Tag Archives: Management and Career Moves

MMI Welcomes Ryan Minard as Senior Sales Engineer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced today that Ryan Minard is its newest senior sales engineer. "Ryan has an impressive track record of delivering innovative solutions and surpassing company initiatives. He comprehends the nuances of the industry and the challenges faced by our enterprise users," stated Melissa Sike, Vice President of Enterprise Sales. "His background specializes in diagnosing pain points across sales and marketing teams, followed by implementing customized solutions that foster success. This expertise will bolster MMI in expanding its customer base and assisting our clients in reaching their growth objectives."

With more than 17 years of collective experience in mortgage and creative marketing, Minard's expertise lies in applying an empathetic approach to address mortgage lenders' marketing and business challenges. He leads the discovery process to translate findings into product demonstrations and develop tailored solutions for clients, bolstering net-new sales endeavors. His experience includes serving as a seasoned authority in the field, advocating for the customer's perspective in cross-functional capacities and offering guidance to product, development, and customer success teams.

"Throughout my career, I've consistently aimed to make meaningful contributions to both my company and the broader industry. With the substantial impact that MMI's advanced data and innovative technology are already making, I'm excited to join forces with an organization whose mission and priorities closely align with mine," said Minard. "I'm eager to introduce my extensive network of contacts to the valuable benefits and expertise offered by MMI."

Minard previously served as a sales engineer for ICE Mortgage Technology's Surefire CRM platform, which was included in the company's 2023 acquisition of Black Knight. He also held the position of Director of Customer Growth at Surefire until Black Knight's acquisition of the platform in 2021. Prior to joining the mortgage technology space, Minard worked directly for a lender, First Centennial Mortgage as the Marketing and Creative Manager.

By accessing an unrivaled database of comprehensive real estate and mortgage production data, MMI's enterprise customers can identify partner networks that best support their business objectives with granular insight into lenders, loan officers and real estate agents by region or individual transactions. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io/.

About MMI:

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is a market leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, MMI, provides actionable intelligence for lenders, real estate agents, real estate brokerages, title companies and others in the real estate industry. MMI is currently used by more than 450 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the country. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced today that Ryan Minard is its newest senior sales engineer. With more than 17 years of collective experience in mortgage and creative marketing, Minard's expertise lies in applying an empathetic approach to address mortgage lenders' marketing and business challenges.

Related link: https://mmi.io

Floify’s Sofia Rossato named as advisor to the Broker Action Coalition board of directors

BOULDER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that President and General Manager Sofia Rossato has been named as a board advisor to the newly formed board of Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a nonprofit organization created in 2022 to advocate for legislative reform and educational advancement within the independent mortgage broker community.

The BAC advocates for legislative change and education initiatives for independent mortgage brokers and homebuyers across the country. The board's 10 voting members are drawn from a diverse pool of industry experts and includes four lenders, four brokers and BAC's executive leadership. Rossato joins Brian Vieaux, president and COO of FinLocker and Sam Parker, owner of My Credit Guy, as a vendor advisor to the board.

"Unlike many industry groups, BAC takes a broad view of what lending professionals need to accomplish in order to be successful, and how those activities, in turn, can benefit consumers. That aligns with Floify's view of advancing technology in directions that improve the customer experience and help get more people into homes, especially those in underserved communities," said Rossato. "As a vendor advisor, my role on this board will be to figure out how technology should evolve to help brokers and lenders better serve homebuyers."

Rossato brings more than 20 years of experience growing companies in start-up and large corporate environments to the role. She was tapped to lead Floify in Spring 2022 after its acquisition by Porch Group. Since then, she has overseen a rapid rollout of new product features to help lenders and broker customers optimize operations, including the introduction of Floify Broker Edition. She was recently recognized as a National Mortgage Professional (NMP) 2024 Woman of Inspiration. Prior to Floify, Rossato was managing director and COO for the billion-dollar information division of $17B fintech, IHS Markit and was CEO of SnapEngage, an omni-channel messaging platform and early adopter of AI. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences using technology to broaden access to homeownership.

"Sofia brings a deep understanding of the fintech market and how to optimize technology to help lenders and brokers better serve the needs of their borrowers from the time they fill out the loan application to the loan's close," said BAC Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Katie Sweeney. "Combined with BAC's governance structure, the board and its advisors reflect our commitment to engaging on policy issues that will protect and enhance opportunities for the independent brokerage community and consumers alike."

About Floify

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. ("Porch Group") (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company's website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning the Company's possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "intends," or similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Porch and its management at the time they are made, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) expansion plans and opportunities, and managing growth, to build a consumer brand; (2) the incidence, frequency, and severity of weather events, extensive wildfires, and other catastrophes; (3) economic conditions, especially those affecting the housing, insurance, and financial markets; (4) expectations regarding revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, and the ability to achieve and maintain future profitability; (5) existing and developing federal and state laws and regulations, including with respect to insurance, warranty, privacy, information security, data protection and taxation, and management's interpretation of and compliance with such laws and regulations; (6) the Company's reinsurance program, which includes the use of a captive reinsurer, the success of which is dependent on a number of factors outside management's control, along with reliance on reinsurance to protect us against loss; (7) uncertainties related to regulatory approval of insurance rates, policy forms, insurance products, license applications, acquisitions of businesses or strategic initiatives, including the reciprocal restructuring, and other matters within the purview of insurance regulators; (8) reliance on strategic, proprietary relationships to provide the Company with access to personal data and product information, and the ability to use such data and information to increase transaction volume and attract and retain customers; (9) the ability to develop new, or enhance existing, products, services, and features and bring them to market in a timely manner; (10) changes in capital requirements, and the ability to access capital when needed to provide statutory surplus; (11) the increased costs and initiatives required to address new legal and regulatory requirements arising from developments related to cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance and the increased costs and initiatives to protect against data breaches, cyber-attacks, virus or malware attacks, or other infiltrations or incidents affecting system integrity, availability and performance; (12) retaining and attracting skilled and experienced employees; (13) costs related to being a public company; and (14) other risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, as well as those discussed in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), all of which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Nothing in this release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the forward-looking statements in this release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestitures, mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations that have not been completed as of the date of this release. Porch does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changed circumstances, new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that President and General Manager Sofia Rossato has been named as a board advisor to the newly formed board of Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a nonprofit organization created in 2022 to advocate for legislative reform and educational advancement within the independent mortgage broker community.

Related link: https://floify.com/

Argyle welcomes former FHFA Chief Fintech Officer Jason Cave to board of advisors

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced the addition of Jason Cave, former chief fintech officer and deputy director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Division of Conservatorship Oversight and Readiness, to its board of advisors.

Cave has more than three decades of experience in U.S. banking regulation. Before joining the FHFA, Cave spent 27 years at FDIC, where he served in numerous positions including as a senior advisor within the Division of Complex Institution, Supervision and Resolution. He has also helped shape international bank policy as a former chairman of the Basel Committee's task force on simplicity and comparability, leading negotiations for the post-crisis reform package known as Basel III.

In more recent years Cave has emerged as a leading force in housing finance innovation. After launching the FHFA's Office of Financial Technology in 2022, he introduced its first annual Velocity tech sprint in 2023. The three-day event challenged practitioners from across the technology and mortgage finance sectors to build and present innovative solutions for increasing access, fairness, affordability and sustainability in mortgage lending.

"After 30 years in government, I'm investing my experience and energy in the fintechs that are working to solve the many entrenched challenges within banking and mortgage," said Cave. "Argyle is a company that is making real, measurable strides toward making mortgages more fraud-resistant and cost-effective in an industry where modernization is often an uphill battle. We can expect a lot more innovation to come from Argyle, and I'm energized to be a part of it. "

"No one understands the intersection of financial regulation and technology better than Jason Cave," said Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman. "It's an honor to welcome Jason to our advisory board, where his guidance will be invaluable in helping Argyle navigate the D.C. landscape as we drive advancements the mortgage industry needs to thrive."

Cave's appointment to the Argyle advisory board follows that of fellow mortgage industry veterans Sam E. Oliver III and Terri Davis, both of whom joined in 2023. Oliver boasts three decades of experience at Freddie Mac, while Davis has held leadership positions at Fannie Mae, ICE Mortgage Technology and Notarize.

About Argyle:

Founded in 2018, Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source access to income and employment data. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter® validation service, a component of Day 1 Certainty®, Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers' ability to pay and reduce repurchase risk-all at 60-80% less cost. Argyle's commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyle's industry-leading platform, please visit https://argyle.com/.

To stay up to date on all Argyle news, sign up for our newsletter here: https://argyle.com/blog/.

Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced the addition of Jason Cave, former chief fintech officer and deputy director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Division of Conservatorship Oversight and Readiness, to its board of advisors.

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

Mortgage Industry Veteran Sara Holtz Joins Optimal Blue as Chief Marketing Officer

PLANO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Optimal Blue announced today that it has appointed Sara Holtz as chief marketing officer. As a seasoned marketing and communications leader, Holtz brings more than 20 years of career experience, including a decade of driving change in the mortgage industry. As chief marketing officer, Holtz will drive unified marketing and communications strategies to advance Optimal Blue's business priorities and further extend the company's influence.

"As the only comprehensive capital markets solution in the mortgage industry, Optimal Blue helps lenders realize greater profitability and operational efficiency, which plays an essential role in making the dream of homeownership attainable for the American borrower," said Holtz. "It's an honor to join Optimal Blue - a company that's been regarded for its innovation and expertise for decades. I am energized by the opportunity to build on the company's momentum to drive meaningful transformation for Optimal Blue's valued clients and the borrowers they serve."

Holtz joins Optimal Blue from ICE Mortgage Technology, where she most recently served as vice president of demand marketing and communications. In this role, she led a dynamic team focused on generating sales opportunities and engaging industry audiences. Holtz joined ICE with the company's acquisition of Ellie Mae in 2020. During her tenure at Ellie Mae, Holtz helped advance the company's corporate communications strategies, including both internal and external brand narratives.

"Sara is a highly respected professional and her unique blend of experience makes her the perfect addition to Optimal Blue's senior leadership team," says Scott Smith, interim CEO of Optimal Blue. "She has a track record of proven leadership, and she will play an integral role as we continue to expand our position as the leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology."

Holtz was honored as a HousingWire Marketing Leader in 2023, a prestigious award that celebrates the most creative and influential minds of the housing economy.

About Optimal Blue:

Optimal Blue is a market leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology. The company facilitates transactions among mortgage market participants through its Marketplace Platform, actionable data, and technology vendor connections. The platform supports a range of functions for originators and investors to automate and optimize core processes related to product, pricing, and eligibility, hedge analytics, MSR valuation, loan trading, social media compliance, and counterparty oversight. The company's premier products are used by 68% of the top 500 mortgage lenders in the U.S.

For more information on Optimal Blue's end-to-end secondary marketing automation, visit OptimalBlue.com.

Optimal Blue announced today that it has appointed Sara Holtz as chief marketing officer. As a seasoned marketing and communications leader, Holtz brings more than 20 years of career experience, including a decade of driving change in the mortgage industry. As chief marketing officer, Holtz will drive unified marketing and communications strategies to advance Optimal Blue's business priorities and further extend the company's influence.

Related link: https://www2.optimalblue.com/

Sports Medicine Podiatrist to Serve Kissimmee, Lake Nona Communities

KISSIMMEE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Trevor Baddaloo, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist who previously worked with the Miami Heat, recently joined Florida podiatric group Modern Foot & Ankle and will begin seeing patients on Monday.

