Pacific Northwest Mortgage Lenders Conference | PNMLC 2024
Innovate To Elevate: The Future of Mortgage Lending
Sunday, September 22nd – Tuesday, September 24th
REGISTER HERE
View Conference Schedule Here
At the 2024 Pacific Northwest Mortgage Lenders Conference (PNMLC) at the Seattle Grand Sheraton, September 22-24, 2024, we will explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the mortgage industry. As our industry continues to evolve through technology, innovation, and adaptation, we will present an impressive lineup of local and national industry leaders who will share insights on critical topics impacting the mortgage industry.
LOCATION: Sheraton Grand Seattle – 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 22
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Exhibitor Set Up
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Conference Check In
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Opening Reception
Monday, September 23 | General Session
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Conference Check In
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM Opening Remarks Conference Chair & WMBA President Andy McDonough with CMG Home Loans
to introduce MC Ken Perry, President/Founder at The Knowledge Coop
8:45 AM – 9:45 AM The MBA in Focus William Kooper; Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Connecting The Next Generation of Homebuyers Tony Thompson; NAAMBA
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Affordablity & The Future of Real Estate Moderator: Sharon Knowles; Arch MI, Speakers: Ken Larsen; Banner Bank
Tai Christensen; Arrive Home, Scott Rerucha; Legacy Group Capital, J. Lennox Scott; John L. Scott Real Estate
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM National and Local Economic Perspective Eric Brescia; Fannie Mae
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM NAR Settlement Impact Ari Karen; Mitchell Sandler
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Strategic Partnerships Advocating Homeownership Moderator: David Battany; Guild Mortgage, Speakers: Tony Thompson; NAMMBA, Lisa DeBrock; WSHFC, Ali Sheibani; Habitat For Humanity
3:50 PM – 4:50 PM Embracing Technology: AI and Social Media Moderator: Ken Perry, Speakers: Ally Carty; Guild Mortgage
Rishi Choudhary; Kastle.ai, Theo Ellis; Friday Habor ai, Brett Brumley; Lender Toolki
Monday, September 23 | Loan Originator Session
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM 6 Steps to Sales Success Steve Richman; Blue Wolf Coaching
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Gen Z & Social Media Strategy Ally Carty; Guild Mortgage
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM The Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Designation Jeannine Sprague; Essent Guaranty, Ken MacDonald; CMG Financial, Deborah Jones; Capital Markets Citizens Bank, Tony Blodgett; New American Funding
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM Mindset Drew Nichol; Legacy University
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Rockstars Ryan Hills; Movement Mortgage, REsource.tv
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Reception
Tuesday, September 24
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Conference Chair Opening Remarks Andy McDonough introduce David Battany; Guild Mortgage
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Digital Data: Serving Future Borrowers David Battany; Guild Mortgage, teve Richman; Blue Wolf Coaching
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Break
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Achieving Excellence Moderator: Jean Bradley; Essent Guaranty, Speakers: Rose Marie David; CMG Home Loans, Tai Christensen; Arrive Homes, Deb Jones, Citizens Bank, Tamra Reiger; Evergreen Home Loans
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM Closing Remarks Conference Chair
12:00 PM Conference Conclude
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2024 CONFERENCE MC
Ken Perry | President/CEO, The Knowledge Coop
Ken Perry is the President/CEO of The Knowledge Coop, a groundbreaking social learning technology platform that is reshaping how companies in the mortgage industry communicate and collaborate internally.
Ken’s journey as a speaker and trusted mortgage resource began back in 2003 when he addressed the pressing issues of identity theft and cybercrime. Since then, he has become a recognized authority on the latest trends and regulatory changes affecting the mortgage and real estate sector. With a passion for staying ahead of industry developments and a knack for distilling complex topics into accessible insights. Ken Perry brings a unique blend of expertise, humor and a dynamic speaking style to every event he attends.
