Julie Baril

VP of Quality Control, SWBC Mortgage Corp.

Julie Baril is VP of Quality Control for SWBC Mortgage Corp. located out of San Antonio, TX. Her career spans over 20 years from originating to underwriting and quality control management. She is recognized as having precise analytical and strong communication skills to produce certainty with data-driven results. Having capacity in various areas, she believes staying current on all quality/fraud trends, legislative updates/mortgage industry news as well as advocating for the industry is important. She is chair of the MBA Fraud Issues Subcommittee, President of the CT MBA Young Mortgage Professional Advisory Boad and co-chair of CT MBA Underwriting Committee. She is passionate about fraud detection and education on how to manufacture quality loans to sustain a thriving mortgage financial ecosystem. Personally, she keep active with her husband and two kids in youth sports, running road and obstacle course races, biking and fundraising for Dana Farber Cancer Institution. 

Jane Borbee

Senior Vice President of Operations, Homestead Funding

As the Senior Vice President of Operations at Homestead Funding Corp., Jane is responsible for the supervision of the mortgage loan manufacturing process from beginning to end at Homestead.  Jane has been a member of the Homestead team for more than three decades. Before assuming her current role, she gained experience across multiple departments culminating in a comprehensive understanding of home financing.  Jane’s role revolves around ensuring the company’s alignment with industry mandates, compliance measures, and governmental regulations without ever losing focus on the interdepartmental collaboration and technology advancements necessary to provide an exceptional customer experience.   

Andrew DeGood

CEO, AskBobAI

Andrew DeGood has established himself as a seasoned leader in the industry. Serving as a founder and C-suite executive, he has successfully navigated various challenges and triumphs, shaping his expertise along the way. Throughout his illustrious career, Andrew has demonstrated his ability to lead organizations of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on overseeing operations, product development, and client service. His approach is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics, emphasizing strategic growth, innovation, and the fostering of healthy workplace cultures. Andrew is deeply committed to creating supportive environments that facilitate sustainable success. Furthermore, he is a passionate advocate for mental health and effective communication, leveraging his skills to guide companies through industry challenges.

Melissa Egan

Chief Risk Officer, Total Mortgage

Melissa has been with Total Mortgage for 14 years and serves as the Chief Risk Officer, where she oversees credit policy, underwriting strategy, and risk governance. With 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she has built her career in underwriting and organizational leadership. Melissa leads a highly skilled team of underwriters and is committed to driving operational excellence, strengthening the customer experience, and advancing the company through continuous process improvements, innovative technology, and evolving industry best practices. 

Eileen Engel

1st Vice President + Fulfillment Manager, Liberty Bank

Eileen Engel is First Vice President and Credit Risk Manager for Residential Lending at Liberty Bank, where she oversees credit risk strategies and loan fulfillment processes for residential mortgage production. With extensive experience in banking and lending operations, Eileen plays a pivotal role in helping ensure sound risk practices while supporting residential lending teams. She is also active in industry committees and professional networks, contributing her expertise to broader discussions on mortgage credit policy and risk management.

Lawrence M. Garfinkel

Principal, Talcott Law Group, PC

Lawrence M. Garfinkel is a Principal at Talcott Law Group, PC. He has been a real estate attorney for over 25 years and has handled all forms of real estate transactions including purchases, sales, REO sales, refinances, short sales and commercial transactions. Mr. Garfinkel received his A.B. degree from Franklin& Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in 1987 where he was elected to the Black Pyramid Senior Honor Society and was a recipient of the A.V. Heister Prize in Government. He received his J.D. degree from the University of CT School of Law in 1990. Mr. Garfinkel is a member of the Board of Directors of the CMBA and is the co-chair of the Legislative Committee. He is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Closing and Compliance Committees of the CMBA as well. Larry is also a member of the Executive Committee of the CT Bar Association Real Property Section. He is a frequent writer of articles on real estate and mortgage-related matters for leading publications and is a frequent speaker for the CMBA, the Connecticut Bar Association and other real estate and mortgage industry organizations.

