes has steadily increased," said Lori Brewer, founder of LBA Ware. "Matthew Marshall's deep background in project management and FinTech solutions makes him uniquely qualified to help LBA Ware manage its next stage of growth."

Before joining LBA Ware, Marshall served as a project manager and strategic business advisor for Q2ebanking, a leading provider of secure, cloud-based digital banking solutions for community-focused financial institutions (FIs). While at Q2ebanking, Marshall was responsible for developing readiness and execution plans for FIs undergoing online banking system and core conversions, as well as the installation and upgrading of Q2ebanking's digital banking products. Marshall is also a veteran of the United States Army, serving first as an enlisted combat medic and later as an infantry officer.

"I've followed LBA Ware since moving to central Georgia and am excited to have an opportunity to continue my career in financial technology with such a reputable and progressive company. LBA Ware's reputation and operating culture are second to none," Marshall said.

Marshall received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice and Spanish from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the American Military University.

About LBA Ware:
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Macon, Ga., LBA Ware is a leading provider of mortgage and retail banking technology solutions. With over 25 lending-oriented applications still in operation today, LBA Ware provides cutting edge solutions that leverage automation and system integration to ease the pain points of repetitive manual workflow, empowering lenders to maximize productivity and operational efficiency.

For more information about LBA Ware and their software solutions, visit http://lbaware.com/.

LBA Ware, a leading provider of automated compensation software and systems integration solutions for mortgage lending and retail banking, announced it has hired Matthew Marshall as a solutions consultant to support the firm's sales efforts. In this role, Marshall will be responsible for articulating the value proposition of LBA Ware's solutions.

Hoge Fenton Intellectual Property and Privacy and Data Security Practice Grows

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- We are pleased to announce that Counsel Lee Lueddemann, formerly of the Law Office of Leopold Lueddemann in San Ramon, Calif., and Associate Marianna Khoury, formerly of Twitter, Inc., have joined Hoge Fenton. Both are members of the firm's Intellectual Property and Privacy & Data Security Groups.

Lee Lueddemann is a registered patent attorney with successful experience in prosecuting and protecting patents, trademarks, and copyrights in the United States and internationally, particularly on behalf of software, science and technology based clients. He also serves as outside general counsel for many of his clients, providing trusted advice and counsel in business and tech transactions, complex IP portfolio management, and creative, strategic business advice. Lee will reside primarily in Hoge Fenton's Tri-Valley office.

Marianna Khoury is knowledgeable about issues pertaining to privacy, freedom of speech and intermediary liability. Marianna is working with the firm's Privacy & Data Security Group to help clients with enterprise-wide privacy and data security policies and practices, with data breach management from investigation and remediation to notification and liability defense, and with overall privacy and data security compliance. Marianna will also assist the firm's Intellectual Property Group in protecting client trademark, copyright, trade secret and other intellectual property rights by, among other things, obtaining registrations, advising on IP portfolio development and management, licensing, monitoring the market place for infringers, and defending against claims of infringement. Marianna will be based in the firm's Silicon Valley office.

"The addition of Lee and Marianna strengthens our capabilities in the rapidly changing worlds of IP and privacy. Hoge Fenton is already well known for its cutting-edge data security and privacy practice, and Marianna has an exceptional profile with her strength in policy work. Lee brings additional bandwidth in IP prosecution & protection, as well as industry knowledge of the unique needs of science-based businesses," said Dan Ballesteros, Hoge Fenton's Managing Shareholder. "Being able to deliver excellence in these practice areas is increasingly important, particularly for our technology clients, but also for our traditional business clients, and we continually strive to adapt to meet those needs."

Lueddemann commented, "One of the core values in looking to merge with a group was a firm culture of superior client care. Hoge Fenton's reputation in both Silicon Valley and the Tri-Valley for their work and service to clients was impressive. I am honored to work with such talented attorneys."

"The area of Data Security & Privacy is fast paced and evolving," said Khoury. "I am excited to join a group of leading-edge attorneys that understand and can quickly adapt to these changes on behalf of their clients."

About Hoge Fenton:

Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm, with focused practitioners who can meet nearly all our clients' needs - under one roof. Our lawyers are dedicated to excellence in their specific areas of practice, and do not dabble. The breadth of expertise within the firm means that one of our professionals can simply walk down the hall and speak with other subject matter experts, providing our clients with a high value experience.

And, as a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, our reach extends around the world. This network provides our clients with access to vetted and trusted local counsel throughout the U.S. and across the globe, allowing us to seamlessly assist our clients in San Jose, California and San Jose, Costa Rica. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: http://www.hogefenton.com/.

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We are pleased to announce that Counsel Lee Lueddemann, formerly of the Law Office of Leopold Lueddemann in San Ramon, Calif., and Associate Marianna Khoury, formerly of Twitter, Inc., have joined Hoge Fenton. Both are members of the firm's Intellectual Property and Privacy & Data Security Groups.