At the heart of Ken’s technological innovation is Coop+, an all-in-one online learning hub for mortgage professionals. It provides NMLS-approved education, a cutting-edge AI assistant, and over 100 master classes. Coop+ offers even more, including weekly industry news videos, essential training, and extra classes to boost efficiency and increase loan closing rates. It also hosts a vibrant community for professionals to connect and collaborate, fostering growth and success. In addition to his career in training and developing technology, Ken hosts the captivating podcast “Lessons From Last Time.” He shares stories infused with lessons of triumph over life and industry challenges, illuminating paths of resilience and growth that will bring inspiration and encouragement to his listeners
FEATURED 2024 SPEAKERS
David Battany | Executive Vice President of Capital Markets, Guild Mortgage Company 
Mr. Battany is the Executive Vice President of Capital Markets for Guild Mortgage Company. He oversees the firm’s capital market activities, including pricing, hedging, and secondary market execution. He’s also responsible for Guild’s credit policy, shipping, and product development functions. Mr. Battany manages investor relationships with GSEs, government agencies, and private investors. Prior to joining Guild, Mr. Battany was Chief Product Strategist for Penny Mac from 2012 to 2015, where he was responsible for managing the product development group, as well as its relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA, Ginnie Mae, and mortgage insurance companies.
From 1990 to 2012, Mr. Battany was with Fannie Mae, based in Pasadena, California where he served as Director of Single Family Business and was responsible for managing the firm’s relationships with west coast based lenders. Mr. Battany began his career in 1986 with First Interstate Bank of California, where he traded and hedged the bank’s mortgage production.
Mr. Battany is a member of the MBA’s board, the Vice Chair the MBA’s Residential Board of Governors and is a member of the MBA’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. He was the previous chairman of the MBA’s Secondary and Capital Markets Committee, the MBA’s Residential Production Committee, and Co-Chair of the MBA’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Mr. Battany is presently the Co-Chair of the National Housing Conference’s Black Homeownership Collaborative’s Credit and Lending Workstream Committee. He was previously a board member of the California MBA, Habitat for Humanity, and Rebuilding Together. Mr. Battany graduated from the University of Colorado’s school of Business Administration with a BS degree in Finance.
Tony Blodgett | EVP, Retail Sales of New American Funding
Tony Blodgett is an experienced Certified Mortgage Banker® (CMB) with 27 years in the industry. He currently serves as the Executive VP, Retail Sales at New American Funding, where he oversees the company’s Retail Sales division, including a nationwide network of branch Loan Officers. Tony is responsible for implementing initiatives and procedures to drive successful growth and profitability in each region, and he collaborates with the Executive Team and Sales Leaders around the country to ensure continued growth, leadership, and retention.
Previously, Tony served as the SVP of the Northwest region, where he focused on identifying opportunities, developing innovative ideas to enhance competitiveness, increasing revenues, ensuring steady growth, and improving customer service offerings. He is passionate about New American Funding’s mission, platform, culture, and leadership and is committed to the company’s continued growth and expansion.
Prior to joining New American Funding, Tony served as the President and COO of Mortgage Advisory Group, where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s operations and was instrumental in driving significant growth in both revenue and market share.
Tony’s passion for the industry led him to host the podcast, Market Shares, where he interviews industry experts, shares insights on what’s happening in today’s mortgage market, and provides strategies to help grow your market share.
In addition to his professional achievements, Tony is a dedicated family man. He is happily married and proud to be a father of three children, two daughters and a son.
Tony’s commitment to continuous self-improvement is evident in his passion for martial arts. He holds a second-degree black belt and applies the principles of discipline and perseverance to both his personal and professional endeavors.
Tony’s diverse background, extensive experience in the mortgage banking industry, and his dedication to his family and personal growth make him a well-rounded and respected leader in the field. He is known for his strategic vision, exceptional leadership skills, and commitment to excellence, making him a valuable asset to New American Funding and the mortgage banking industry as a whole.
Jean Bradley | Strategic Business Development Executive, Essent Guaranty
Jean Bradley is an executive with Essent Guaranty, responsible for Strategic Business Development. With over 30 years of mortgage industry experience, ”Connecting people everywhere” is a motto she lives by.
