Board Members | WA-MBA

President – John Smith

WSECU
360-451-0577

John is the Director of Residential Lending, Sales for WSECU continuing the legacy of excellent member service and organizational growth. He began his career in 1980 as a Branch Representative, progressively moving into branch management and divisional leadership. Over the past 41 years, John has enjoyed employment with large National Banks, Regional Banks and small Mortgage Brokers. Prior to his current role, John was employed with BECU for 9 years helping to build their mortgage production and grow market share. John is a recent graduate of Credit Union National Association Management School where he earned the Certified Credit Union Executive designation. In his career, John has earned multiple awards, served on numerous councils, mentored many employees into leadership roles, and has served thousands of families. John lives in Lacey with his wife, they have three adult children and one grandchild. Travelling, riding motorcycle and gardening are some of John’s favorite activities.

Tony Fernandez is a 24-year mortgage industry veteran who has held many roles in the mortgage industry including Loan Officer, Underwriter, Director of Product Development, Capital Markets Manager, and most recently, District Manager at Guild Mortgage Company. He is committed to educating people about the benefits of home ownership. Tony has been married for 23 years to his wife Trisha and has 2 children, Cruz who is 19, and Ava who is 14. In his spare time, Tony enjoys kayaking and paddle boarding, but his passion is coaching his daughter’s flag football team.

Vice President- Tony Fernandez

Guild Mortgage

Treasurer- Andy McDonough

Andy McDonough currently serves as the Treasurer and Chair of the Education Committee for the WMBA and is passionate about creating awareness, education, and inspiring engagement in the mortgage industry.

A seasoned leader since 1997, Andy believes in partnering with individuals and teams to grow and develop their business and personal lives. His commitment to positively impacting clients, employees, partners, and communities drives others to be better industry citizens and engaged community members. Andy has lived in the Magnolia neighborhood since 2001 with his wife Dani, son Jackson and daughter Lauren. Outside of work, Andy loves the outdoors and has been producing adventure documentary films since 2012.

Jeannine is an Account Manager with Essent Guaranty Inc. and covers Western Washington. She has been in the Mortgage Insurance Industry since 2003, where she has managed the Washington Market. She has been with Essent since March of 2012. Prior to Mortgage Insurance she started her career in Pharmaceutical Sales with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. She has been on the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association Membership Committee for 3 years. Jeannine lives in West Seattle with her Husband and 2 daughters.

Secretary – Jeannine Sprague

Essent Guarantee

Past President – Jim DeMarco

Homebridge Financial Services

For over 20 years Jim DeMarco has risen through the ranks in the mortgage industry holding a variety of leadership positions throughout sales, operations, and fulfillment. Beginning his career as a Loan Officer and an Account Executive, in 2006 Jim was promoted to Region Manager for M&T Bank’s Wholesale Division in Arizona. Following the housing crash, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest to join M&T’s West Division management team, holding various roles within operations and construction lending.

In 2013, Jim took over M&T’s Washington Region where he oversaw all facets of the operation for both their Retail and Wholesale lending channels. In Jim’s current role as a Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Loan Originator, Jim now focuses on helping clients make effective financial decisions by showing them a new way of thinking about their mortgage – not just as a loan based on rates, ratios and guidelines, but as something with the potential to dramatically shift their financial situation now and into the future.

Jim has played an active role in the mortgage community, most recently serving as President of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association. He is a native of Buffalo, NY and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Canisius College where he graduated cum laude and was recognized with the Management Academic Excellence Award. Jim resides in Renton, Washington with his wife and daughter.

Rose Marie David is an Executive Vice President Divisional Manager for Homebridge Financial Services. Ms. David came to Homebridge in June 2019 as part of their acquisition of the large scale retail home loan center business of HomeStreet Bank. In her current role, she leads over sales and operations for the western division that resulted from this acquisition. In her former role at HomeStreet Bank, she was the Director of Mortgage Lending responsible for growing the residential mortgage banking franchise and overseeing mortgage production, operations, and servicing. Ms. David joined HomeStreet in March 2012, coming from MetLife Home Loans where she was Pacific Northwest Regional Sales leader. She has been in the industry for more than 30 years and has worked in many aspects of mortgage banking along the way, including owning her own mortgage brokerage. Ms. David holds a B.A. in finance from the University of Utah. During her time in leadership at HomeStreet Bank, the mortgage banking volume grew over 400%, finishing in Scotsman Guide’s Top 20 Retail Mortgage Lenders from 2016-2018 and reaching #1 purchase market share in the tri-state Pacific Northwest in 2017. Ms. David’s success has come from earning and maintaining a strong relationship with her team and the community, and always putting the customer first.