Ascende – an EPIC Company adds Gary C. McKinney to Southwest Region Business Development Team

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Gary C. McKinney has joined the firm's Southwest Region Employee Benefits Consulting Practice in Houston (Ascende - an EPIC Company) as Business Development Manager.

McKinney is responsible for communicating the Ascende/EPIC difference and value to business leaders and the broader community. Through these interactions, he identifies opportunities to improve employee programs and administrative services, as well as to better manage costs and optimize a company's return on investment in their people. He collaborates with executive leadership and Ascende/EPIC subject matter experts to craft tailored solutions to advance each client's specific business goals.

McKinney began his career in HR leadership positions with Schlumberger, Ltd and Compaq Computer Corporation. He also served as the VPHR of Landmark Graphics Corp., a software company that assists the E&P industry with finding and developing hydrocarbons, and a wholly owned company of Halliburton. In addition, McKinney served as the CHRO for Valerus LP, a PE backed energy Services Company, and where he helped to drive 20% YOY annualized growth.

Prior to joining Ascende - an EPIC Company, McKinney worked as a CHRO for several Private Equity backed, rapid growth organizations and focused on leveraging human capital to meet both strategic and operational objectives. His emphasis on talent management and development allowed these organizations to maximize the return on their investments in people.

McKinney has also held leadership positions for professional organizations; the Human Capital Planning Society and the Information Services Human Resources Association, as well as serving on the Board of the Baylor Research Initiative and Collaborative.

McKinney received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Presbyterian College. Professionally, he earned the Executive HR Certificate from Stanford University and the University of Michigan.

"Gary brings a wealth of knowledge combining his significant experience as a CHRO for some of the world's most successful organizations and supporting the needs of capital sponsors where private equity investments have been made," said Brett Haugh, EPIC's Managing Principal of the Southwest Region. "He has a solid perspective around the orchestration of benefit plans, communications, and the effective use of HR technology to align with business objectives. Gary is a committed, results orientated individual, with a passion for delivering creative, value-added solutions, and he has a reputation for providing thought leadership and a commitment to building strong, positive relationships that align with our core values. We are excited to have Gary join our growing operation in the Southwest Region and across the country."

Said McKinney, "As a senior HR professional, I am responsible for developing new business relationships, introducing the Ascende/EPIC approach and value, and helping our clients develop strategic solutions in all areas of human capital management and employee engagement and retention. This is truly an exciting opportunity for me."

Gary McKinney can be reached at:
Ascende - an EPIC Company
Office: 832-476-9942
Mobile: 713-557-4152
gary.mckinney@epicbrokers.com

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With more than $200 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0313s2p-McKinney-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Gary C. McKinney has joined the firm's Southwest Region Employee Benefits Consulting Practice in Houston (Ascende - an EPIC Company) as Business Development Manager.

Philip Stevens joins Optima Group as Director

FAIRFIELD, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Philip C. Stevens has joined Optima Group, Inc. as Director, with responsibility for helping the firm's clients achieve their goals through the development of business and marketing strategies as well as the deployment of communications initiatives. A seasoned executive from the financial services and insurance industries, Philip was most recently with Pappas MacDonnell, Inc., where he worked with a variety of clients in banking, investment management, insurance and business services.

"Philip comes to Optima Group with a valued combination of capabilities," said Kenneth R. Hoffman, President and Managing Director. "He has divided his career between the client and consulting sides of the table, and he balances an analytical mind with a creative flair, which is really at the heart of what Optima Group provides to its clients."

Before his time at Pappas MacDonnell, Philip was a corporate vice president at MassMutual Financial Group, where he was in charge of Institutional Distribution, and before that a senior vice president at Advanta Corporation, where he was also president of the firm's life and health insurance company. He has also held executive positions at Penn Mutual and People's United Bank and was at one time an advertising copywriter on Madison Avenue.

"Philip's versatility will ensure that he will add immediate value to a number of our current assignments," said Hoffman, "while his multifaceted experience will help us broaden our reach into other financial-services sectors as well. We're pleased to welcome Philip into our ranks."

A resident of Guilford, Connecticut, Philip is a Chartered Life Underwriter and an alumnus of Yale College and the Harvard Business School.

About Optima Group, Inc.:

With a single-minded focus on the financial industry, Fairfield, Connecticut-based Optima Group has been helping leading financial services companies grow their businesses for more than three decades. As an ongoing, trusted partner to its clients, Optima Group adds insight, an outside perspective, and fresh ideas. From concept to execution, it helps build its clients' brands by thinking creatively - and guiding them toward effective solutions that work in the marketplace.

For more information, visit: http://www.optimagroupinc.com/.

Philip C. Stevens has joined Optima Group, Inc. as Director, with responsibility for helping the firm's clients achieve their goals through the development of business and marketing strategies as well as the deployment of communications initiatives. A seasoned executive from the financial services and insurance industries, Philip was most recently with Pappas MacDonnell, Inc., where he worked with a variety of clients in banking, investment management, insurance and business services.