Jean is an active leader and mentor throughout the MBA mPower community, promoting the advancement of women in the mortgage insurance and mortgage industry in the areas of sales leadership and relationship development. Jean was nominated to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the MBA Opens Doors Board in 2018, promoting the mission of helping vulnerable families with critically ill or injured children stay in their homes while being treated.
Jean holds a B.A. in Mass Communications & Journalism with a minor in Business from St Bonaventure University as well as the Executive Advanced Leadership program at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Brett Brumley | CEO of Lender Toolkit
Brett Brumley, CEO of Lender Toolkit, is a trailblazer in the mortgage industry, known for his innovative use of AI and automation. As the driving force behind Lender Toolkit’s success, Brett has developed a Mortgage Automation as a Service (MaaS™) platform which includes AI Underwriter™, a solution that streamlines the underwriting process for lenders and significantly improves the borrower experience. With a decade of experience in mortgage banking and technology, Brett’s passion for innovation has positioned Lender Toolkit as a leader in the digital mortgage space. Join them in shaping the future of mortgage lending and experience the power of cutting-edge technology.
Ally Carty | Social Media Manager, Guild Mortage Company
Ally Carty, a 25-year-old “Gen-Z Guru,” draws inspiration from her experience in the mortgage industry to shed light on the influential role of social media in connecting with potential Gen-Z homebuyers in her life. Transitioning to a role within Guild Mortgage’s marketing team as a social media manager, she channels her passion for empowering young individuals to make informed decisions in their first home purchases. Ally brings a fresh perspective into the real estate finance sector, collaborating closely with loan officers to refine strategies, craft personalized approaches, and foster stronger connections with the next generation of homebuyers. Well-known for her generational expertise, she frequently takes the stage as a speaker and panelist at industry-leading events hosted by institutions like the Mortgage Bankers Association and The Mortgage Collaborative. Beyond live events, Ally shares her impactful insights as an active contributor to HousingWire, where she delves into effective methods of engaging Gen-Z homebuyers. Her overarching goal is to shape the future of homebuying, ensuring both loan officers and young homebuyers thrive in a dynamic market landscape.
Tai Christensen | Co-Founder and President for Arrive Home
Tai Christensen is the Co-Founder and President for Arrive Home, a national affordable housing innovator dedicated to helping responsible borrowers in underserved communities become homeowners through their Down Payment Assistance and Earned Equity programs. Tai serves as Chair of the American Mortgage Diversity Council (AMDC), Chair of the NAHREP Midwest Regional Council, and Chair of the California MBA DE&I Committee. She also serves as a board member for Axis Lift 360, a non-profit that focuses on providing the mortgage lending industry with a more diverse talent pool of job candidates. Tai was named a Woman of Influence Award by HousingWire in 2024 and 2023. She also won the 2023 Women with Vision Award, the 2023 National Mortgage Professional Women of Inspiration Award, the SUCCESS Magazine’s 2023 Emerging Entrepreneur Award, the 2022 Thought Leader Award from Progress in Lending, and the 2021 Mortgage Professional America Elite Women Award. Tai has been featured in Forbes, CBS News, Business Insider, Fox Business News, and Consumer Affairs. She is passionate about assisting credit worthy borrowers in disadvantaged communities become homeowners and build intergenerational wealth through homeownership. Tai lives in Eagle Mountain, Utah, with her husband, three daughters and their black lab, Charley. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, specializing in working with underserved communities.
Rishi Choudhary | CEO and Co-Founder of Kastle AI
Rishi Choudhary is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kastle AI, a startup that helps mortgage lenders automate customer interactions over text and call. Kastle’s flagship AI LOA runs pricing scenarios and follows-up with leads over text and call. Kastle also offers an AI servicing agent that collects monthly mortgage payments over the phone. The company is backed by top investors from Silicon Valley including Y Combinator.