After working in private practice in New York, Dr. Baddaloo is thrilled to trade in the cold for sunny Central Florida. He will be practicing alongside Dr. Vanisaben Patel at the Lake Nona and Kissimmee locations, with a special connection to the latter.

"My connection to Kissimmee is not just professional but deeply personal," Dr. Baddaloo explained. "With family residing in this welcoming community, my yearly visits have allowed me to appreciate the people, the landscape, and, of course, the theme parks.

"The prospect of now practicing in the vibrant landscape of Kissimmee-Orlando is both a homecoming and an exciting venture," he continued. "Beyond the enriching professional opportunities, I look forward to contributing to the health of a community that holds a special place in my heart."

Skilled in all facets of podiatric healthcare, Dr. Baddaloo also has a special interest in wound care, diabetic foot care, minimally-invasive procedures, and, most notably, sports medicine - in fact, he trained with the Miami Heat's team podiatrist for three years during his residency.

"Working with high-level athletes allowed me to hone my sports medicine skills significantly," Dr. Badaloo shared. "Beyond that, my patients can count on my commitment to long-term wellness through preventative strategies and patient education."

A major factor in Dr. Baddaloo's decision to join Modern Foot & Ankle, which is renowned for its dedication to patient-centered care and medical innovation, was how closely his own clinical approach aligned with the group's core values and mission.

"Rooted in compassion, my approach resonates with the values upheld by our practice, ensuring every patient receives personalized, top-tier podiatric care," he shared. "Together, we can forge a path where expertise meets empathy."

The offices are located at 3070 Loopdale Lane in Kissimmee and 10016 Wellness Way in Lake Nona. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Baddaloo, visit book.mfahealth.com or call 1-844-MODERN9.

About Modern Foot & Ankle(r):

Through Big-City Technology. Small-Town Care.(r) Modern Foot & Ankle is reshaping the patient experience and curating a progressive model for podiatric healthcare. Our physicians provide comprehensive medical and surgical solutions for foot and ankle conditions in clinics across Florida. With 24/7 online booking and check-in, extended office hours, advanced on-site equipment, and cutting-edge treatment options, Modern Foot & Ankle serves patients efficiently, comfortably, and on their schedule.

For more information, visit https://www.modernfootankle.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.modernfootankle.com/podiatrists/dr-trevor-baddaloo

https://www.modernfootankle.com/podiatrists/dr-vanisaben-patel

https://www.modernfootankle.com/locations/kissimmee

https://www.modernfootankle.com/locations/lake-nona

Trevor Baddaloo, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist who previously worked with the Miami Heat, recently joined Florida podiatric group Modern Foot & Ankle and will begin seeing patients on Monday. Skilled in all facets of podiatric healthcare, Dr. Baddaloo also has a special interest in wound care, diabetic foot care, minimally-invasive procedures, and, most notably, sports medicine.

Related link: https://modernfootankle.com/

Click n’ Close Welcomes Polly Cracchiolo as Wholesale Loan Division Expands

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Polly Cracchiolo has joined the organization's third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive.

"Polly has a proven record of helping clients and borrowers find success. With our ambitious plans for 2024, her arrival couldn't be more opportune," said Click n' Close Executive Director, TPO Lending Adam Rieke. "As our TPO program rapidly expands, Polly's experience is appreciated. We want to provide our clients with seasoned account executives full of expertise to help them navigate the current market."

With more than two decades of lending experience, Cracchiolo specializes in government and conventional loans. She joins from Eleven Mortgage, where she was a Senior Account Executive. Her background includes various positions at First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, Mr. Cooper, Banc Home Loans, Kinectra Federal Credit Union and more.

"I'm extremely happy to join Click n' Close and, more importantly, happy to expand options to future homeowners," said Cracchiolo. "Click n' Close has continuously evolved with cutting-edge loan programs. I'm eager to help lenders leverage these tools."

In this new role, Cracchiolo will be under Ken Weislak's leadership, the National TPO Business Development Manager at Click n' Close.

About Click' n' Close, Inc.:

Click 'n' Close, Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels and is also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click' n' Close has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes.

Combining this culture of innovation with a risk management mindset enables Click' n' Close to deliver new products to market that address the challenges facing both borrowers and third-party originators (TPOs). These innovations include its USDA one-time close construction loans, proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and reverse mortgage division. Its direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors afford Click' n' Close direct access to the capital markets, thus ensuring maximum liquidity for its product innovations. By servicing its loan programs in-house, Click' n' Close provides its wholesale and correspondent partners with an additional level of certainty regarding loan salability and superior borrower service over the life of the loan.

Learn more at https://www.clicknclose.com/.

Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Polly Cracchiolo has joined the organization's third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive. In this new role, Cracchiolo will be under Ken Weislak's leadership, the National TPO Business Development Manager at Click n' Close.

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

CDF Labor Law LLP Expands Firm Leadership, Elevates Six Women

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP is proud to announce the promotion of two attorneys to Partner and four to Senior Counsel, all of whom are talented women employment defense litigators. These promotions reflect our commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment that values and advances our team members' diverse skills and contributions. These individuals, part of our nearly 50-strong legal team, exemplify CDF's dedication to guiding and defending employers in California's complex labor and employment legal terrain.

"Each recently elevated attorney at CDF Labor Law LLP has consistently showcased exceptional legal acumen and an unwavering commitment to superior client service," stated Firm Managing Partner Marie DiSante. "In applauding these advancements, we reaffirm our firm's steadfast dedication to delivering top-tier talent to safeguard, defend and advocate for employers throughout California."

CDF New Partners (in alphabetical order by first name):

Desiree J. Ho (San Diego - Partner) has extensive experience across diverse industries and understands the vital role of tailored solutions for clients. She is well-versed in defending employers in wage and hour litigation, including PAGA and class actions, as well as single and multi-plaintiff lawsuits for discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other employer-related claims. She advocates taking preemptive measures to best protect clients against wage and hour and other areas of exposure, works with clients to develop strong policies and practices, and guides businesses through difficult employment decisions. Desiree was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 2016.

Erin A. Owen (San Diego - Partner) prioritizes personalized service, crafting strategies aligned with client goals in both employment and business litigation. She is deeply committed to her client's well-being and synthesizes a deep understanding of their business, culture, and risk tolerance to best address their legal needs. Erin's employment litigation expertise spans class and PAGA wage and hour disputes, single and multi-party wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, among other claims, across diverse industries. In business litigation, she handles breach of contract, business torts, trade secret litigation, and shareholder / partner / principal disputes, showcasing knowledge of issues unique to businesses at different stages of their lifecycle. Her comprehensive experience includes counseling businesses planning for and in the transactions process, including managing litigation and its impact on a transaction critical to an organization. Erin graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1996.

CDF New Senior Counsel (in alphabetical order by first name):

Candace R. DesBaillets (San Francisco - Senior Counsel) advises and defends employers, providing practical solutions to mitigate risks. With expertise in wage and hour compliance, termination risk assessment, family and medical leave, and disability accommodation, she handles litigation matters spanning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, contracts, and employment-related torts. Candace has a diverse client portfolio across industries, such as technology, retail, food and beverage, construction, healthcare, and aerospace. Her experience includes representing employers in state and federal courts and before agencies like the EEOC, CRD, and DLSE. With a background in critical gender studies, she offers unique insights to help employers navigate California's dynamic legal landscape. Candance was named to the 2023 and 2024 lists of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Berkeley School of Law in 2016.

Dalia Z. Khatib (Sacramento - Senior Counsel) defends California employers on a variety of issues, with a special emphasis on wage and hour class actions, as well as Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) litigation. She has successfully defended employers throughout all stages of litigation, including through trial. In addition to her legal acumen, Dalia's unique background includes helping manage a family-owned marketing and software development company. This hands-on experience managing a workforce has given her a unique perspective in her legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges that businesses face, particularly in the dynamic landscape of California. This perspective allows Dalia to provide comprehensive guidance to employers on all employee-related issues, including termination, leaves of absence, wage and hour regulations, and compliance with California's privacy regulations impacting employers. Dalia was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Davis School of Law in 2018.

Linda Wang (Los Angeles - Senior Counsel) represents clients in diverse industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail. Her practices focus on single-plaintiff FEHA claims, wage and hour disputes, and PAGA and class actions. Wang has also assisted clients in navigating the new California privacy laws (CFRA), including drafting workplace privacy policies. She has successfully defeated wage and hour class action, including obtaining a complete denial of class certification motion in favor of employer. Beyond litigation, she advises on workplace disputes, wage compliance, and privacy laws, showcasing a comprehensive approach to client needs. Fluent in Mandarin, Linda provides legal advice in Mandarin and offers pro bono support, demonstrating her commitment to accessibility and client well-being in the complex landscape of California labor law. Linda was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Irvine School of Law in 2017.

Tashayla "Shay" Billington (Sacramento - Senior Counsel) defends California companies against wage and hour class actions and single-plaintiff claims involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and employment-related torts. She also excels in strategic legal maneuvers, conducting thorough discovery processes, and handling motions, mediations, and arbitrations with a track record of success. She has notable experience in defending unfair labor practice charges and counseling both unionized and non-unionized employers on various aspects of labor relations. Committed to protecting businesses and ensuring compliance with California's dynamic employment laws, she also provides comprehensive legal representation with assertive and innovative strategies to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. Shay was named to the 2023 and 2024 lists of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers from McGeorge School of Law in 2015.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.CalLaborLaw.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/marie-disante

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/desiree-j-ho

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/erin-a.-owen

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/candace-r.-desbaillets

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/dalia-z-khatib

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/linda-wang

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/tashayla-shay-billington

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdflaborlaw/

CDF Labor Law LLP is proud to announce the promotion of two attorneys to Partner and four to Senior Counsel, all of whom are talented women employment defense litigators. These promotions reflect our commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment that values and advances our team members' diverse skills and contributions. These individuals, part of our nearly 50-strong legal team, exemplify CDF's dedication to guiding and defending employers in California's complex labor and employment legal terrain.

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

S.C. Education Management Organization Reason & Republic Announces Key Leadership Positions

ANDERSON, S.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Reason & Republic, a South Carolina charter school leader, is pleased to announce the promotion of two highly accomplished individuals to pivotal roles in its organization.

Mrs. Jamie Brumer-Clemons Appointed Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer

Reason & Republic proudly announces the promotion of Mrs. Jamie Brumer-Clemons to Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. Previously serving as R&R's Director of Operations, Mrs. Brumer-Clemons brings over 22 years of invaluable experience in the education sector, with a decade of her work dedicated to charter school education and operations. Holding a Masters in Education, Jamie has consistently demonstrated an ability to operate high-performing charter schools that provide students and parents with what they need to flourish outside the traditional education setting. Residing in Greenville, SC with her loving husband William and their cherished animals, Jamie is a proud parent of two daughters who are attending college in Florida, and two stepsons in Michigan.

Dr. Kelly Griffis Named Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Kelly Griffis is being promoted to Reason & Republic's Deputy Superintendent, bringing 20 years of teaching and administrative experience in public, charter, and private schools. With a proven track record in developing thriving charter schools, Dr. Griffis brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her new position. With a Masters in Special Education, an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in School Administration, Dr. Griffs formerly served as an adjunct professor at Tri-County Tech and as a curriculum developer at the university level. Kelly has been married to Rev. Stacey Griffis for 34 years, and they are blessed with three daughters and five grandchildren.

