TheMReport — News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace.
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10 | M R EP O RT MCROWD LENDERS/SERVICERS KENDALL BERRY NADINA BRADESCU RUSS THERRELL Interfirst Mortgage Company, a private equity-backed mortgage originator, announced the hiring of Kendall Berry, VP of Wholesale Operations; Nadina Bradescu, VP of Retail Operations; and Russ Therrell, VP of Underwriting. "Interfirst continues to invest in talent, technology, and our operational infrastruc- ture as we rapidly expand our wholesale and retail production volumes," com- mented Mark Freedle, EVP, Production. "Kendall, Nadina, and Russ have outstanding reputa- tions, extensive industry experience, and track records of success that will support our relationship-driven business and ensure we are delivering our mortgage broker partners and consumers best-in-class service and the most competitive price." Kendall Berry previously worked for Interfirst from 2010-2017 as AVP of Client Services and served as an Account Manager at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group Inc. and a Senior Underwriter at Ethos Lending LLC. Nadina Bradescu previously worked with Interfirst from 2009- 2017, most recently as Manager of Retail Operations. During her career, she also served as Mortgage Operations Manager at C&R Mortgage. Russ Therrell joins Interfirst with more than 20 years' experi- ence in the mortgage industry. He previously served as VP and Underwriting Manager at Affiliated Bank, Underwriting Supervisor at LDWholesale, and Operations Manager at Zip Lending. BEN HUGHES Planet Home Lending, a national lender and servicer, has named Ben Hughes as EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to support overall HR strategy and operations. "At a time when the industry is booming and demand for human capital outstrips supply, Ben brings deep, industry-specific experience in recruiting talent and building path- ways for employee opportunity and growth," Michael Dubeck, CEO and President of Planet Financial Group, LLC, parent of Planet Home Lending, said in a press release. "Both are core to the Planet's expansion and key to the retention of its best employees." Hughes has more than 20 years in senior HR leadership roles and has developed and implemented numer- ous strategies and practices designed to attract top talent, increase employ- ee satisfaction, and boost retention. "I'm excited for this opportunity because it's clear how much everyone loves the company and enjoys work- ing together," Hughes said. "Culture is absolutely key. Planet's collaborative culture fosters a unique environ- ment where cross-channel teamwork flourishes." Before joining Planet Home Lending, Hughes was CHRO at American Bank in Corpus Christi, Texas. Before that role, he served as the Head of Human Resources, Americas for Hudson Advisors LP. He spent more than a decade at Capital One Financial Corp., where he was Senior Director of Human Resources. ALISA JOHNSON Mortgage Network Inc., one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the eastern U.S., announced that Alisa Johnson has joined the company as Director of Talent Acquisition and Development. In her new role, Johnson will work with top executives to develop and execute strategies designed to attract top level performers in key markets throughout the eastern U.S. The addition of Johnson's role serves to strengthen the company's position in the mortgage banking industry to ensure Mortgage Network continues to meet and exceed customer and business partner expectations. "Alisa brings a unique skillset and proven track record of cultivating top talent throughout multiple industries, most recently in the banking indus- try," Mortgage Network President Jim Comosa said. "Her credentials and experience fit our strategic plan and complement the strength of our leadership team. We're excited to have her onboard." With almost 20 years' experience This month, some of the industry's largest companies saw significant changes to their corporate lineups. Who's moving on and who's moving up in the industry in the recruitment and career devel- opment arena, most recently serving as AVP/Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Camden National Bank, Johnson is well versed as a competi- tive problem-solver and maximizer of strategies and tools designed to attract top level producers and draw new talent into the mortgage banking industry. "I'm driven by opportunities to transform something strong into something superb," Johnson said. "I build connections and find purpose in determining career fit and propel- ling others to excellence. Mortgage Network is perfectly positioned for growth and I'm excited to develop solutions." MICHELE KRYCZKOWSKI Planet Home Lending, LLC, a national lender and servicer, has tapped Michele Kryczkowski as SVP, National Fulfillment. In this role she is responsible for expanding the growth of Planet's fulfillment unit supporting distributed retail sales channels. "Michele has experience with wholesale, correspondent, and retail. She will use her background to create partnerships and streamline efficien- cies across our entire organization," said Michael Dubeck, CEO and President of Planet Financial Group, parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC. "Her keen operational insights will position us to become even more competitive." Kryczkowski has spent most of her career working in fulfillment services. Prior to joining Planet, she worked at First Guaranty Mortgage Corp., where she managed national operations for the company's wholesale and nondel- egated correspondent channels. "Planet Home Lending is a modern lender and the leadership here really encourages everyone to be inno- vative," Kryczkowski said. "As the company continues to scale, there is a tremendous amount of growth opportunity, both professionally and operationally. I'm eager to work alongside this group of very talented and hard-working industry leaders." Kryczkowski is also looking for- ward to joining Planet because of the partnership between sales and opera- tions. "Sales and operations work together incredibly well at Planet. There's also synergistic energy be-