Prior to founding Kastle AI, Rishi led Redfin’s Mortgage Marketplace as a Product Manager where he built several digital products to help homebuyers estimate what they can afford and easily connect with a lender that met their needs. Rishi holds a degree in Systems Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and is an avid golfer, hiker, and reader.
Rose Marie David | SVP, Retail Sales Executive, CMG Home Loans
Rose Marie David has been in the mortgage industry for over three decades. Over the span of her career, she has held many roles including underwriter, broker/owner, executive director and originator of over $100 million in loan volume. She loves all aspects of the mortgage business, but leading and growing sales is her first love. She’s driven to help make a difference in the lives of her employees and their customers.
In her current role as retail sales executive for CMG in the Pacific West, she has helped to secure CMG’s ranking as the Scotsman Guide’s #12 Top Overall Lender. Rose Marie’s executive leadership helped contribute to the company’s success 19.9% increase in annual
origination volume from 2022 to 2023. This put CMG in the #1 spot for year-over-year origination growth — beating out many other top lenders in the nation.
Rose Marie came to CMG through the acquisition of Homebridge Financial services, a top-25 national independent mortgage banker. Through her leadership, the acquisition resulted in 98% retention. At Homebridge, she served as EVP of Retail Lending and co-led the company’s retail sales, operations, training, recruiting, and marketing departments.
She came to Homebridge through a highly successful acquisition of HomeStreet Bank, where she served as director of mortgage lending. Her efforts at HomeStreet helped the company’s business grow by over 400% from 2012 to 2016. The company also produced over $10 billion annually and was the #1 purchase market share in the Pacific Northwest in 2017.
The following year, Rose Marie received the HousingWire Vanguard Award, a testament to her tenacity for growth and commitment to leadership. Ms. David is the current WMBA Chair and in prior years has served on the national MBA Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG) and has also participated in advisory boards for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ellie Mae, ICE, and Xinnix.
Lisa Debrock | Homeownership Director at WA State Housing Finance Commission
Lisa DeBrock directs the Homeownership division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, a self-supporting state agency whose mission is to finance affordable, sustainable, equitable housing in thriving communities. As director of Homeownership, Lisa oversees home-loan and downpayment assistance programs – including the Covenant Homeownership Program – that help thousands of Washington homebuyers each year to purchase homes through a large network of partnering lenders. Her leadership also allows the Commission to provide free homebuyer education, financial counseling for homebuyers and homeowners, and the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund that helps homeowners struggling due to pandemic hardships.
Theo Ellis | CEO and Co-Founder of Friday Harbor
Theo Ellis is CEO and Co-Founder of Friday Harbor, a mortgage technology company backed by the Allen Institute for AI in Seattle. Friday Harbor puts the knowledge and judgment of an always-on expert underwriter into the hands of loan officers. Previously, Theo was VP of Growth for Lenders One and Head of Growth, US at consumer credit machine learning pioneer Pagaya Technologies. Earlier in his career he worked at PIMCO and McKinsey & Co. Theo has an AB in Economics from Princeton University, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Deb Jones | Senior Vice President of Mortgage Capital Markets and Portfolio Management
Deb Jones’ is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), whose career spans over 35 years in the mortgage finance industry.
Deb began her mortgage journey as an intern and trainee, traversing through various roles and gaining firsthand experience in all aspects of the mortgage industry’s evolution. Deb directly managed billions in performing assets for the Resolution Trust Corporation during the savings and loan crisis. From there, Deb went to Wall Street with Greenwich Capital, where she worked in deal management to acquire and sell mortgage assets. Deb’s entrepreneurial family’s culture encouraged Deb to partner in a mortgage consulting firm, Security Financial Group, where she drove and effected business opportunities with lenders while providing secondary marketing transaction management and outsourcing support.
A true love of mortgage capital markets led Deb to American Home Funding, which became Charter One, and now, Citizens. Deb has held diverse senior leadership roles over the years, including Chief Administrative Officer over operations, capital markets, joint ventures, and captive reinsurance. Currently, Deb serves as Senior Vice President of mortgage capital markets and portfolio management, leading a dynamic leadership team and driving collaboration and excellence in execution. Her collective experiences enable Deb’s deep contribution to Citizen’s mortgage strategy.