"We are delighted to announce these well-deserved promotions, which underscore Reason & Republic's commitment to developing a leadership team that understands our students' needs, and is committed to providing personalized, flexible, and effective learning environments for the families we serve," noted Reason & Republic's founder, James Galyean.

About Reason & Republic:

Reason & Republic is South Carolina's premier education management organization, dedicated to developing high-performing charter schools that provide an excellent education to underserved populations across the southeast. We put students first in everything we do, utilizing time-tested curricula and individual feedback to help students achieve and exceed their academic goals. Visit us on the web at https://reasonandrepublic.com/.

Reason & Republic, a South Carolina charter school leader, is pleased to announce the promotion of two highly accomplished individuals to pivotal roles in its organization. Mrs. Jamie Brumer-Clemons Appointed Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer.

Related link: https://reasonandrepublic.com/

LA Sports Council Announces New President & CEO Matthew Cacciato

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, is proud to announce the hiring of a new President and CEO of the organization, Matthew Cacciato.

Before joining LA Sports Council, Cacciato served as the Executive Director for Ohio University College of Business' AECOM Center for Sports Administration, and their renowned Master of Sports Administration graduate program. He also held the titles of Executive in Residence and Assistant Professor of Instruction. Prior to joining Ohio University, he spent 23 years in the cable sports television industry as a distribution executive for ESPN, Fox Cable Networks and the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Programming Network (YES Network).

"Matt has built an exceptional career for more than three decades across multiple industries providing strong leadership and advancing every organization he's led," said Dave Klewan, Chairman of the Board of Directors for LA Sports Council and General Manager of the Genesis Invitational. "Matt has the right mix of deep experience in the sports world and an understanding of the importance of community and education that can ensure the LA Sports Council continues to be a leader in uniting the worlds of sports and business."

As President, Cacciato's first initiative will be the organization's 19th Annual LA Sports Awards, a flagship celebration honoring the best in LA sports and top moments of the year. Cacciato will also oversee LA Sports Council's community program, Ready, Set, Gold!. RSG! is a community health, fitness, and social and emotional learning program that partners Olympians and Paralympians with Southern California schools to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

"I am excited to join an organization that plays such a vital role in promoting everything LA sports are about: the athletes, organizations, business leaders, and community members that help make Southern California the epicenter of the sports world," Cacciato said. "In a region the size of Los Angeles, you really see the unique power that sports have to bring us together. Our work to unite the LA sports industry can only lead to greater strength and a stronger and healthier community and economy for all."

Cacciato previously served on the board of the Ohio nonprofit organization Recreation Unlimited, a year-round 24/7 respite facility committed to providing the best and safest sports and recreation experiences for youth and adults with disabilities and health concerns. Cacciato also co-founded Blue Beautiful Skies, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and funding for lung cancer research benefitting The Ohio State University's James Comprehensive Cancer Center's Thoracic care unit, where his late wife Annie received world class care and treatment for eight years.

About the LA Sports Council:

Founded in 1988, the LA Sports Council, a non-profit 501(c)(6), is the premier sports trade association in the Los Angeles region. Through year-round programming including the LA Sports Awards, LA Sports Innovation Conference, and Ready, Set, Gold!, the LA Sports Council brings together and celebrates the greatest sports community in the world.

The LASC Board of Directors also represents the Board of the Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG). Although separate organizations, all entities work together for a common goal.

For more information, visit https://www.lasports.org/.

About Ready, Set, Gold!

Founded in 2006, Ready, Set, Gold! is a community health, fitness and social and emotional learning program that promotes healthy and active lifestyles to children in Southern California schools. RSG! is a public-private partnership between the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG), The Foundation for Global Sports Development, and several public-school districts. RSG! believes that every student should have equal access to resources that support physical health and academic achievement. For more information, visit https://www.readysetgold.net/.

The LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, is proud to announce the hiring of a new President and CEO of the organization, Matthew Cacciato. As President, Cacciato's first initiative will be the organization's 19th Annual LA Sports Awards, a flagship celebration honoring the best in LA sports and top moments of the year.

Related link: https://www.lasports.org/

BioAustinCTX Adds Cindy WalkerPeach and Ryan Hawkins to the Board of Directors

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- BioAustinCTX, Central Texas' Life Science industry organization, announced today the appointment of Cindy WalkerPeach, PhD and Ryan Hawkins to its Board of Directors.

Cindy WalkerPeach has been involved in the Central Texas life science ecosystem since 1996, having relocated to Austin to join a bioscience startup. She currently leads the development of the Nexxus Project at the University of Texas at Austin and serves on the national faculty for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Programs. Prior to UT, she was the Chief Product Development Officer at the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Prior to government service, Dr. WalkerPeach has 20+ years experience in the biotechnology sector as a member of several life science company management teams, all located in Central Texas, where she led product development and commercial operations.

"It's an exciting time, as Central Texas continues its development into a first-class life sciences hub. BioAustinCTX has been, and continues to be, a critical component for connectivity within the region," said WalkerPeach.

Ryan Hawkins is an accomplished biopharmaceutical leader with 25 years' experience in the life sciences. Ryan serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Disruption Labs, a plant-derived delivery technology company serving the nutraceutical industry. Prior to joining Disruption Labs, Ryan was responsible for Technical Operations at Molecular Templates, a clinical stage biotechnology company and spent 20 years in the biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry.

"All of the ingredients are present in Austin and Central Texas to have thriving, dynamic life science community that creates benefits beyond the advertised value proposition. Being a part of creating our secret sauce recipe that attracts people, conversation, companies, and community building is very exciting. As a member of the BioAustinCTX board, I look forward to unlocking our community's potential in this regard," said Hawkins.

"Cindy and Ryan bring tremendous experience and knowledge and we look forward to the energy and expertise they will bring to advancing BioAustinCTX's pivotal role in growing the life science ecosystem in Central Texas," said Scott Collins, Board of Directors President.

About BioAustinCTX:

BioAustinCTX is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas focused on advancing the life science industry in the Central Texas Region. Visit BioAustinCTX for more information: https://bioaustinctx.com/.

BioAustinCTX, Central Texas' Life Science industry organization, announced today the appointment of Cindy WalkerPeach, PhD and Ryan Hawkins to its Board of Directors. BioAustinCTX is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas focused on advancing the life science industry in the Central Texas Region.

Related link: https://bioaustinctx.com/

Dark Matter Technologies adds mortgage technology veteran Tony Fox as chief of client engagement

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced industry veteran Tony Fox as its chief of client engagement.

Following Black Knight's September 2023 acquisition, Fox assumed a role leading enterprise client management at ICE Mortgage Technology. During his five years with Black Knight pre-acquisition, Fox led the account management team for the origination technology performance group. Prior to his tenure at Black Knight, Fox spent four years as the director of technology and business intelligence at 1st Priority Mortgage. He also brings experience through his former role as a technology consultant, as well as diverse sales and operations experience from his seven years with M&T Bank.

As Dark Matter's chief of client engagement, Fox is responsible for directing the company's account management and client success teams and will report to Sean Dugan, chief revenue officer at Dark Matter.

"We are immensely delighted to welcome Tony to our team, stepping into a role where his expertise and exceptional performance are already well-established," said Rich Gagliano, CEO at Dark Matter. "It's hard to think of a more important role than making sure the clients have a voice, that we're listening to what they need, and deliver products and services in line with those needs."

"Adding Tony to an already deep bench underscores our commitment that client communication is a two-way street. From our user forums to one-on-one meetings, we have a variety of channels for clients to reach out to us, and Tony will be the one shepherding those interactions and making sure our clients' voices are heard and acted upon," added Dugan.

Fox earned his bachelor's degree in math and economics from the University at Buffalo and his Master of Business Administration from Canisius College. He is currently pursuing Certified Mortgage Banker and Accredited Mortgage Professional designations through the Mortgage Bankers Association and is on track to complete both in 2024.

"I am thrilled to join Dark Matter and continue to work with a tremendous team and clients that I've known for years," said Fox. "At Dark Matter, we're on a mission to improve the mortgage process and optimize the workflow for lenders and their customers. I'm proud and grateful to be part of this vision for the mortgage market, and I couldn't have found a better fit to continue my commitment to this industry."

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com/.

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced industry veteran Tony Fox as its chief of client engagement.

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

Click n’ Close Welcomes Sean Drake as it Expands Wholesale Loan Division

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Sean Drake has joined the organization's third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive.

"Thanks to Sean's proven track record of boosting sales-team performance and steering the increase of company revenues, he was the perfect fit as our TPO business channel grows," said Click n' Close Executive Director, TPO Lending Adam Rieke. "We have a lot planned for 2024, so the addition of Sean to our team comes at the perfect time. He will be instrumental in expanding our TPO loan production in Northern California and surrounding markets."

With over 25 years of lending experience, Drake has excelled as a sales leader in highly competitive markets, spearheading multimillion-dollar sales growth. In his previous position, Drake was a Regional Branch Manager for Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc., where he helped build a strong presence in the Northern California market while fostering the company's global vision and strategic growth plan. During his time at PRMG, Drake was honored as one of Scotsman Guide's Top Wholesale Account Executives of 2021.

"Click n' Close is known for being an innovative lender. I've had the pleasure of working with other Click n' Close personnel in my previous roles. Having experienced the high level of expertise Click n' Close provides first-hand, joining the team is especially humbling," said Drake. "Adam's wealth of experience and vision for the TPO division is exciting. I'm proud to be a part of it and look forward to his leadership."

Drake's background includes leadership positions at Caliber Home Loans, Home Savings of America, Reunion Mortgage, Aegis Mortgage, American Brokers Conduit and American Mortgage Network.

About Click' n' Close, Inc.:

Click 'n' Close, Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels and is also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click' n' Close has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes.

Combining this culture of innovation with a risk management mindset enables Click' n' Close to deliver new products to market that address the challenges facing both borrowers and third-party originators (TPOs). These innovations include its USDA one-time close construction loans, proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and reverse mortgage division. Its direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors afford Click' n' Close direct access to the capital markets, thus ensuring maximum liquidity for its product innovations. By servicing its loan programs in-house, Click' n' Close provides its wholesale and correspondent partners with an additional level of certainty regarding loan salability and superior borrower service over the life of the loan.

Learn more at https://www.clicknclose.com/.

Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Sean Drake has joined the organization's third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive.

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

TEAL Announces Jill Paulus As Director Of Finance, Procurement

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Teal, a managed IT service provider for small- to medium-sized organizations that value genuine partnership, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jill Paulus as Director of Finance, Accounting, and Procurement on January 2. Bringing over a decade of diverse experience in the managed IT services sector, Jill exemplifies a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic business insights.

Strengthening Service Through Experience

After graduating from Ohio State University in 2011 with a BS in Accounting, Jill began her career at a small business accounting firm, where she honed her skills in financial management. In 2012, she made a pivotal move into the managed service provider sector, significantly contributing to the growth of her previous company from 5 to 20 employees.

Her wealth of expertise uniquely positions her to help lead Teal into the future. "Reid, Gar, and I have known Jill for several years through our peer group," said Don Sauer, Teal's Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder. "During that time, we have observed her leadership and competency in understanding MSP operations - with an emphasis on finance, accounting, and procurement. Her commitment to excellence is invaluable as we continue looking for new ways to enrich our client's lives through ultra-responsive service." Paulus shared excitement about taking on a leadership role at such a dynamic and established company. "My vision for my role is to meticulously fine-tune our processes, ensuring seamless integration across all teams," said Paulus. "This will enhance Teal's capacity to interpret financial data through diverse perspectives - leveraging the strong foundation that already exists here. I feel fortunate to be building on such a solid base and am eager to contribute to our continued success."