Ms. David currently sits on the Ellie Mae Exec Advisory Board and the WMBA Board. She has sat in recent years on the Advisory Boards for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Xinnix. She participated in 2018 in Dave Steven’s MBA CEO Exchange and National MBA’s Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG). Ms. David also currently serves on the board of the YWCA for Seattle King and Snohomish counties. She is drawn to their mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Chairman of the Board – Rose-Marie David

Homebridge

Emeritus Director – Robert Lipston

Evergreen Home Loans

Serving as Executive Vice President of Loan Production, Robert Lipston brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1987, in various executive leadership positions over the last 35+ years. Prior to Evergreen, he spent eight years establishing and growing Flagstar Bank as the First Vice President-Regional Director of the Pacific Northwest.

Robert has a diverse set of skills and experience in sales, leadership, strategic business planning, operations management, secondary marketing, underwriting, retail mortgage banking, and wholesale and correspondent lending. His diverse background gives him a unique view of the industry that he is able to leverage daily.

Robert is currently President of the Puget Sound Mortgage Lenders Association (PSMLA) and recently served two terms as President of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association (WMBA) where he has actively been involved on the board for over 10 years. He has received numerous awards for his dedication to supporting his team and involvement in the mortgage community, most recently being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Mortgage Executives in America by Mortgage Executive Magazine and receiving the Mortgage Professionals Humanitarian and Leadership award.

Robert resided in Booney Lake, Washington. When he is not giving his all to his career and team, he spends time with his three children and always finds time for boating, classic cars, and adventure.

The Seattle based Washington Commercial Closing Team provides Owners, Brokers, Lenders and Lawyers professional title insurance and escrow services. Fidelity National Title provides solutions that help customers and clients get their transactions closed smoothly and on time. We also team up to help our Clients improve their business practices, saving time & adding to their bottom line.

Director – Steve Cory

Fidelity National Title Company

Director – Yanna Nelson

Homestreet Bank

With over 22 years in the mortgage industry as a Business Development Manager, Production and Training Manager, Mortgage Insurance Account Manager, Loan Originator in both Retail and Wholesale Lending, as well as Past President of the Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association (now WA Mortgage Bankers Association), the variety of positions I have held have given me a great depth of understanding and passion for the mortgage business. In my current role at Homebridge Financial Services, I have been able to develop and lead an incredible onboarding and training team of Originators, who have built an enviable reputation within and outside of the company by setting the standard for Loan Officer onboarding concierge service and training.

My commitment to, and reputation in the mortgage community has allowed me many great opportunities to learn and discover what I love to do most, which is to lead, teach, motivate and help others to grow and be successful. My extensive experience and love for what I do give clients, business partners, and employees the confidence and trust they deserve when navigating the mortgage business, and my ability to lead through the many challenges and opportunities we are presented.

Eric is the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Division Manager for the state of Washington, at WaFd Bank. Business lines include disciplines of Income Property [office, industrial, multifamily, retail] and Homebuilder Finance [horizontal land development, vertical construction of ‘for sale’ housing]. Direct reports include a high-functioning team of directors (team leads), relationship managers (tenured bankers), portfolio managers (de novo bankers), and credit analysts (underwriters). Eric spends his weekends working on endless projects at his ranch on Vashon Island. Further, he and his wife enjoy traveling internationally when going on their annual vacation.

Director – Eric Seidenberger

Washington Federal Bank

Emeritus Director – Tony Blodgett

New American Funding

Tony Blodgett has over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry and is currently the Regional Vice President for New American Funding. He started as a loan officer at the age of 19 and quickly achieved status as one of the top producers in the area. In 2010 he was promoted to President and COO of Mortgage Advisory Group, his time in executive leadership has given him the knowledge and experience necessary to help build out the Washington region for New American Funding. Tony is excited to work at a company where he can utilize his extensive skills in leadership and sales to better the culture, revenue and growth of the company. In his free time Tony enjoys spending time with his family, riding dirt bikes and camping. He currently resides with his wife, two daughters and baby boy in Arlington, WA

Gary has been a lender services attorney at Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson since 1982, working with lender clients to develop efficient and cost-effective documentation for lending activities ranging from individual residential transactions to large commercial projects. He has worked through the most complicated of real estate and C & I financings, and has assisted clients with complex troubled loans ranging from large multi-state residential construction workouts to the restructuring of downtown commercial and multi-family project financings.

Gary has served as President of the Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association and Associate Director of the Washington Mortgage Lenders Association. He also helped coordinate the merger of those two organizations to form the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association, where he now serves as a Director and co-chair to the legal-legislative committee. He has also been a board member of Habitat for Humanity Seattle/King County for more than a decade, and served as its President from 2011-2012.

Emeritus Director – Gary Fallon

Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson PS

Emeritus Director – Sharon Knowles

Arch MI

Sharon Knowles is an Account Manager for Arch MI and covers western Washington and Alaska. She received the President’s Trophy in 2007 as the top sales person in the country. She is passionate about giving back to the industry, was President of Washington Mortgage Bankers Association in 2012 and received three awards from the Mortgage Bankers Association of American when she was editor of the WMBA’s Lending line quarterly news publication in 1997, 1995 and 1993. She has remained on the board for many years and currently serves as scholarship chairman and was recently named Director Emeritus. Sharon also received the Washington Association of Mortgage Professional’s Outstanding Account Executive award in 2016.