Deb is actively engaged in trade associations, such as the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the Housing Policy Council, advisory boards, lender roundtables, and various committees. She currently serves as Secretary of MBA’s CMB Society and was formerly Chair of MBA’s Capital Markets Committee. Deb’s passion is giving back through, education, networking, and advocacy. She regularly partners with trades, agencies, and regulators on policy feedback and is a frequent speaker on mortgage issues. Deb also mentors veterans seeking to enter the private market, through Citizens’ Business Resource Groups – Veterans and Military Advocacy.
Deb is co-founder in her sister’s company, Square One Organic Spirits. She lives outside of Richmond, Virginia, on a small horse farm where Deb spends most of her free time riding and caring for her animals. Deb believes her most important learning from career and life has been to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Doing so includes accepting constructive criticism, change, and disappointments, then turning it all into an opportunity for growth and positivity.
Ken Larsen, CMB | EVP, Mortgage Banking Director at Banner Bank
With a 33 year career in mortgage banking, Ken began his career at Action Mortgage/Sterling Savings, later moving to Peoples Bank of Lynden managing the mortgage banking operation. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a degree in Social Science and earned certificates from the Pacific Coast Banking School, and the School of Mortgage Banking. He is also a Certified Mortgage Banker, the highest designation recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association. At Banner Bank for the last 20 years, Ken is the executive in charge of all aspects of mortgage banking. He has served as the 90th President of the Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association as well as a past Chairman of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association. Currently he is serving his second term as an appointee by the Governor of Washington State as a commissioner on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
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.
Sharon Knowles | Senior Account Manager at Arch MI
Sharon Knowles is a Senior Account Manager with Arch MI. With a career lasting more than three decades, Sharon is passionate about the mortgage industry. She covers WA, Alaska, Montana and North Idaho and participates in several trade associations monthly, is a Director Emeritus for the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association and served as its President in 2012.
In 2007, Sharon won the President’s Trophy, as her company’s top salesperson.Sharon received three awards from the Mortgage Bankers Association of America when she was editor of the quarterly news publication. The Washington Association of Mortgage Professionals recently awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award and the affiliate of the year award. Sharon married her high school sweetheart and has a 23 year old son, 25 year old daughter and son in law. She loves to be outdoors paddle boarding, hiking and biking. And loves learning about and showcasing other individuals in their quest for excellence.
Ken MacDonald | VP of Margin Management of CMG Financial
Ken MacDonald is a 22-year veteran of the mortgage industry. Upon graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Economics, he started his career with Seattle Mortgage Company in the Reverse Mortgage Department, and eventually moved over to the residential Capital Markets Department. Ken joined HomeStreet Bank in 2012 where he worked as the Secondary Marketing Manager. In 2021, Ken joined Evergreen Home Loans leading over Innovative Products and then as the SVP of Margin & Pricing at Academy Mortgage Company which was acquired by Guild Mortgage Company. Ken now works for CMG Financial as the VP of Margin Management.
Ken believes he adds the most value by strengthening the ties between executive management and production. By understanding volume and profitability targets of exec mgmt., he works collaboratively with production leadership to identify margin updates to optimize revenue. This process involves comprehensive analysis and discussion of margin, market share, competitiveness, and pricing exception trending.
Drew Nichol | Business Development at Business University
Drew launched his career as a sales professional 30 years ago in the music industry, where he quickly excelled. Ignited by his success, he chose to enter into the mortgage banking industry where he had the opportunity to be a student of the Legacy U sales philosophy. Armed with the right tools and philosophy, Drew became a top producer in the industry, where he amassed $500 million in sales volume. Today Drew is most passionate about passing on the “trade secrets” of this philosophy to other sales professionals who want to take their business to the next level. With his successful track record, enthusiasm for teaching and desire to help others, Drew is a natural at teaching what he has experienced.