Dana Georgiou

Dana is a seasoned mortgage professional with nearly 30 years of mortgage lending experience, including executive management in sales, marketing, and operations for the last 15 years. Her expertise includes the development of high-performing sales teams, creating sales growth and strategy, perfecting and implementing solutions to streamline new loan production, as well as managing large-scale mortgage operation centers. She has a deep background in mortgage compliance, including CFPB mock audit efforts, and has worked in all channels of the mortgage business, with the last few years focused on the Private Lending/Business Purpose Entity lending space.

Her proven track record is unique in that it covers operations, credit/risk, sales, and marketing. She is an avid speaker/presenter at numerous mortgage industry events and believes in deep advocacy for education in the private lending space. Dana is a published author, with some of her most recent articles appearing in Mortgage Women Magazine and Deal Maker Magazine. Dana is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity in her local area as a financial counselor, helping families achieve their dream of homeownership. She lives in the East Texas area on a small ranch with her husband Sean, their two Labradors, and numerous other ranch animals.

Zach Kammerdeiner

VP, Chief of Innovation and Strategy, Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company (“CATIC”)

Zach is VP, Chief of Innovation and Strategy at Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company (“CATIC”) and has worked there since 2016. He is a title industry veteran, and prior to joining CATIC, he served as underwriting counsel at several national title insurance companies. In his current role, Zach focuses on what’s next, innovating next-generation title insurance processes, known inside CATIC as “Underwriting 2.0.” His primary function is to keep CATIC prepared for emerging market trends in an increasingly disrupted real estate market. Zach is a past president of the Connecticut Title Association and is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Real Property Section. He is active with the Connecticut Mortgage Bankers Association’s Young Mortgage Professionals and participates on ALTA’s Digital Process Impact Working Group. He received his undergraduate degree from The George Washington University and his law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.  

Joel Kan

Vice President, Deputy Chief Economist, Mortgage Bankers Association

Joel Kan serves as Vice President, Deputy Chief Economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. In this role, he is responsible for MBA’s macroeconomic and housing market forecasts and oversees the production of MBA’s industry surveys, including the Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, Builder Applications Survey, and Mortgage Credit Availability Index – three of the association’s high-profile surveys. Mr. Kan presents regularly on the economy and housing market at MBA and industry events, and is interviewed and quoted frequently in national, local and industry media outlets.

Prior to joining the MBA, he worked in Ernst & Young’s Quantitative Economics and Statistics (QUEST) group. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

William Kooper 

Vice President, State Government Affairs & Industry Relations, Mortgage Bankers Association

William Kooper is Vice President of State Government Affairs and Industry Relations at the Mortgage Bankers Association and in that capacity leads MBA’s advocacy efforts at the state and local level as well as MBA’s engagement with mortgage banking associations across the country. William is responsible for the MBA State Legislative and Regulatory Committee, staffs the State Association Relations Committee and leads the State Relations Initiative — MBA’s program to partner with state associations to align business development, communications and advocacy interests. 
 
William joined MBA in January 2001 as Director of Government Affairs, and has had a variety of roles assisting MBA members. Before leading the state program, he was Associate Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs where he directed MBA’s nationwide grassroots advocacy program, the Mortgage Action Alliance, Inc. and the planning and execution of MBA’s National Advocacy Conference. He also served as staff to MBA’s political action committee, MORPAC. 

Prior to joining MBA, William was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Special Assistant and Briefing Coordinator to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo. At HUD, William prepared the Secretary’s daily event briefings, wrote the Secretary’s weekly report to the President and also made contributions to Presidential and Vice Presidential briefing documents.  William’s other positions in and out of government have included Manager of Government Relations at HIP Health Plans in New York City, Senior Legislative Associate to the New York State Assembly Committee on Health, Research Analyst for the New York State Assembly’s Council on Health Care Financing, and Confidential Assistant to New York Governor Mario Cuomo.   
 
