TheMReport — News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace.
Issue link: http://digital.themreport.com/i/1285919
36 | M R EP O RT Caren Castle Senior Managing Bankruptcy Attorney, The Wolf Firm Caren Castle's effective management skills coupled with over 25 years of marketing experience boasts an outstanding record of cultivating and managing relationships. Over Castle's career, she has been a mentor to many working with several different mentorship programs. Castle has contributed her time and funds to many charities including Habitat for Humanity, Animal Rescue organizations, being on the board of a Breast Cancer support charity organization, Susan G. Komen fund, City of Hope, CHOC, and many others. Having entered the mortgage industry over 35 years ago, Caren Castle has often found herself as the only female attorney in many meetings, boardrooms, and conferences. Rather than slowing her down, this has only spurred her to be the change in the industry that she wishes to see. Her impact on the legal community is clear—she was the first female President of USFN and the first Chairperson of the Legal League 100 Advisory Board, which she still sits on today. "I'm happy to say that [the industry] has certainly changed over the years, and I hope that I have played some small role in creating an easier path for the women who have followed. I have been fortunate to have travelled throughout the country, been invited to speak on behalf of the industry, as well as to members of the industry," Castle told MReport. For Castle, inclusion and community investment is a priority. "Raising consciousness around diversity in the workplace continues to be an important issue," Castle said. Jodi Gaines Chief Client Officer and EVP of Government Relations and Business Development, Insight One Financial; Vice Chair, AMDC Jodi Gaines brings more than 30 years' experience to the mortgage servicing community and is widely recognized as one of the most trusted thought leaders in the industry. Gaines began in 1989 in the claims Department at Anchor Mortgage Services. She continued with stints at companies including Dime Savings Bank, North American Mortgage, and Washington Mutual. By 2002, she co-founded Claims Recovery Financial Services with one employee while working out of her home. By 2019, the company had more than 200 employees, processing thousands of claims each month. Gaines has been a prominent leader within the servicing industry, serving as Vice Chair of the AMDC, co-chairing the MBA's FHA Claims Committee, and serving on the trade group's Loan Administration Committee. Within the New York MBA, she is Chair of the NYMBA Loan Servicing Committee and a member of the organization's board of directors and executive board of directors. Gaines has volunteered with the United Way for over 25 years. She joined Insight One Financial when it launched in 2019. "I'm honored to be considered for this award," Gaines said. "Partnering and collaborating with stakeholders at every level in order to provide safe, secure communities is something I'm very passionate about. Studies show that a safe environment allows one to focus on studies or work which helps ensure stability. I'm very fortunate to work alongside some amazing people that share these same beliefs, and I'm fortunate to work for a company that supports my commitment and efforts to make a difference." The COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Award Celebrating those who have successfully broken barriers and helped lead the charge in developing diverse workplace cultures by fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for people of every color, creed, and gender to prosper and achieve over adversity (minimum 10 years' consecutive industry experience). Finalists An MReport Issue Featuring Five Star Conference's Keystone Awards Finalists