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TH E M R EP O RT | 39 The Women of Freddie Mac Charlotte Catalfo SVP — ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS, FREDDIE MAC Boasting more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Charlotte Catalfo heads up Freddie Mac's Enterprise Operations department—a division formed just this year. Catalfo is calm, decisive, and "unflappable," says a colleague. "She's a fixer who asks, 'What's the root cause of this problem?'" and is "universally respected for her industry knowledge and strong leadership skills." Catalfo currently mentors eight women at Freddie Mac, offering them career coaching, networking, hands- on guidance, and more. "Her support goes beyond occasional meetings. She arranges for career coaches, makes introductions to other leaders and recommends 'stretch' assignments to provide practical experience." Ultimately, Catalfo is simply someone other women aspire to work with: "She's universally respected for her industry knowledge and strong leadership skills. She's also a role model who listens to all sides of an issue before making decisions." Lauren Garren VP — MULTIFAMILY PRODUCTION AND SALES, FREDDIE MAC According to her nominator, colleague Christopher Spina, Lauren Garren is a recognized leader and mentor at Freddie Mac. "Lauren has used her positions of seniority to help grow and cultivate female talent at the company," Spina said. "She currently engages in regular, one-on- one mentorship with three junior-level women, helping them grow personally and professionally." One of those women is Sharonee Coby- White, who calls Garren "more than a resource" and "a coach." "She's helped me navigate through difficult professional situations, gain new perspectives and be more impactful," Coby-White said. "She helps motivate, inspires, and encourages. There's no doubt she has made me a better employee." Garren has been with Freddie Mac for 13 years, leading efforts in finance, enterprise risk, and multifamily, where the structured transaction business has experienced a 121 percent uptick in sales since Garren took the helm. "Lauren has built a reputation as a leader and strategic thinker," Spina said. Jodi Morton VP — DATA GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT, SINGLE-FAMILY BUSINESS, FREDDIE MAC Jodi Morton's role at Freddie Mac may be new (the position was created in 2014), but she's no stranger to Freddie—or its line of business. Morton has served Freddie Mac in various capacities since 2004, including a stint spent as the company's CFO of Single-Family Business. She's enthusiastic about her job, as well as Freddie Mac's overall mission in the U.S. housing market, and she often uses big data to help further that mission. "We're focused on reimagining the mortgage industry and its long-established processes— and creatively using big data and analytics is critical to our success," Morton said. Morton also formally mentors four women at the organization. She puts special emphasis on helping her own team members—both men and women alike—to ensure they thrive professionally and achieve their goals. According to Morton, seeing her team members reach milestones and apply for promotions is particularly fulfilling. Leanne Spies SVP — MULTIFAMILY ASSET MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS, FREDDIE MAC Despite her seminal role in helping give investors confidence in Freddie Mac securities, lenders an experience that keeps them coming back, and families access to affordable rental housing, Leanne Spies is an unpretentious leader who treats everyone with dignity and respect. "Her management skills are among the best at Freddie Mac, and her responsibilities significant," a fellow staff member said. Spies oversees six separate teams and 250-plus employees encompassing all aspects of the multifamily division's servicing, asset management, governance, and management of data and technology. On top of that, she proudly puts out the welcome mat for co- workers needing guidance on topics spanning the multifamily servicing spectrum. As a female devoted to helping other women work their way up the ladder, she supports their development and advancement as a speaker on women's panels within the company and division. Spies has also promoted diverse staff, including females, into senior leadership positions on her team. "Lauren Garren has used her positions of seniority to help grow and cultivate female talent at the company." —Christopher Spina, Freddie Mac