William was born in New York City and raised in Newtown, Connecticut. He received his MPA with a concentration in management from New York University in 1991 and his BA in International Affairs from Trinity University in 1986. William also studied at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom and attended the Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, CT. 

Melissa Langdale

CEO of Praxis Lending Solutions

Melissa Langdale is the Founder and CEO of Praxis Lending Solutions, an executive consulting firm helping mortgage lenders modernize operations, improve efficiency, and scale effectively through scalable workflows and emerging technologies. With more than two decades of experience across sales, marketing, operations, compliance, risk, and secondary markets, Melissa has held executive leadership roles in community banks, fintechs, and national mortgage organizations. Melissa is also a national speaker on mortgage transformation and AI strategy, creator of the Mortgage Maverick series, and co-host of the Future Proof: Building the Future of Mortgage Banking podcast, where she explores trends shaping the industry and prepares professionals for the future of lending.

David Larocque

Senior Manager – CRCM, CAMS, Crowe

David is a Senior Manager in Crowe’s Risk Consulting Group. He has over 10 years of experience working in Professional Services in the Northeast and nearly 20 years of experience in the Banking industry. He is an engagement leader for financial institutions with deep expertise in regulatory compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML). He is responsible for leading regulatory compliance engagements for Crowe’s Financial Services clients in the Northeast.

Bruce Lund

For over a decade, Dr. Bruce has trained thousands of salespeople and managers. His coaching journey began as a 25 year-old career author and speaker. He finished his PhD in Human Performance at 29, and became one of the youngest program directors in the Texas A&M system. Dr. Bruce was then recruited back into corporate America as VP of Sales and lead sales trainer for a top coaching company, helping grow revenue over $2 million annually.

In 2017, Dr. Bruce launched 90-Day Sales Manager, which has earned the reputation as a top sales onboarding program in housing, banking, insurance, and financial services. Dr. Bruce has spoken on some of the largest stages in North America including the Los Angeles Convention Center and Million-Dollar Roundtable. His content is featured on the most-respected platforms in the world including Breakthrough Broker with 600,000 users and MDRT with 65,000 members. The next big thing in training is here, his name is Dr. Bruce.

Travis J. McDermott

Partner, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Travis J. McDermott is a litigator and regulatory attorney from Providence, Rhode Island. In his litigation practice, Travis represents business clients before the state and federal courts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the First Circuit, and in arbitration. His regulatory practice is centered on clients in the banking, insurance, and cannabis industries who are regulated by state and/or federal entities, including the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Massachusetts Division of Banks, Division of Insurance, and Securities Division.

Travis’s litigation practice includes a wide variety of complex commercial disputes, contract claims, employment matters, land use and zoning disputes, and appellate matters. He provides practical, down-to-earth advice to clients in litigated disputes ranging from mechanic’s liens to software contract disputes, and from employment retaliation claims to foreclosure-related litigation.

In his regulatory practice, Travis represents numerous banks and credit unions, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions, insurers and insurance agencies, and cannabis cultivators and dispensaries in connection with investigations, examinations, contested enforcement matters, and licensing matters.

Travis serves as a Delegate to the Rhode Island Bar Association House of Delegates, is a board member of the Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association, and volunteers his time with Children’s Friend, a Rhode Island charitable organization founded in 1834.

Prior to joining Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP in 2011, Travis was an associate in the New York office of Latham & Watkins LLP. Travis was raised in Rhode Island and is a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School. Before law school, he was a technical writer and sales consultant at a Rhode Island-based technology company.