Favorite Quote: “Never underestimate yourself if you believe in what you do.”
Scott Rerucha | Chief Executive Officer at Legacy Group Capital
Scott Rerucha is the CEO and co-founder of Legacy Group Capital and has over three decades of indispensable industry experience. As CEO and managing partner, Scott provides leadership for all aspects of the company’s operations with an emphasis on long-term goals, development, profit, and return on investment.
Before Legacy Group Capital, Scott held successful tenures with numerous financial institutions throughout the Puget Sound Region. In 1993, he founded Bay Mortgage, which became one of the largest mortgage banking operations in the state of Washington. After Bay Mortgage was acquired, he founded Sky Bank, a new de novo bank, which was successfully sold in 2003 to First Independent Bank of Vancouver, WA.
In 2006, Scott co-founded Legacy Group Holdings, the parent company to Legacy Group Capital, Legacy Group Lending, and Legacy Group Escrow. The Legacy Group family of companies experienced substantial growth and success, which was recognized with several industry awards, including the Fastest Growing Private Business as well as the Best Companies to Work.
By 2013, Legacy Group’s mortgage company had become one of the top 25 mortgage banking operations in the country and was successfully sold to WJ Bradley of Denver, CO. Legacy’s growth and service level has made them the premier private lender in the PNW.
Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics from Seattle University. While attending Seattle University, Scott was a scholarship athlete on Seattle University’s tennis team.
Steve Richman | Owner of SteveRichman.com
Steve Richman has been called energizing, passionate, practical, fun, creative and smart. As a nationally recognized presenter he has spoken to more than 500,000 individuals in every state in America. As a testament to the power of his presentations, over 85% percent of Steve’s presentations are rebookings from those that have previously seen him.
For a quick history about Steve, he is a graduate of The University of Maryland, The George Washington University Law School and is a member of the Maryland State Bar (out of state status). He has taught Public Speaking at Towson University and Negotiations for the Sellinger Business School’s MBA program. He has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University’s Business School in New York and has presented on Capitol Hill. He is a certified trainer in DiSC Behavioral Profiling and is a Master Certified Negotiations Trainer. Additionally, he has been a guest on multiple podcasts, radio shows and has published numerous articles and in 2019 was named one of the most connected professionals in the mortgage industry by National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
He has presented and consulted as an expert in multiple topics including – selling skills, improved communication, overcoming objections, modern marketing, social media, consumer trends, real estate and mortgage market analysis, elearning, powerful presentations, leadership, corporate culture, goal setting, mission statements, process re-engineering and more.
On the personal side, Steve has been luckily married for 30 years (knock on wood), has the greatest son and best daughter in the world and he is an avid golfer and scuba diver.
Tamra Rieger | President, Executive Team of Evergreen Home Loans
Tamra Rieger serves on the Executive Team of Evergreen Home Loans as President. She is responsible for integrating the major functions of the business, creating focus, accountability, and alignment, including executing the business plan and implementing strategic goals. Divisions under her oversight include sales and marketing, operations, finance, and capital markets. Also, she directs digital mortgage technology initiatives, driving efficiency and improving the overall customer experience, and leads the development of innovative products that increase opportunities for customers and agents, including Evergreen’s cash offer suite of products.
Tamra is a sought-after speaker at Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and other industry conferences and events, discussing topics such as digital mortgage implementation and women in leadership. Mortgage Women Magazine named her a 2022 Mortgage Star, and HousingWire recognized her as a 2024, 2023 and 2021 HW Women of Influence winner.
Tamra holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and has 27 years of experience in mortgage lending, holding positions as Chief Operating Officer, EVP Loan Fulfillment and SVP Capital Markets. She has served on the Fannie Mae Risk Advisory Board and Freddie Mac Lender Advisory Board.