Sharon graduated from Western WA University where she met her husband and they just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. She has two children ages 20 and 18 and they are currently attending college.

At ARC, Francois is responsible for overall business operations. Since purchasing ARC in January 2007, Francois has focused ARC’s strategy and resources on providing Community Banks, Credit Unions and Mortgage Bankers with a high degree of service and quality for each of ARC’s products (credit, appraisal, escrow, education). Prior to ARC Francois worked in the Credit Risk Divisions of both Bank of America and Washington Mutual. He is a licensed certified appraiser, and a licensed escrow officer. Francois has a Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

Emeritus Director – Francois Madath

American Reporting Company

Emeritus Director – Mike Olden

American Reporting Company

At American Reporting Company, Mike’s primary responsibility is managing and developing new business with banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers. Mike has worked in the mortgage banking industry since 1984 and at American Reporting Company since 1997.

Mike also helps develop and deliver educational programs related to credit reporting and credit scoring for ARC clients, non-profit housing partners, and first time homebuyers. He is certified to teach continuing education to Realtors in Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii; and has been a featured presenter to national audiences.

Mike is a former board member of the Puget Sound Mortgage Lenders Association and the Community Homeownership Center. He served on the Mortgage Bankers Association State & Local Advisory Council

Jana Arnold, a Talent Acquisition Manager began her career in the mortgage business in 1997. Holding a bachelor’s degrees in psychology and business from Washington State University, she is passionate about forming and strengthening relationships, connecting people, and making a difference in her local community. Jana has served on past WMBA committees and a multiple year board member for PSMLA. She is also actively serving on 3 non-profit boards this year. Arnold resides in Sammamish, WA with her husband and two kids.

Director – Jana Arnold

Director – Tonja Wortham

Tonja Wortham is a seasoned professional with a career spanning from 1998 to current in real estate, mortgage and escrow executive leadership, sales, coaching, business development and talent acquisition. Her current role is at New American Funding supporting Tony Blodgett’s NW Region. Colleagues describe Tonja as a progressive, driven, down-to-earth, sales and networking expert with grit and tenacity who can be relied on to offer superior solutions that deliver creative solutions, profitable results while building synergy and morale in an organization.

Bio coming soon!

Director – Nichole Koenig

Executive Director – Amy Ohlinger

Amy Ohlinger joined Washington Mortgage Bankers Association as their Executive Director in January of 2022. Amy grew up in Tacoma, WA. She spent a few years living and going to college in sunny San Diego. In 2012, she moved back to Washington and finishep her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work at the University of Washington.

Amy is as an experienced Executive Director and has worked for Association Management Inc., since 2019. Prior to this, she has a history in medical social work, school social work, management, and event coordination.

In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband have 2 kids, 2 cats, and 1 dog. She loves a PNW beach day, yoga, and going on adventures with friends and family.

President – John Smith

WSECU
360-451-0577

Vice President- Tony Fernandez

Guild Mortgage

Treasurer- Andy McDonough

Secretary – Jeannine Sprague

Essent Guarantee

Past President – Jim DeMarco

Homebridge Financial Services

Chairman of the Board – Rose-Marie David

Homebridge

Emeritus Director – Robert Lipston

Evergreen Home Loans

Director – Steve Cory

Fidelity National Title Company

Director – Yanna Nelson

Homestreet Bank

Director – Eric Seidenberger

Washington Federal Bank

Emeritus Director – Tony Blodgett

New American Funding

Emeritus Director – Gary Fallon

Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson PS

Emeritus Director – Sharon Knowles

Arch MI

Emeritus Director – Francois Madath

American Reporting Company

Emeritus Director – Mike Olden

American Reporting Company

Director – Jana Arnold

Director – Tonja Wortham

Director – Nichole Koenig

Executive Director – Amy Ohlinger

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2023 WMBA | HfH Auction: HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

MEMBERSHIP

WMBA President’s Message

Hello Members & Friends!

President – John Smith

WSECU360-451-0577

Vice President- Tony Fernandez

Guild Mortgage

Treasurer- Andy McDonough

Secretary – Jeannine Sprague

Essent Guarantee

Past President – Jim DeMarco

Homebridge Financial Services

Chairman of the Board – Rose-Marie David

Homebridge

Emeritus Director – Robert Lipston

Evergreen Home Loans

Director – Steve Cory

Fidelity National Title Company

Director – Yanna Nelson

Homestreet Bank

Director – Eric Seidenberger

Washington Federal Bank

Emeritus Director – Tony Blodgett

New American Funding

Emeritus Director – Gary Fallon

Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson PS

Emeritus Director – Sharon Knowles

Arch MI

Emeritus Director – Francois Madath

American Reporting Company

Emeritus Director – Mike Olden

American Reporting Company

Director – Jana Arnold

Director – Tonja Wortham

Director – Nichole Koenig

Executive Director – Amy Ohlinger

WSECU
360-451-0577