Value Alignment

Paulus' appreciation for the transformative power of technology echoes Teal's mission. "I have a strong appreciation for what technology can do," said Paulus. "And I believe that with the right support, it can make everyone's lives better." We are thrilled to have leaders like Paulus, whose personal values resonate deeply with our core mission. "Jill brings a robust personal drive to excel in every endeavor, a commitment to seeing tasks through to completion, and a genuine enjoyment in her work," said Sauer. "She's truly a team player and we expect everyone will enjoy working with her."

People the Driving Force During an MSP Evolution

Paulus shared her insights and the role she envisions for Teal in the industry and the changing landscape. "The evolution of the service provider landscape in recent years has been fascinating. As we've seen a significant shift towards remote work, the reliance on technology has never been greater," said Paulus. "In this context, ensuring that teams are working efficiently and without downtime is not just important. It's essential." She believes that managed service providers are the backbone of keeping small businesses productive and successful in the modern workplace. "I anticipate support services becoming even more refined," said Paulus. "We're not just talking about providing responsive support. We're talking about providing an elevated level of support tailored to wherever our clients may be working. That's the future I see for Teal. Leading the charge in delivering exceptional support and technology for our clients - regardless of their location or work environment. I strongly believe people are the biggest driver of success in any company. I am impressed with the people at Teal and pleased to know that I have a strong team around me."

Paulus' experience, from leadership skills to industry knowledge, is an asset to the Teal team. For more information about Paulus or Teal, please contact us at (703) 740-8797 or email info@tealtech.com.

About Teal:

Teal provides exceptional managed IT solutions for small- to medium-sized organizations that value real partnerships and elevated security - strategically accelerating their partner's growth and protecting them from evolving digital threats. With over two decades of experience, Teal enrich lives by delivering ultra-responsive services, prioritizing integrated cybersecurity, and investing in their staff.

Small business leaders deserve to optimize their technology investments and empower their teams with an award-winning partner who genuinely cares about their success. Visit the website for information on Teal's services or follow @TealMSP on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Learn more:

https://tealtech.com/

https://tealtech.com/leadership-team/jill-paulus/

https://tealtech.com/services/

Teal, a managed IT service provider for small- to medium-sized organizations that value genuine partnership, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jill Paulus as Director of Finance, Accounting, and Procurement on January 2. Bringing over a decade of diverse experience in the managed IT services sector, Jill exemplifies a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic business insights.

Related link: https://tealtech.com/

Depth 2023 growth drives key hires in strategic marketing and content development as residential mortgage and real estate industries poise for reboot

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies in the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech), real estate technology (REtech) and related regulatory technology (regtech) industries, will close 2023 with a significantly larger internal team and client roster in anticipation of continued rebound for mortgage and real estate volume.

The Georgia-based agency welcomed three new team members in the second half of 2023:

* Adria Riley, client services manager, joined Depth in December after a six-year role as marketing design specialist for mortgage document prep vendor International Document Services (acquired by Wolters Kluwer in 2022).

* Senior Content Writer Laura Lang joined Depth in August, bringing more than 35 years' experience as a writer, including 15 years in the mortgage industry with roles at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

* Roxanne Greeson, Depth's operations engineer and problem solver extraordinaire, joined the team officially after nine years of behind-the-scenes support, spearheading the firm's internal systems and client collaboration platforms.

In addition, Depth announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president in October.

"2023 has been a serendipitous year for our firm," said Depth President and Founder Kerri Milam. "We added several new clients, often intersecting again with businesses and business leaders we've served over the last 17 years - each of them eager to have a strategically meaningful impact on their industry. When we hire, we make their needs a priority. We've been fortunate this year to find exceptional, versatile personnel with applicable expertise, including strong backgrounds in fintech, mortgage lending, REtech and real estate transactions to deepen and broaden our services."

Depth has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the fintechs driving the modernization and digitization of housing finance since its founding in 2006. Since adding several new clients in 2023, the firm now serves almost two dozen technology trailblazers and services innovators spanning grassroots, family-financed startups to global, publicly traded enterprises.

"Our focus on doing business in a truly client-centric way is validated by the value our clients place on our services, even during off-cycle years," said Milam. "I attribute our success this year both to our far-sighted clients and our disciplined client-first approach. For that, we have our staff to thank and recognize."

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

For more information, visit https://depthpr.com/

Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies in the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech), real estate technology (REtech) and related regulatory technology (regtech) industries, will close 2023 with a significantly larger internal team and client roster in anticipation of continued rebound for mortgage and real estate volume.

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

FormFree appoints Solvent CEO DIVINE as head of culture

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced the appointment of former hip-hop/rap recording artist-turned-techpreneur Victor D. Lombard, professionally known as DIVINE, as head of culture.

DIVINE is the CEO and founder of Solvent, a fintech focused on financial empowerment for marginalized groups. Solvent broke ground in 2022 when it was accepted as part of the inaugural cohort of Amazon's AWS Impact Accelerator for Black Founders, an eight-week program designed to help high-potential, pre-seed startups led by under-represented founders.

Additionally in 2022, Solvent was accepted into Village Capital's Innovations in Justice Tech, a fellowship program in collaboration with AmFam Institute and Dream.org that supports entrepreneurs building innovations to improve the lives of individuals and communities impacted by the justice system.

DIVINE grew up in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and endured childhood poverty and incarceration at age 19. Realizing his potential was boundless but his options were limited, following his release DIVINE took a leap of faith and asked Ben Horowitz, general partner and co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, to mentor him. Horowitz, who grew up a hip-hop/rap fan in Berkeley, California, agreed. The mentorship proved a turning point for DIVINE, and his transformation from system-impacted youth to tech-founder has been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur and Inc.

"We are extremely pleased that DIVINE has joined us and feel he is uniquely qualified to convey our message of financial parity for unserved and underserved communities," said FormFree CEO and founder Brent Chandler. "DIVINE will be on the front lines of FormFree's engagement of unserved and underserved communities he connects with in ways that are authentic and impactful."

DIVINE joined Chandler and Kevin Harrington of ABC's Shark Tank fame at the Mortgage Bankers Association's 2023 Convention & Expo in support of FormFree's launch of Passport and the FormFree Exchange (FFX). Following a discussion of the opportunities lenders have to meet a diverse array of homebuyers with a consumer-centric experience, DIVINE closed out the session with a performance of his song H.O.P.E. (Helping Oppressed People Elevate).

As head of culture at FormFree, DIVINE will use his new platform and hip-hop/rap talent to reach out to unserved and underserved urban renters with messages of financial empowerment and hope. Further, DIVINE will work closely with Harrington in a collaborative partnership with FormFree to bring awareness and empowerment to this audience.

"Hip-hop/rap culture and music in particular is a universal and global language," said DIVINE. "What better way than using it to help build awareness of the benefits of homeownership and provide a technology bridge so people will be able to take control of their financial futures."

"Technologies like Passport and the FormFree Exchange can change everything for minority homebuyers, getting rid of the disregard on one side and distrust on the other. It takes all the judgment away. Borrowers can raise their profile with lenders, and lenders know they're creditworthy and compete for their business, so it's a win-win for buyers and lenders," added DIVINE. "With Solvent and FormFree's shared mission and vision, there's a perfect alignment, and I'm really proud to be part of this unique partnership to bring about transformation."

About FormFree®:

FormFree empowers consumers to understand their ability to pay and share it with lenders like never before. Using FormFree's Passport® app, consumers can verify all the core financial data required by loan underwriters - including identity, assets, income, employment credit history and cash-flow data - in seconds. Once consumers are ready to transact, they can anonymously share their verified data on the FormFree Exchange (FFX) and receive immediate offers from a marketplace of lenders who fully understand their ability to pay, residual income and eligibility for down payment assistance and inclusive lending programs. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

FormFree® today announced the appointment of former hip-hop/rap recording artist-turned-techpreneur Victor D. Lombard, professionally known as DIVINE, as head of culture. DIVINE is the CEO and founder of Solvent, a fintech focused on financial empowerment for marginalized groups.

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

Reimagining Wellness: At Charles E. Smith Life Communities The Age-Old House Calls Are An Innovative Approach To Healthcare

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) announced the recent promotion of Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires to executive vice president, medical affairs/chief medical officer and medical director of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Dr. Gil-Pires leads a team of world-class doctors who still make house calls.

CESLC is one of the few senior living communities offering extensive medical care conveniently on their campus. Gil-Pires leads a team of five full-time internal medicine physicians who are employed by CESLC and specialize in treating older adults, along with a full team of medical consultants, including a psychiatrist, a physiatrist, a dentist, an optometrist, an audiologist and a dermatologist.

For Gil-Pires, providing such a comprehensive health and wellness care program for CESLC residents should be the standard instead of the exception. "At Charles E. Smith Life Communities, our medical practice focuses on treating the whole person, not just a set of diagnoses. We take the time to learn about the patient and their choices for the plan of care," she said.

Dr. Gil-Pires and her team are wholly committed to delivering top medical care for seniors. The on-campus Hebrew Home of Greater Washington has a five-star overall quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Hirsh Health Center, a primary senior care medical practice, is open to the public and, unlike many medical practices, is still welcoming Medicare patients and making house calls to those living on campus.

"The approach we take to care at CESLC reflects my vision of person-centered care," said Dr. Gil-Pires. "I walk into a patient's apartment and see black and white photos - I see their weddings, families and careers. Their story unfolds through their photographs. Seeing people as people, regardless of their age, is central to our mission and so important to empowering our residents."

"What makes us unique on the CESLC campus is that I have a doctor managing each location - short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient, assisted living and memory care assisted living and our apartment residences. And there is a doctor on-premises six days a week," she said. "No senior living campus in the DC Metro area offers this level of medical services, and our doctors still make house calls. House calls are invaluable to our residents, especially those in memory care who struggle with going out to see community doctors."

Both residential and health services are spread across the 38-acre campus in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Skilled nursing care is through their Wasserman and Smith-Kogod Residences, with the Slavin Post-Acute Care Center at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington; independent living at Revitz House and Ring House; assisted living at Landow House; memory care at Cohen-Rosen House and geriatric primary care at Hirsh Health Center. Also headquartered on their campus is SmithLife Home Care.

Dr. Gil-Pires' interest in helping seniors started when she was 15, growing up in Connecticut, attending high school next door to a nursing home. As part of her National Honor Society service project, she volunteered in the recreation department at that nursing home. And one year later, they offered her a summer job. "I developed my passion for making a difference in the lives of seniors, and I wanted to pursue a career that would help me support that dream."

In her present role, Gil-Pires oversees all clinical and administrative aspects of the senior living community's medical services. She also serves as site director for the National Institutes of Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program at CESLC, as well as site director for the Conway School of Nursing advanced nurse program at the Catholic University of America.

Board-certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative care, Gil-Pires earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore. Before joining CESLC, she served as chief of geriatrics and palliative care at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT.

For more information, visit https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/.