Jim McLoughlin

Mortgage Originator, M&T Bank

Jim McLoughlin is a Mortgage Originator M&T Bank, where he focuses on originating mortgages and expanding the bank’s brand within his community. He began his career in banking in 2006 and transitioned into mortgage sales in 2015, working with high net worth clients and business owners. Over the years, Jim has also managed loan quality across the New York and New England regions, and helped pilot programs to mentor and transition retail bankers into successful mortgage careers. He’s passionate about simplifying the mortgage process, helping families achieve homeownership, and fostering teamwork that leads to better outcomes for borrowers. Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and staying active through basketball and golf 

Peter Micera

Senior Vice President of Sales, Dark Matter 

Peter Micera is Senior Vice President of Sales at Dark Matter, where he leads the enterprise sales strategy and manages growth efforts throughout the Eastern United States. With over thirty years of experience in mortgage technology, process automation, and cost reduction, Peter is highly regarded for building strategic alliances, introducing innovative approaches, and guiding organizations through intricate operational changes. 

Throughout his professional journey, Peter has skillfully promoted a wide range of mortgage and consumer lending systems to banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers. His deep industry knowledge spans early desktop calculators, DOS software, Windows platforms, and most recently, developments in artificial intelligence. 

Peter is committed to aligning technology and automation with business goals, driving cost savings, and elevating organizational success. He emphasizes optimizing technology for mortgage and home equity organizations across consumer direct, retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels, earning recognition as a valued speaker at industry conferences. 

Elaine Orsini

Director of Lending at Mutual Security Credit Union

A seasoned lending executive, Elaine brings over 36 years of leadership experience across mortgage, consumer, and real estate lending, with deep expertise in underwriting, risk management, and lending operations. Currently serving as Director of Lending at Mutual Security Credit Union, Elaine leads enterprise-wide lending strategy, product innovation, and portfolio growth while ensuring strong regulatory compliance. Known for driving operational excellence, Elaine has successfully built and led high-performing underwriting teams, streamlined end-to-end mortgage operations, and introduced innovative lending programs that enhanced profitability and market reach. A collaborative and data-driven leader, Elaine is recognized for fostering strong relationships with executives, regulators, and industry partners while delivering sustainable growth in an evolving lending landscape. 

Amanda Padd

Chief Revenue Officer, Secure Insight

Amanda Padd is the Chief Revenue Officer at Secure Insight, the mortgage industry’s leader in wire and mortgage fraud prevention. With over a decade of experience in the mortgage space, Amanda has dedicated her career to helping lenders, title agents, and attorneys navigate the complex landscape of third-party risk and fraud prevention. 

At Secure Insight, Amanda leads a high-performing sales team dedicated to cultivating and strengthening key lender relationships. She ensures clients fully leverage the company’s tools as essential safeguards against wire fraud, cyber threats, and disbursement fraud. Amanda also manages all strategic business partnerships, playing a pivotal role in maintaining Secure Insight’s strong presence and influence across the mortgage industry.  Most recently, Amanda played a pivotal role in the development and launch of TruePay, an innovative solution designed to protect settlement professionals and small businesses from disbursement fraud at the closing table.  Beyond her technical expertise, Amanda is widely recognized for her natural ability to connect with others. A dynamic speaker and passionate networker, she frequently shares insights on the power of authentic connection, effective communication, and showing up with purpose in an industry built on relationships. 

Denise Panza

VP, Mortgage Loan Originator, Total Mortgage

With 30 years of mortgage banking experience, Denise Panza has mastered the art of making home financing feel less intimidating—and a whole lot more human. Known for her bold social media presence (yes, those viral LinkedIn letterboards are all her), Denise blends industry expertise with authenticity, wit, and consistency to build real connection in a digital world.

Ranked among the Top 50 Most Viewed Mortgage Professionals on LinkedIn and Recognized by Success Magazine as one of the Top 25 Real Estate Trendsetters in 2022. Denise has become a go-to voice for modern, relationship-driven marketing in the mortgage space. Her approach proves that personality is a superpower—and that showing up online can transform your business.