Lennox Scott | Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate
Lennox Scott is the third generation Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate founded in 1931 by his grandfather. Lennox is nationally recognized in the SP 200 rankings as the 27th most influential person in the residential real estate industry. Lennox is also very involved with the National Association of Realtors, collaborating regularly with the NAR leadership and executive teams and in 2024, is the past-chair of the NAR Diversity Committee as well as a member of the NAR Large Brokerage Advisory Group.
John L. Scott Real Estate is currently celebrating its 93rd year in business with over 100 offices and more than 3,000 Broker Associates in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company has been recognized as one of the top 20 most productive residential real estate brands in the nation, transacting tens of thousands of transactions each year. John L. Scott Real Estate’s core value is “Living Life as a Contribution®” which applies to every facet of life – at work, at home, and in the community.
The John L. Scott foundation is dedicated to helping kids get healthy and be at home. In 2023, the Foundation helped sponsor 30 events for 18 children’s hospitals, which helped raised nearly $20 million. dollars for children’s healthcare. Additionally, John L. Scott brokers and support team members prepared 50 dinners, serving over 3,500 meals for families staying with Ronald McDonald House charities
Ali Sheibani | Director – Homeowner Services at Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties
Ali Sheibani is the Director of Homeownership Services at Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties.
His professional experience started in sales and sales management with a shift to finance in 2006. He found his passion for non-profit work in affordable homeownership at Habitat in 2013.
Through his work at Habitat and then at HomeSight (2015-2021), a Washington Community Development Financial Institution, he has had the opportunity to support 1st generation homebuyers in creating wealth and opportunity for their families. As HomeSight’s Portfolio Manager, Ali helped to create an ITIN loan product as well as HomeSight’s first Race Based Special Purpose Credit Program loan product to support Black first-time homebuyers.
Ali came back to Habitat in 2021 with continued focus to support the increase in homeownership for low-income buyers for generations to come through a permanent affordability model.
Jeannine Sprague | Account Manager at Essent Guaranty, Inc.
Jeannine Sprague embarked on her career in the pharmaceutical industry, where she cultivated her skills in building professional relationships and strategic thinking. Fort the past 15 years she has transitioned her career path into the mortgage insurance sector, serving as an Account Manager covering Washington State. In her role, Jeannine consistently seeks to establish strategic partnerships with lenders, ensuring that they have the support and coverage essential for their success. Beyond her professional commitments, Jeannine actively contributes to her community by serving on the Executive Board of Directors for the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association. Within this capacity, Jeannine actively furthers the associations mission, which revolves around educating, connecting, and inspiring members, clients, and partners. She champions community engagement, advocacy, and a positive impacts. She also teaches Sunday School for 3rd and 4th graders, which fills her cup on the weekends. Jeannine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Marketing from Washington State University, providing her with a solid foundation for her professional career and community engagement. Notably, she earned her Certified Mortgage Banker accreditation in August, further enhancing her expertise and contributions to the mortgage industry. Her passion for fostering meaningful connections and her dedication to enhancing the mortgage industry makes her a valuable asset in her field and community
J. Tony Thompson, CMB | Founder & CEO of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA)
J. Tony Thompson, CMB is the Founder & CEO of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA), an organization dedicated to increasing the engagement of women and minorities with the Mortgage Bankers Association at the local, state and national level. Since its inception in 2016, NAMMBA has grown to over 30 chapters and 7,500 members nationwide.
J. Tony Thompson, CMB has over 15+ years of leading and building high performance sales teams. As the Founder/CEO of NAMMBA, Mr. Thompson’s vision is to create a platform where women and minorities can connect, grow and become leaders in the mortgage industry while providing a platform to recruit and train the next generation of mortgage professionals.
Mr. Thompson received his B.S. from South Carolina State University in Business Administration and a MBA from Webster University. In 2011, he received his Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation from the National Mortgage Bankers Association. This distinct designation is held by less than 1% of industry professionals. He currently is a board member for the National Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Loan Production Committee and a graduate of the MBA Future Leaders Program. Over the last several years, he has been recognized and featured in many industry publications for his dedication to the community and mortgage industry. Finally, Mr. Thompson serves on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