About CESLC:

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 1,100 older adults, is located on a 38-acre campus in Rockville, Maryland. Established as the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in 1910, CESLC is committed to providing residents meaningful connections, intellectual pursuits, artistic expression, active social lives and cultural exploration. CESLC offers independent living at Revitz House and Ring House; assisted living at Landow House; memory care at Cohen-Rosen House, with services including post-acute care and long-term skilled nursing care at Hebrew Home of Greater Washington; medical care at Hirsh Health Center; and temporary shelter and advocacy for victims of elder abuse at the ElderSAFE(tm) Center.

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) announced the recent promotion of Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires to executive vice president, medical affairs/chief medical officer and medical director of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Dr. Gil-Pires leads a team of world-class doctors who still make house calls.

Related link: https://liveatceslc.org/

Strategic Benefits Advisors hires industry veteran Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the appointment of Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. In this role, Yaschik will counsel SBA's clients as they navigate both strategic benefits initiatives and everyday administration of their pension, 401(k) and health and welfare (H&W) plans.

Yaschik brings more than 25 years of pension consulting experience to SBA. He most recently served as a senior project manager at global professional services firm Aon (NYSE: AON), where he managed a team of customer service representatives, pension analysts and technical analysts as they helped new clients implement custom pension administration systems and provided ongoing pension administration services. Prior to his 24 years at Aon, Yaschik was a benefits analyst for Atlanta-based pulp and paper company Georgia-Pacific.

"At this time of sweeping transformation in the benefits landscape, employers need experienced advisors they can rely on for sound guidance and creative approaches for anticipating and solving problems," said SBA Founding Principal Mindy Zatto. "SBA is proud to welcome Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. His quarter-century of experience significantly augments a team we are already proud to call one of the most tenured in the business."

"The most rewarding part of my career has been building long-term trust with clients through the delivery of thoughtful guidance and attentive service," said Yaschik. "I'm excited to join a team that shares these values, and I am energized by the opportunity to forge new relationships and solve fresh challenges on behalf of SBA's clients."

Yaschik earned his bachelor's degree in risk management in 1997 from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his master's degree in business administration (MBA) in finance from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business in 2000.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the appointment of Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. In this role, Yaschik will counsel SBA's clients as they navigate both strategic benefits initiatives and everyday administration of their pension, 401(k) and health and welfare (H&W) plans.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

The Mortgage Collaborative Adds Four Mortgage Industry Luminaries to 2024 Management Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, today announced four additions to its 2024 Management Board of Directors:

* Brian Montgomery, Chairman and Founding Partner Gate House Strategies, Former HUD Deputy Secretary

* Julie Piepho, CMB, President & CEO, Milestone Leadership Consulting

* Arthur Prieston, CMB, Chairman Prieston & Associates, LLC

* Melissa Langdale, President & COO, The Mortgage Collaborative

"Providing true leadership in our industry requires meaningful experience, common sense and patience, which speaks directly to the qualifications and contributions of these individuals," said TMC CEO and co-founder David Kittle, CMB. "Leaning in to their guidance and wisdom as advisors to our full Board, I am confident in TMC's mission to help our lender members and partners pursue innovation and remain profitable."

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

Based in San Diego, CA., The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 by four notable industry leaders and is the nation's largest independent mortgage cooperative network. TMC is singularly focused on creating an environment of collaboration and innovation for small to mid-size mortgage lenders across the country to reduce cost, increase profitability, and better serve the dynamic and changing consumer base in America.

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

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, today announced four additions to its 2024 Management Board of Directors.

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

FormFree welcomes MX Founder and Executive Chair Ryan Caldwell to its board of directors

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced the appointment of MX Technologies, Inc. (MX) Founder and Executive Chair Ryan Caldwell to its board of directors. Caldwell brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services and fintech, helping organizations around the world harness the power of financial data to improve business and consumer outcomes.

"Few people bring the passion and vision to a challenge like Ryan Caldwell. He is a strong advocate for creating an open finance ecosystem that offers improved financial outcomes for consumers and the businesses that serve them, which aligns with our own philosophy," said FormFree founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "We're honored to have Ryan join our board of directors as we decentralize consumer financial data and democratize access to credit."

Caldwell founded MX as a mission-driven organization focused on empowering the world to be financially strong. Prior to founding MX, Caldwell built and successfully exited multiple technology startups and performed consulting work in the United States, Singapore and London for large corporations, including Visa and Microsoft.

"I am excited to continue my work with FormFree, now as a board member," said Ryan Caldwell, founder and executive chair, MX. "We share a vision to improve consumer and business outcomes by helping businesses to reliably connect and verify financial data, gain customer intelligence and deliver personalized money experiences to improve customer engagement and retention."

Caldwell and Chandler share parallel philosophies ranging from a conviction to help empower financial strength and freedom to honoring and protecting our service members and precious freedoms. Caldwell completed the majority of undergraduate hours at the United States Air Force Academy and transferred to the Marriot School of Management at BYU to finish his degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Information Systems.

About FormFree®:

FormFree empowers consumers to understand their ability to pay and share it with lenders like never before. Using FormFree's Passport® app, consumers can verify all the core financial data required by loan underwriters - including identity, assets, income, employment credit history and cash-flow data - in seconds. Once consumers are ready to transact, they can anonymously share their verified data on the FormFree Exchange (FFX) and receive immediate offers from a marketplace of lenders who fully understand their ability to pay, residual income and eligibility for down payment assistance and inclusive lending programs.

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

X/Twitter: @RealFormFree #mortgage #mortgageindustry #fintech #digitalmortgage @mX

FormFree® today announced the appointment of MX Technologies, Inc. (MX) Founder and Executive Chair Ryan Caldwell to its board of directors. Caldwell brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services and fintech, helping organizations around the world harness the power of financial data to improve business and consumer outcomes.

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

Floify taps Courtney Dodd as head of marketing to reinvigorate brand presence

BOULDER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale solution, today announced that Courtney Dodd has joined its team as head of marketing. With 12 years of experience in the mortgage sector, Dodd is set to spearhead Floify's marketing initiatives and reinforce its position as an innovator in the field.

In her previous role as Director of Integrated Marketing at SimpleNexus, Dodd showcased her leadership skills by steering a highly skilled team of channel and strategic specialists to drive business growth. During her four-year tenure at the company, she helped deepen the brand's relationship across audiences while mentoring and elevating the work of her team.

Prior to SimpleNexus, Dodd was a product marketing manager at Ellie Mae (now ICE Mortgage Technology), where she led strategic product marketing initiatives including branding, positioning, client communications and go-to-market planning. She also previously served as marketing manager at Calyx Software, and regional marketing consultant at PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone of Courtney's caliber and hands-on industry expertise to lead our marketing efforts," said Sofia Rossato, president and general manager at Floify. "Courtney joins Floify at a pivotal time as we're moving aggressively to open new markets, introduce new integrations and deepen our existing partnerships. She will be instrumental in helping us to craft our marketing messages to reach a wider audience and provide lenders with additional support and technology advances."

"I'm very excited about Floify's mission to simplify and facilitate the point-of-sale processes to help people feel more confident and comfortable with applying for and following up on their loan," says Dodd. "I can't tell you how many lenders have told me 'I just love Floify.' It's a company that already has an outstanding reputation in the mortgage industry, and I look forward to helping expand the number of users we have at our current customer sites and adding many more new customers to the Floify fold."

Dodd is a proud alumnus of Texas Tech University, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in communication studies in 2006. Additionally, she has earned an industry certification from the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking.

About Floify:

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. ("Porch Group") (NASDAQ: PRCH).

For more information, visit the company's website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning the Company's possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "intends," or similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Porch and its management at the time they are made, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) expansion plans and opportunities, and managing growth, to build a consumer brand; (2) the incidence, frequency, and severity of weather events, extensive wildfires, and other catastrophes; (3) economic conditions, especially those affecting the housing, insurance, and financial markets; (4) expectations regarding revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, and the ability to achieve and maintain future profitability; (5) existing and developing federal and state laws and regulations, including with respect to insurance, warranty, privacy, information security, data protection and taxation, and management's interpretation of and compliance with such laws and regulations; (6) the Company's reinsurance program, which includes the use of a captive reinsurer, the success of which is dependent on a number of factors outside management's control, along with reliance on reinsurance to protect us against loss; (7) uncertainties related to regulatory approval of insurance rates, policy forms, insurance products, license applications, acquisitions of businesses or strategic initiatives, including the reciprocal restructuring, and other matters within the purview of insurance regulators; (8) reliance on strategic, proprietary relationships to provide the Company with access to personal data and product information, and the ability to use such data and information to increase transaction volume and attract and retain customers; (9) the ability to develop new, or enhance existing, products, services, and features and bring them to market in a timely manner; (10) changes in capital requirements, and the ability to access capital when needed to provide statutory surplus; (11) the increased costs and initiatives required to address new legal and regulatory requirements arising from developments related to cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance and the increased costs and initiatives to protect against data breaches, cyber-attacks, virus or malware attacks, or other infiltrations or incidents affecting system integrity, availability and performance; (12) retaining and attracting skilled and experienced employees; (13) costs related to being a public company; and (14) other risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, as well as those discussed in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), all of which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Nothing in this release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the forward-looking statements in this release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestitures, mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations that have not been completed as of the date of this release. Porch does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changed circumstances, new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale solution, today announced that Courtney Dodd has joined its team as head of marketing. With 12 years of experience in the mortgage sector, Dodd is set to spearhead Floify's marketing initiatives and reinforce its position as an innovator in the field.

Related link: https://floify.com/

MMI names Brian McKray as its new Vice President of Product

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, today announced Brian McKray has been promoted to Vice President of Product.

McKray joined MMI in March of this year as the director of product. His efforts in spearheading the development and implementation of MMI's user insights tool and custom dashboard hub have fueled this promotion. Using these customer insights, MMI is actively building improved in-app onboarding and support tools.

"The creation of this role exemplifies MMI's evolution. We're moving from a sales-driven product focus to a customer-driven product focus and have been actively improving our structure to create better tools for our individual customers and teams," said McKray. "Our user insights tool allows us the structure to create necessary improvements and focus on customer needs for each of our individual products."

In addition to developing the integration between the MMI Data Center and Bonzo post-acquisition, McKray has led internal efforts to bring two new products to market for MMI's customers:

* Property Intelligence - a homeowner-focused tool that lets loan officers (LOs) provide real value to their clients while staying top of mind after closing.

* IN.box - a suite of intelligent notifications for LOs, covering items such as listing alerts and credit inquiry alerts, that provide fresh opportunities for outreach and fostering enduring borrower relationships.

"As we've built MMI throughout the years, we've focused on making our tool the strongest and best it can be," said MMI Founder and CEO Ben Teerlink. "Now that it's established, we are honing in our individual offerings to users and MMI's customizable capabilities."

About MMI:

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is a market leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, MMI, provides actionable intelligence for lenders, real estate agents, real estate brokerages, title companies and others in the real estate industry. MMI is currently used by more than 450 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the country. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io or contact sales@mmi.io.

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, today announced Brian McKray has been promoted to Vice President of Product.

Related link: https://mmi.io

Mortgage Machine Appoints Crystal Stanton to manage Customer Success and Onboarding

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, today announced its appointment of Crystal Stanton to manage customer success and onboarding.

Crystal brings more than 20 years of customer success experience to her role, with over a decade dedicated to the mortgage industry. She has held senior customer success positions at several top mortgage providers. In these roles, Crystal developed deep expertise in guiding customers through digital process transformations to ensure they achieved optimal operational value from their technology investments.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Crystal to the Mortgage Machine team," said Jeff Bode, CEO of Mortgage Machine Services. "Her considerable experience and reputation for customer success solidifies our commitment to delivering best-in-class onboarding to our customers."