As a seasoned Mortgage Loan Originator at Total Mortgage, Denise works with a full range of clients and loan products — from first-time homebuyers (her soft spot!) to investment and commercial financing and reverse mortgages. She is licensed in 19 states including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida.

She has been a branch manager for Total Mortgage since 2020.  She relocated her branch to Naples, Florida moving from New York in 2022

She is consistently a top producer and has been a presidents club recipient every year since joining Total.

Rob Pisani

President, Appraisal Links

Robert Pisani is President and Partner at Appraisal Links, Inc, where he has led the company since 2009. Under his leadership, Appraisal Links has grown into a trusted provider of national appraisal solutions for lenders and banks, leveraging one of the country’s largest networks of certified appraisers. Robert and his team ensure prompt, high-quality appraisal delivery while helping clients stay compliant in today’s rapidly evolving mortgage and real estate environment. With over 16 years of experience managing appraisal operations and client relationships, Robert combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise, making him a recognized leader in the appraisal management industry.

Joe Sarkisian

Senior Manager, Wolf & Company

Joe serves as a Senior Manager in Wolf’s DenSecure Team. Joe is responsible for coordinating and conducting penetration testing services for clients in a variety of industries including financial, healthcare, and software. His expertise consists of internal and external network penetration testing, social engineering, vulnerability assessments, Microsoft Windows security and management audits, and general information security and controls. Joe has extensive experience conducting penetration testing audits and is pursuing ethical hacking certifications from industry-recognized organizations like the SANS Institute and Offensive Security.

Ben Scribner

Regional Sales Manager, Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions

Ben Scribner, Regional Sales Manager, here at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, is an expert and reliable consultant supporting brokers and correspondents. He joined Angel Oak due to the increasing demand for non-QM knowing we are the experts on training and offering tools for success. It is a great feeling to help deserving borrowers overcome their loan challenges and purchase the home of their dreams.

Sonja B. Selami 

Founder and Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Sonja B. Selami, P.C.

Sonja B. Selami is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Law Offices of Sonja B. Selami, P.C., a nationally recognized real estate law firm headquartered in Massachusetts. With more than two decades of legal experience, she has built a practice known for precision, integrity, and client-centered execution, handling residential and commercial real estate transactions across Massachusetts and all 50 states. 

Since founding Selami Law in 2006, Sonja has led the firm’s growth with a disciplined, process-driven approach that prioritizes clarity, risk management, and proactive guidance. She is widely respected for her ability to simplify complex legal matters, anticipate issues before they arise, and deliver smooth, reliable closings even in high-stakes or time-sensitive transactions. 

Her work has earned consistent recognition, including being named a Boston Magazine Top Real Estate Attorney, a Top Women of Law honoree by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and recipient of multiple industry awards for excellence and leadership. Beyond her practice, Sonja is deeply committed to mentorship, education, and community involvement, with a professional philosophy rooted in trust, preparation, and long-term relationships. 

David Sevigny

Branch Manager/Licensed Loan Originator, Homestead Funding Corp.

David Sevigny is a seasoned mortgage professional serving as Branch Manager/Licensed Loan Originator with Homestead Funding Corp., a multi‑state licensed mortgage lender helping borrowers achieve their homeownership goals since 1995. He brings extensive experience in home financing and personalized mortgage solutions, guiding clients through the loan process with a focus on clear communication, competitive products, and exceptional service. David works closely with homebuyers and homeowners alike to provide tailored lending options, whether for purchase, refinance, or renovation financing. Prior to joining Homestead Funding, he built a long career in the mortgage industry, developing deep expertise in sales leadership, client relations, and lending strategies.