In this new role, Crystal will onboard new Mortgage Machine customers, leveraging a success-centric approach with a commitment to white glove service to ensure a smooth experience and productive outcome.

"It is a great opportunity to join Mortgage Machine and lead its customer success initiative during this exciting period of growth," said Crystal Stanton. "I am eager to apply my background in customer success and within the mortgage industry to help Mortgage Machine customers maximize the value of our solutions and reach their business goals."

To learn more about Mortgage Machine, visit http://www.mmachine.net/.

About Mortgage Machine Services, Inc.:

Mortgage Machine(tm) is an industry leader in transforming residential mortgages using a range of digital solutions. Drawing on its extensive industry knowledge and advanced technology infrastructure, the company has been innovating in financial markets since 2007. Today, its flagship LOS product utilizes intelligent automation, configurable business workflows and a cloud-based infrastructure to optimize the entire loan lifecycle. By consolidating retail, wholesale, correspondent and home equity lending onto a single platform, Mortgage Machine(tm) enables lenders of all sizes to reduce cycle times, costs and risks while improving data quality and borrower satisfaction.

Visit http://www.mmachine.net/ to learn more.

Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, today announced its appointment of Crystal Stanton to manage customer success and onboarding. Crystal brings more than 20 years of customer success experience to her role, with over a decade dedicated to the mortgage industry.

Related link: https://www.mmachine.net/

Homebuilding Veteran Mitchell Bradford Joins Diversified Pacific

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Real estate veteran Mitchell Bradford has joined the talented team at Diversified Pacific. His 35 years of experience and leadership in the industry as a homebuilder and multi-family investor/owner will play a key role in the company as it seeks to grow and expand its reach and focus.

"I've known the co-founders of Diversified since its inception in 1991 and now have the opportunity to join the company and partner in its growth and further expansion," Bradford stated. "It's an organization that I know and trust. A team of talented people led by my longtime friends Jeff Burum and Matt Jordan, the co-managing members of Diversified. We share the same vision and core values. We believe that integrity, trust and valued relationships are key components to our success as we grow the company."

Bradford has served in leadership roles with major homebuilding companies including Kaufman & Broad, Ryland, William Lyon Homes and John Laing Homes. He has purchased and sold more than $2 billion of real estate throughout his career. Also skilled at land planning and political advocacy, he has entitled nearly 6,000 residential lots. He holds the distinction of never purchasing an asset that failed to return profits to investors/partners.

During the global economic crisis of 2008, he began forming partnerships to acquire troubled and undervalued properties throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. As of 2020, Bradford successfully completed the development of more than 140 single family homes, townhomes and condos and the acquisition, renovation and disposition of more than 1,700 apartments. Much of the role he will serve working with Diversified is contributing to the expansion of their land entitlement activities and the growth of their multi-family development and acquisitions.

Bradford strongly believes in servant leadership and has served the building industry in many capacities during his career, including president of the Building Industry Association (BIA) Orange County Chapter in 2005 and president of BIA of Southern California in 2008.

Bradford is equally committed to his faith and family. He is an elder emeritus at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA and is a past board member of PureHope, a faith based non-profit organization located in Dallas, Texas. He resides in Newport Beach, CA with his wife and daughter, with his son currently attending Arizona State University, where Mitchell graduated with a BS in Business Management in 1982.

"I am very pleased to have my friend Mitchell join the family at Diversified Pacific," said Jeff Burum, Founder and CEO of Diversified Pacific. "I've known him for more than 30 years and am well aware of the successes he has achieved in the industry. He is driven, he is loyal and he is a winner. We look forward to his involvement in our future growth and success."

About Diversified Pacific:

For more than 33 years the company has built homes in Southern California - targeting a wide variety of buyers while offering a diversity of product types and designs. Diversified's expertise encompasses land acquisitions, entitlements, land development and homebuilding.

Recognizing the transition of the majority of Southern California's new housing from suburban to urban densities, Diversified has expanded its investment and development focus to include the acquisition, development and long-term operation of apartment communities throughout Southern California and the western United States.

Learn more: https://www.diversifiedpacific.com/

Real estate veteran Mitchell Bradford has joined the talented team at Diversified Pacific. His 35 years of experience and leadership in the industry as a homebuilder and multi-family investor/owner will play a key role in the company as it seeks to grow and expand its reach and focus.

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

Click n’ Close Appoints Kara Lamphere as COO to Accelerate Growth of Business Lines

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Kara Lamphere has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

"Kara is a powerhouse, and we are thrilled to have her back as part of our executive team to help guide our continued growth and success," said Click n' Close Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. "There is a lot on the horizon for us as an organization, and adding Kara to our team of experts is imperative to accelerating Click n' Close's growth, especially for our SmartBuy down payment assistance product suite."

Lamphere's experience spans more than 20 years, earning an extensive list of awards such as HousingWire Women of Influence, MBA Tech All-Star, Mortgage Professional Magazine Elite Woman in Mortgage and more. Prior to joining Click n' Close, she served as COO at InterLinc Mortgage and has held executive-level roles at Guaranteed Rate, Mid America Mortgage, CMG Financial, Prime Lending, First Command Bank and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.

"Jeff has always been ahead of the curve in creating and adopting cutting-edge technology," said Lamphere. "He was the first to begin digitalizing the mortgage origination process and continues that trend with Artificial Intelligence and SMART Docs(r). Helping lenders streamline their lines of business and operate efficiently is what I do best. To do so with a known and trusted team is a bonus."

About Click' n' Close, Inc.:

Click 'n' Close, Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels and is also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click' n' Close has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes.

Combining this culture of innovation with a risk management mindset enables Click' n' Close to deliver new products to market that address the challenges facing both borrowers and third-party originators (TPOs). These innovations include its USDA one-time close construction loans, proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and reverse mortgage division. Its direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors afford Click' n' Close direct access to the capital markets, thus ensuring maximum liquidity for its product innovations. By servicing its loan programs in-house, Click' n' Close provides its wholesale and correspondent partners with an additional level of certainty regarding loan salability and superior borrower service over the life of the loan.

Learn more at https://www.clicknclose.com/.

Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Kara Lamphere has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

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

RMA Expands Services to Support CRA Leaders on Compliance Issues

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The award-winning economic development firm, Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) is proud to announce an expansion of services supporting Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) in the often gray area of statutory compliance. Due to the frequently misunderstood requirements of the CRA statute before, and the more restrictive change to the statute after 2019, once standard activities and expenditures within CRAs may now violate statutory restrictions on spending. To "Keep it Legal" RMA has welcomed longtime city attorney Claudia McKenna to their compliance team.

For more information, please visit https://rma.us.com/

"For decades, RMA has partnered with CRAs around the state, advancing their redevelopment planning," said Kim Briesemeister, RMA Principal. "With this new CRA compliance review service, RMA will examine current expenditures and educate CRA leaders about the best approach to avoid the danger zones that have resulted since the legislation change. To add to our already stellar team, we are pleased to announce that RMA will access the legal expertise of long time CRA attorney, Claudia McKenna."

Now, more than ever, CRAs need to demonstrate their compliance with statutory limitations on spending redevelopment trust fund dollars. Often a well-intentioned belief that an activity or expenditure is allowed results in the discovery that, in fact, the activity or expense violates the restrictions on spending in Sec. 163.387 F.S.

Whether it is marketing, special events, business attraction, code enforcement or job creation, it is imperative that CRAs avoid the pitfalls of spending trust fund dollars improperly. RMA's team has extensive experience with compliance and the need to amend CRA plans and budgets, as well as reconsider activities paid for by CRAs. RMA will offer a variety of services to help CRAs maintain statutory compliance including: Document Review of CRA Budgets & Plans, Identifying Alternatives and Making Plan Recommendations, and Updating CRA Plans for Compliance.

Led by long time CRA attorney, Claudia McKenna, and Sharon McCormick, RMA's Director of Information and Communications, our compliance team provides expert assistance in ensuring that your CRA meets the exacting requirements of Sec. 163.387(6) and spends trust fund dollars properly. A copy of the PowerPoint "Keep it Legal People" that Ms. McKenna and Ms. McCormick presented at the 2022 FRA Annual Conference about statutory compliance regarding marketing and special events is available on the RMA website, and the experts will be addressing this critical issue again at the 2023 conference.

Ms. McKenna is the former City Attorney for the City of West Palm Beach, a position she held from 2002 until her retirement in 2014. She joined the City Attorney's Office in 1996 as part of a multi-discipline team to assist with the ground-breaking CRA project that would become CityPlace. As City Attorney, Ms. McKenna advised the City Commission both as elected officials of the City, and in their capacity as the CRA Board of Commissioners. She participated in numerous successful and innovative CRA initiatives that allowed the City of West Palm Beach to eliminate much of its slum and blight and enjoy the renaissance it experiences today. Following her retirement, Ms. McKenna was hired by the City of Pompano Beach in 2015 to serve as the City's CRA Attorney. She continues to work with the Pompano Beach CRA advising the CRA Board and staff on all matters affecting Pompano Beach's two CRA districts.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, "Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around."

The award-winning economic development firm, Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) is proud to announce an expansion of services supporting Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) in the often gray area of statutory compliance. Due to the frequently misunderstood requirements of the CRA statute before, and the more restrictive change to the statute after 2019, once standard activities and expenditures within CRAs may now violate statutory restrictions on spending.

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

Dark Matter Technologies adds mortgage technology veteran Stephanie Durflinger as chief product officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the appointment of Stephanie Durflinger as chief product officer. Durflinger, a 15-year mortgage technology veteran, comes to Dark Matter from ICE Mortgage Technology, where she most recently served as senior vice president of product development.

"Stephanie is an important part of the management team we're assembling to transform the mortgage lending landscape. She is a proven industry leader and strategic thinker whose industry experience is a perfect match for taking our products into the future," said Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano. "We are excited to have Stephanie contribute to our continued market penetration and help Empower reach its full potential in the marketplace."

As chief product officer, Durflinger will spearhead product development for the Empower software and digital products. "I'm energized by the opportunity to work with Rich and the rest of the executive team on the future they've envisioned for Dark Matter's origination technology and for the industry at large," said Durflinger. "I'm also looking forward to working closely with customers, which I think is key to understanding their struggles and giving them unprecedented performance and value."

Prior to her experience at ICE, Durflinger served as executive vice president and chief product officer at Sagent Lending Technologies and as vice president of product management at Ellie Mae, which developed Encompass.

Durflinger holds a product management certification from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned the designation of Accredited Mortgage Professional from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). She was recently named to the board of directors of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), a wholly owned subsidiary of the MBA responsible for developing standards for exchanging information and conducting business in the U.S. mortgage finance industry.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

For media queries, contact Depth: https://depthpr.com/contact-us/

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the appointment of Stephanie Durflinger as chief product officer. Durflinger, a 15-year mortgage technology veteran, comes to Dark Matter from ICE Mortgage Technology, where she most recently served as senior vice president of product development.

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

Jenny Moss joins fintech FormFree as director of marketing

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® today announced the appointment of Jenny Moss as its new director of marketing. The timing of the move comes just as the company is launching its Passport® portable financial ID on October 20 and the FormFree Exchange (FFX), an online marketplace where lenders compete for the business of Passport users, later this year.