Shshank Shekhar

CEO, InstaMortgage

Shashank Shekhar is the CEO of InstaMortgage and InstaAI and has led his organization to become one of the fastest-growing mortgage companies in the United States since founding the business in 2008. InstaMortgage has been recognized on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Deloitte Fast Tech 500, driven by a strong focus on customer service and education. A #1 Amazon best-selling author and multi-year Stevie Award Entrepreneur of the Year, Shashank is a respected voice on housing, leadership, and innovation. He is the host of The AI Coach podcast, a frequent keynote speaker at mortgage and real estate events, and in 2020 led the creation of Rachel, the mortgage industry’s first digital human.

Debbie Sousa

Executive Director, Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MMBA)

Debbie Sousa is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MMBA), where she leads all Association activities including education, membership, and legislative and compliance updates and training. She previously served as MMBA’s Director of Education, coordinating educational programs and events for members. Debbie brings more than 30 years of mortgage industry experience, with prior roles spanning processing, underwriting, mortgage training, branch lending, and executive leadership. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Foundation and is active on local committees and task forces.

Ilva Tare

Vice President, Commonwealth Titles

Ilva Tare serves as Vice President of Commonwealth Titles, a premier title company specializing in comprehensive real estate settlement and title search services across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, with additional offices in Boston, MA, and Nashua, NH. 

With deep expertise in title examination, underwriting, and complex real estate transactions, Ilva is instrumental in advancing the firm’s strategic initiatives, particularly in the areas of operational leadership, regulatory compliance, and strategic market expansion. Her strong focus on client-centered service, combined with a broad geographic perspective, positions her as a trusted leader in the industry. 

Orest Tomaselli

President, CondoTek

Orest Tomaselli is President of Project Review at CondoTek, a national leader in condominium data, documentation, and mortgage-lending compliance, and Founder and CEO of Strategic Inspections, the leading national provider of custom, lender-compliant Reserve Studies for condominium and cooperative properties. Throughout his career, Orest has focused on advancing mortgage-lending eligibility and risk mitigation for condo and co-op projects, earning a reputation as a leading authority on project approval, Reserve Study policy, and agency compliance for both established and new developments. He regularly advises industry stakeholders on lending standards set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, institutional banks, and the secondary mortgage market.

Orest serves as a board member on multiple industry committees, including the Community Associations Institute Government Affairs Committee and Reserve Study Best Practices Committee, and frequently provides guidance to national property managers, lenders, legal professionals, and government organizations.

Under his leadership, Strategic Inspections has delivered more than 10,000 compliant Reserve Studies nationwide, while CondoTek performs over 1,500 monthly condo and co-op compliance reviews and maintains data on more than 110,000 properties across the United States.

Brian Vieaux

President, MISMO (Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization)

Brian Vieaux serves as President of MISMO (Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization), where he leads the organization’s mission to drive efficiency, transparency, and interoperability across the real estate finance ecosystem. In this role, he focuses on expanding industry awareness of MISMO’s critical value, ensuring every participant, from lenders and servicers to technology providers and investors, benefits from trusted data standards and a more seamless digital mortgage experience. 

A Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) since 2005, Brian brings more than 30 years of executive experience spanning mortgage origination, fintech innovation, and channel development. Prior to joining MISMO, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of FinLocker, a financial fitness and homeownership readiness platform that empowers lenders and loan officers to engage consumers earlier in their homebuying journey through data-driven insights. Before FinLocker, he was Senior Vice President of Third-Party Origination (TPO) Lending at Flagstar Bank, where he led national account strategy, wholesale & correspondent lending, and strategic partnerships. 

Brian is also the co-author of Rethink Everything: You Know About Being a Next Gen Loan Officer, a book that challenges industry professionals to modernize how they educate, engage, and empower today’s homebuyers. His leadership is marked by a “Point of Thought, not just Point of Sale” philosophy, emphasizing education, empowerment, and responsible innovation as the foundation of sustainable homeownership. 

An active contributor to the mortgage and fintech communities, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association (MMLA) and DBG Detroit, an after-school education and mentorship program. He also hosts several industry podcasts and authors thought leadership content focused on technology adoption, consumer-permissioned data, and the future of lending.