"We are delighted to have Jenny join our team and build on the great work we've started in introducing our new product directions," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "This is a pivotal time for our company and an exciting time to be in fintech. Jenny has the energy and mindset to help us move forward strategically as we launch our portable financial Passport for consumers and our Exchange that connects lenders with qualified borrowers."

Moss graduated in 2013 from the University of Georgia with a master of science degree in sport management and policy. She worked two years for the University of Georgia Athletic Association in sports communication before moving in July 2013 to the University of Florida Athletic Association. In August 2014 she joined Mercer University as its assistant director of media relations, serving as the primary point of contact for all public relations initiatives for several men's and women's sports teams.

In May 2017, she moved to Silverton Mortgage in the greater Atlanta area, where she worked as a marketing and communications specialist before joining Atlanta-based Depth PR in November 2018. Moss initially worked as a client services manager at Depth, working her way up into a director's role at the firm. She worked at Depth for a total of five years before moving to FormFree.

"We will certainly miss Jenny. But we're looking forward to seeing her often, just this time she'll be sitting at the client end of the table," said Kerri Milam, president and principal strategist at Depth. "We think this is a strong career move for Jenny - and we know she's joining a great team with lots of 'depth'."

"The launch of Passport and the FormFree Exchange marks an exciting new chapter in fintech," said Moss. "I'm thrilled to be joining FormFree at such a pivotal moment in the company's journey and eager to help execute the team's vision for shaping the future of lending."

About FormFree®:

FormFree empowers consumers to understand their ability to pay and share it with lenders like never before. Using FormFree's Passport® app, consumers can verify all the core financial data required by loan underwriters - including identity, assets, income, employment credit history and cash-flow data - in seconds. Once consumers are ready to transact, they can anonymously share their verified data on the FormFree Exchange (FFX) and receive immediate offers from a marketplace of lenders who fully understand their ability to pay, residual income and eligibility for down payment assistance and inclusive lending programs.

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

For media queries, contact Depth: https://depthpr.com/contact-us/

FormFree® today announced the appointment of Jenny Moss as its new director of marketing. The timing of the move comes just as the company is launching its Passport® portable financial ID on October 20 and the FormFree Exchange (FFX), an online marketplace where lenders compete for the business of Passport users, later this year.

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

Depth promotes Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president roles

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies within the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president.

"Anyone who knows our firm knows Lindsey and Leslie are integral to Depth," said firm Founder and President Kerri Milam. "As vice presidents of client service for the last four years, they have guided their teams to meet the needs of companies weathering unprecedented challenges: a pandemic, a record-setting refi boom and a dramatic plummet in volume. By consistently delivering strategic leadership and incontestable value, they've positioned Depth to grow throughout each of these scenarios," Milam said.

Neal earned her Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia and her bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations from Berry College in Rome, Ga. Colley holds a master's degree in communication management from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in advanced rhetoric and composition from Georgia State University.

"Depth bet the house, literally, on the U.S. mortgage industry and its fintech innovators in 2006, earning the trust and loyalty of its best-known brands with a consultative service delivery model prioritizing immediate and long-range strategy, project management and thought-provoking content that drives action," said Milam. "Leslie and Lindsey are the best business continuity investments we've made on behalf of our clients and our industry."

Depth's business model was conceived to fill a knowledge and service gap for growth-focused technology innovators driving the modernization and digitization of housing finance. Combining unrivaled strategic insights and top-shelf content development with native digital marketing acumen, Depth has a track record of success fueling adoption solutions and services across the mortgage lifecycle, from customer relationship management (CRM), appraisal and loan origination technology to innovations in mortgage servicing, quality control (QC) and capital markets.

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

For more information, visit: https://depthpr.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmneal1983/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecolley/

Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies within the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president.

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

Modern Foot & Ankle Welcomes New Podiatrist in Lake Mary, Casselberry

LAKE MARY, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Modern Foot & Ankle, Florida's leading provider of podiatric care, proudly welcomes foot and ankle surgeon Kristina Sikar, DPM, to the team.

Starting Monday, Dr. Sikar will begin seeing patients at the group's Lake Mary and Casselberry offices. She is replacing Dr. Tamara Nemeroff, who will be moving to Jupiter to open Modern Foot & Ankle's first clinic in South Florida. The new office is slated to open next month.

Dr. Nemeroff's former clinics are in good hands. The talented Dr. Sikar brings her knowledge, experience, and holistic approach to the Orlando suburbs, delivering high-quality care to her new patient base.

"What excites me about serving this community is the genuine sense of unity and the warm, welcoming nature of its residents," she said. "Being part of a place where people support and value each other fosters a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment in my role as a healthcare provider."

Dr. Sikar received extensive training during her surgical residency at Harvard Medical School and while in private practice in Palm Beach. She is skilled in all aspects of foot and ankle healthcare with a special interest in cosmetic foot surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and prevention of diabetes-related complications in the lower extremities.

"I approach patient care with compassion and empathy, understanding that even minor foot and ankle issues can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life," explained Dr. Sikar. "Throughout my career, I've acquired a profound understanding that no two patients are the same, no two medical problems are identical, and everyone brings unique social circumstances into their healthcare journey.

"This comprehensive knowledge allows me to provide essential support while tailoring each treatment to address not only patients' medical needs but also their unique individuality and specific social factors," she continued.

The opportunity to serve a diverse population was a draw for Dr. Sikar. Yet what she finds most appealing about Modern Foot & Ankle is its healthcare approach, which she says "embraces the modern advancements in healthcare while keeping the patient at the center of every decision."

"This approach not only ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments but also fosters a sense of trust and engagement by providing readily available assistance tailored to each individual's needs," she said.

Dr. Sikar offers evening availability at the Casselberry location to further accommodate her patients. To schedule an appointment with her, visit book.mfahealth.com or call 1-844-MODERN9.

About Modern Foot & Ankle®:

Through Big-City Technology. Small-Town Care.® Modern Foot & Ankle is reshaping the patient experience and curating a progressive model for podiatric healthcare. Our physicians provide comprehensive medical and surgical solutions for foot and ankle conditions in clinics across Florida. With 24/7 online booking and check-in, extended office hours, advanced on-site equipment, and cutting-edge treatment options, Modern Foot & Ankle serves patients efficiently, comfortably, and on their schedule. For more information, visit ModernFootAnkle.com.

Modern Foot & Ankle, Florida's leading provider of podiatric care, proudly welcomes foot and ankle surgeon Kristina Sikar, DPM, to the team. Dr. Sikar received extensive training during her surgical residency at Harvard Medical School and while in private practice in Palm Beach.

Related link: https://modernfootankle.com/

Dark Matter Technologies adds mortgage technology veteran Michael Housch as chief risk and information security officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the appointment of Michael Housch as chief risk and information security officer. Housch, a C-suite and information security veteran of two and a half decades, joins Dark Matter following an eight-year stint with Black Knight, Inc (acquired by Intercontinental Exchange).

"Mike is a leader whose unparalleled credentials and industry experience are perfectly matched to the challenge Dark Matter is undertaking, which is nothing less than a dramatic reimagination of the mortgage lending process," said Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano. "For nearly a decade, Mike ensured our team's security kept up with our pace of innovation, and he's got the discipline and imagination Dark Matter needs to accelerate that pace and unleash our industry's untapped potential."

As Black Knight's chief information security officer (CISO), Housch developed and managed the company's information security vision and strategy to ensure the effective safeguarding of its information assets and technology. At Dark Matter, Housch will likewise oversee a comprehensive DevSecOps program spanning vulnerability management, identity access, cloud architecture, incident response, governance and regulatory audit oversight. In addition, Housch will be responsible for assessing and mitigating Dark Matter's operational, compliance and strategic risks at the enterprise level.

"Rich's vision for Dark Matter presents an invigorating opportunity to apply the wealth of knowledge I've gained and lessons I've learned over a 25-year career," said Housch. "The allure lies in Dark Matter's limitless potential. It's an open field where we can pioneer new approaches and reshape the mortgage landscape from the ground up, with risk and security woven into our strategy from day one. We're about to transform the industry where we've all dedicated our careers."

Prior to Black Knight, Housch served as chief information officer at First Federal Bank of Florida for more than a dozen years. There, he was responsible for keeping the bank on the cutting edge of innovation while also overseeing day-to-day operations and decisions related to institutional growth and efficiency, including oversight of information technology (IT), information security, physical security, electronic banking and business continuity. Housch earned his master's degree in business administration from Florida's Jacksonville University in 2022.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide.

For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.blackknightinc.com/

https://www.ice.com/index

Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the appointment of Michael Housch as chief risk and information security officer. Housch, a C-suite and information security veteran of two and a half decades, joins Dark Matter following an eight-year stint with Black Knight, Inc (acquired by Intercontinental Exchange).

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

Dovenmuehle appoints Robert Howerton as CIO to oversee the company’s IT infrastructure

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (Dovenmuehle), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Robert Howerton has joined the organization as Chief Information Officer. In this role, his responsibilities include maintaining and expanding Dovenmuehle's current information technology (IT) infrastructure.

"Robert has an impressive history of information technology experience and a proven record of strategically implementing technology," said Dovenmuehle Senior Vice President of IT George Mynatt. "Today's tech-driven mortgage environment demands a leader of Robert's caliber who can balance thoughtful innovation with maintaining a sound, safe and compliant operating environment."

Howerton brings more than 20 years of IT experience, including an expansive track record of working with cloud solutions, development, infrastructure data centers and strategic implementation of automation strategies. Most recently, he was the Leader Platform Security Engineer at IBM, where he modernized the company's technology infrastructure and led the development and execution of an enterprise-wide IT strategy. These efforts resulted in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and a 30% reduction in infrastructure costs.

His career history also includes experience as the Head of IT Operations and Engineering at Santander Consumer USA, Vice President of Infrastructure at Mr. Cooper and Technology Architect and Global Operations Leader at The Kraft Heinz Company. He is currently working toward his master's degree in biomechanics at Texas A&M University.

"I have a passion for being at the forefront of technology advancements, which has led me to work with cloud solutions, development and infrastructure data centers and appreciate the art of automation," said Howerton. "Implementing these systems for organizational benefits across the board is extremely rewarding. I'm pleased to join the team and eager to contribute to Dovenmuehle's mission of delivering best-in-class mortgage servicing."

About Dovenmuehle:

Founded in 1844, Dovenmuehle (Lake Zurich, Ill.) is a mortgage subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, independent mortgage lenders, MSR investors and state housing finance agencies nationwide. The company subservices portfolio loans, as well as loans sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Bank with servicing retained. Using a combination of best-in-class and proprietary technology, Dovenmuehle helps lenders reduce servicing costs and deliver consistently high levels of service to homeowners while maintaining compliance with investor and regulatory requirements. Learn more at https://dovenmuehle.com.

Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (Dovenmuehle), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Robert Howerton has joined the organization as Chief Information Officer. In this role, his responsibilities include maintaining and expanding Dovenmuehle's current information technology (IT) infrastructure.

Related link: https://dovenmuehle.com/

Mortgage Machine Services taps Digital Mortgage Expert Dan McGrew to Lead Company’s Go-to-Market Strategy

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Machine™ Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced Dan McGrew has joined the company as Director of Sales. In this role, McGrew will be responsible for bringing the company's digital mortgage innovations to market, including the company's flagship loan origination system (LOS) Mortgage Machine.

"Dan's extensive industry expertise is rooted in mortgage IT services and technology, with a particular emphasis on digital mortgage strategy and implementation. As Mortgage Machine Services continues to pioneer technology for the mortgage industry, we knew we needed a seasoned and innovative thinker like Dan to help us deliver these innovations to the masses," said Mortgage Machine Services President and CEO Jeff Bode. "The recent launch of our namesake LOS is only the beginning, and we look forward to Dan's assistance in helping lenders harness the power of our current and future digital lending technology releases."

McGrew brings nearly three decades of experience to his role at Mortgage Machine. Throughout his extensive career, McGrew has worked closely with providers of LOS, document generation, eVault and eClosing platforms to ensure clients have the necessary tech stack to transition to digital successfully, including guiding clients on MERS eRegistry setup, meeting with all lender's counterparties, and equipping clients with the knowledge and foresight of transitioning from a traditional paper-based process to digital. Previously, McGrew was the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales at Pavaso, a full-service eClosing platform. He also spent six years as the President of IT Services, a U.S.-based boutique SAP consulting firm.

"My entire career has specialized in 'eReadiness' and guiding mortgage lenders through the journey of paper to digital," said McGrew. "With its proven history in powering digital mortgage originations at scale, Mortgage Machine is the LOS lenders need to compete effectively in today's digital marketplace."

About Mortgage Machine™ Services, Inc.:

Mortgage Machine™ is an industry leader in transforming residential mortgages using a range of digital solutions. Drawing on its extensive industry knowledge and advanced technology infrastructure, the company has been innovating in financial markets since 2007. Today, its flagship LOS product utilizes intelligent automation, configurable business workflows and a cloud-based infrastructure to optimize the entire loan lifecycle. By consolidating retail, wholesale, correspondent and home equity lending onto a single platform, Mortgage Machine™ enables lenders of all sizes to reduce cycle times, costs, and risks while improving data quality and borrower satisfaction. Visit http://www.mmachine.net/ to learn more.

Mortgage Machine™ Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced Dan McGrew has joined the company as Director of Sales. In this role, McGrew will be responsible for bringing the company's digital mortgage innovations to market, including the company's flagship loan origination system (LOS) Mortgage Machine.

Related link: http://www.mmachine.net/

Neo-Bionica Appoints Uli Gommel As Chief Technology Officer

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Neo-Bionica, a leading innovator in the field of medical device development and manufacturing, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Uli Gommel as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Uli will lead Neo-Bionica's technology division spearheading its mission to revolutionize the way that companies bring novel neurotechnologies and smart MedTech devices to market.

Uli Gommel joins Neo-Bionica as a global leader in medical engineering with two decades experience spanning Europe, Asia and the US. Prior to joining Neo-Bionica, he was the Director of Mechanical Engineering at Advanced Bionics. There he led the end-to-end development and launch of the HiResTM Ultra 3D Cochelar Implant, a groundbreaking device which won the MedTech Breakthrough Award in 2019 for best overall medical device solution. Uli's expertise also extends to the development of pediatric cochlear implants, specialized surgical tools and high-resolution implantable electrode arrays.

Based in the US and with a proven track record in growing global MedTech teams, Uli's appointment demonstrates Neo-Bionica's commitment to growing its US presence. As CTO of Neo-Bionica, Uli will oversee design, development, and manufacturing services, providing expert insights for clients developing next-generation neurotech and smart MedTech devices. Through an outstanding depth and breadth of bioengineering expertise, fabrication skills, and regulatory know-how, Uli's experience will help to accelerate the development of implantable and wearable neurotechnologies and bioelectronics devices.

"Neo-Bionica is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of neurotechnology," said Uli. "I am honored to join this talented team and contribute to our shared vision of enhancing the lives of the people who will benefit from these products."

Neo-Bionica's CEO, Dr. Ludovic Labat, said "Not only does Uli's expertise and vision align perfectly with our mission to help companies realize the promise of bioelectric devices, but his presence in the US also signals our commitment to serving the needs of this significant market. With his leadership, Neo-Bionica will continue to grow quickly and smartly."

Uli will be leading a team of highly experienced industry and academic professionals with backgrounds in MedTech, mechanical and electronic engineering and previous experience from top-tier institutions including Invetech, Medtronic, Cochlear, Bionics Institute and Planet Innovation.

Neo-Bionica was established in 2021 to meet a need in the Australian market. Despite Australia's deep expertise in the development of advanced MedTech and Neurotech devices, emerging Australian Neurotech innovators were frequently forced to go overseas to prototype and manufacture their devices. Neo-Bionica was established to meet this gap in the market and since its establishment, its expertise and services have been in high demand from not only local innovators but international clients. Given this demand, Neo-Bionica fast-tracked its plan to establish a permanent foothold in the US with Uli's appointment.

About Neo-Bionica:

Neo-Bionica is an advanced Medtech manufacturer that specializes in providing commercialization and manufacturing services to develop digitally-enabled bionic and smart, neurotech medical device innovations. Neo-Bionica's expertise includes developing AI-powered devices designed to restore human function and smart sensors capable of intelligently monitoring human physiology.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Neo-Bionica has quickly gained recognition within the industry. Neo-Bionica is proud to be empowering the next generation of MedTech innovators with advanced manufacturing services. https://neo-bionica.com/

Neo-Bionica, a leading innovator in the field of medical device development and manufacturing, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Uli Gommel as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Uli will lead Neo-Bionica's technology division spearheading its mission to revolutionize the way that companies bring novel neurotechnologies and smart MedTech devices to market.

Related link: https://neo-bionica.com/

Click n’ Close Adds Ken Weislak and Travis Sharpe to Support Continued Growth of Company’s DPA Offerings for TPOs and Correspondents

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, announced it has hired Ken Weislak as Business Development Manager for the wholesale division and Travis Sharpe as the Operations Manager for the company's correspondent division. Weislak will focus on recruiting and onboarding third-party originators (TPOs) to expand Click n' Close's national footprint, while Sharpe will be responsible for all operational aspects of the division with a focus on ensuring the client experience matches the industry leading down payment product features.

"We are delighted to share that this year has been one of growth for Click n' Close. Despite the changing market landscape, we've been able to help countless lenders and their borrowers make homeownership a reality through our suite of down payment assistance products," said Click n' Close Owner and CEO Jeff Bode. "Ken and Travis will be tremendous assets to our organization in ensuring our current and future partners can leverage the full potential of our product suite to serve the best interests of their borrowers."

Weislak possesses extensive experience and a winning track record in the TPO lending space. Most recently, he served as Vice President of the Central States region for Kind Lending's wholesale/non-delegated division. He has also led sales efforts in the TPO channel for Plaza Home Mortgage, Aegis Wholesale and Fleet Mortgage Corp.

"Having previously worked with many of the outstanding professionals currently serving its TPO division, I have admired Click n' Close from afar, and when the opportunity arose to join this outstanding organization, I knew it would be a great fit both culturally and professionally," Weislak said. "The challenges facing the TPO channel are as great as they've ever been. Forward-thinking companies like Click n' Close are doing the yeoman's work of ensuring this vital production channel remains so, and I look forward to continuing to support the wholesale and non-delegated correspondent space through my role here."

Sharpe joins Click n' Close from Mr. Cooper, where he worked for nearly 15 years, starting as a loan officer. His last role was Vice President of Capital Market Operations. Sharpe was responsible for all business processes and technology with a focus on team empowerment. While there, he increased efficiencies and reduced errors by implementing a strategy he calls "People, Processes, and Technology."

"I've admired the technology-forward nature of Click n' Close for a while and am thrilled to now join the organization," said Sharpe. "I take pride in immersing myself in understanding business processes and blending in technology where automation or controls are needed."

About Click' n' Close, Inc.:

Click 'n' Close, Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels and is also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click' n' Close has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes.

Combining this culture of innovation with a risk management mindset enables Click' n' Close to deliver new products to market that address the challenges facing both borrowers and third-party originators (TPOs). These innovations include its USDA one-time close construction loans, proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and reverse mortgage division. Its direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors afford Click' n' Close direct access to the capital markets, thus ensuring maximum liquidity for its product innovations. By servicing its loan programs in-house, Click' n' Close provides its wholesale and correspondent partners with an additional level of certainty regarding loan salability and superior borrower service over the life of the loan.

Learn more at https://www.clicknclose.com/.

Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, announced it has hired Ken Weislak as Business Development Manager for the wholesale division and Travis Sharpe as the Operations Manager for the company's correspondent division.

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

Prominent Podiatrist Brings Decades Of Experience To Brandon, Wesley Chapel

BRANDON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- A veteran podiatric surgeon is taking his years of experience in the classroom and the surgical suite to Modern Foot & Ankle. For more than two decades, Dean Sorrento, DPM, a double board-certified foot and ankle specialist, has embraced a nuanced solution to fully educate his patients regarding their diagnoses and treatment options.

"I use a technology-based, patient-centric approach that simplifies the challenge and offers real solutions," he explained.

This is in line with the approach of Modern Foot & Ankle, a leading-edge podiatric group with 13 clinics in Tampa and Orlando, Fla. The practice prioritizes customer service and leverages advanced technologies to provide each patient with a unique, comfortable, and efficient experience.

Dr. Sorrento says he believes patients will appreciate the streamlined care that simplifies their visits and makes them more enjoyable. Today he will start seeing patients, dividing his time between the Brandon clinic, located at 540 Medical Oaks Avenue, and the Wesley Chapel office at 5841 Argerian Drive.

"My family and I enjoy the activities and sporting events found on the west coast as well as the beaches," he said. "Being in the Wesley Chapel and Brandon areas will allow us to be in a suburban family community while still being close to all that Tampa has to offer."

Dr. Sorrento spent 22 years of his medical career in Pennsylvania after completing his training at the University of Pennsylvania. He co-founded a podiatric practice and later merged with an orthopedic group-all while educating the next generation of foot and ankle surgeons as an assistant professor at Penn State University.

"To teach podiatry and simultaneously practice it is to gain a comprehensive, real-time knowledge base," said Dr. Sorrento. "I was consistently sharing my experiences in the practice with my students."

With a wide range of skills and many years of practice, Dr. Sorrento's special interests include deformity correction, sports medicine, and cutting-edge bunion procedures. Yet he underscores the importance of solving problems without surgical intervention and preserving it as a last resort.

"Being a podiatrist offers an opportunity to alleviate patients' problems in many different areas, such as injury, sports medicine, biomechanics, and surgery, if needed," he said. "Patients should come to my office if they desire a comfortable, educational experience with a modern twist."

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sorrento, visit book.mfahealth.com or call 1-844-MODERN9.

About Modern Foot & Ankle(R)

Through Big-City Technology. Small-Town Care.(r) Modern Foot & Ankle is reshaping the patient experience and curating a progressive model for podiatric healthcare. Our physicians provide comprehensive medical and surgical solutions for foot and ankle conditions in clinics across Central Florida and South Florida. With 24/7 online booking and check-in, extended office hours, advanced on-site equipment, and cutting-edge treatment options, Modern Foot & Ankle serves patients efficiently, comfortably, and on their schedule. For more information, visit https://www.modernfootankle.com/.

Contact: Lindsay Siegel, Modern Foot & Ankle

Phone: (813) 549-5678

Email: marketing@mfahealth.com

A veteran podiatric surgeon is taking his years of experience in the classroom and the surgical suite to Modern Foot & Ankle. For more than two decades, Dean Sorrento, DPM, a double board-certified foot and ankle specialist, has embraced a nuanced solution to fully educate his patients regarding their diagnoses and treatment options.

Related link: https://modernfootankle.com/