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VA: VALERI Servicer Newsflash

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a release containing important updates for servicers. Included is information relating to appeals, unassigned loans, consent judgement (Illinois) and more.

16 Jan 2020

HUD: Federal Financial Monitor Appointed to Oversee Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands Disaster Recovery Funds

HUD announced Robert M. Couch as the federal financial monitor to oversee the grant administration and disbursement process of disaster recovery funds to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

16 Jan 2020

Fannie Mae: AAA Matrix Update – January 2020

Fannie Mae announced that all AAA matrices have been updated effective January 15, 2020. The announcement reflects a detailed list of updates made by jurisdiction.

15 Jan 2020

FEMA Declared Disaster Oklahoma

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Oklahoma affected by a severe winter storm that took place October 26-29, 2020.

13 Jan 2020

January Storms Sweep Across South

The Weather Channel published a report outlining severe thunderstorm activity that spawned multiple tornadoes and straight-line winds across the Southern U.S.

12 Jan 2020

California Reportedly Launching Its Own CFPB

HousingWire published an article detailing a reported impending proposal by California Governor Governor Gavin Newsom for the state to create its own version of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

9 Jan 2020

CFPB: Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law Members Announced

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced four members who will serve on its Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law.

9 Jan 2020

FHFA: Foreclosure Prevention Report – Third Quarter 2019

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued its third quarter 2019 Foreclosure Prevention Report.

9 Jan 2020

FEMA Declared Disaster South Dakota

FEMA issued updates to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in South Dakota affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that took place September 9-26, 2019.

8 Jan 2020

FEMA Declared Disaster Mississippi

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Mississippi affected by a severe storm, straight-line winds and flooding that took place October 26, 2019.

8 Jan 2020

OCC: Annual Report 2019

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently issued its 2019 Annual Report, which provides Congress with an overview of the condition of the federal banking system and details agency strategic priorities.

7 Jan 2020

OCC: Central District Comptroller Selected

On January 6, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced Brian James as deputy comptroller for the Central District.`

6 Jan 2020

HUD: 2019 Year in Review

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its 2019 year in review outlining the major accomplishments of the agency under Secretary Ben Carson.

2 Jan 2020

USDA: Final Rule: Loss Claim and Loss Mitigation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that a previously proposed rule designed to streamline the loss claim process for lenders who have acquired title to property through voluntary liquidation or foreclosure and better align loss mitigation policies with the mortgage industry has been published in the Federal Register. The rule will become effective on April 24, 2020.

26 Dec 2019

New York Foreclosure Protection Law Signed by Governor

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed A.5619/S.5160 (An Act to amend the real property actions and proceedings law, in relation to the failure to raise the defense of lack of standing in a mortgage foreclosure action). The legislation amends Article 13 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to protect foreclosure court defendants by allowing more leeway to raise the defense of “standing”. 

23 Dec 2019

Freddie Mac: Taxpayer First Act and Use of Tax Return Information

Freddie Mac issued a release highlighting information made available by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps clarify the application of Section 2202 of the Taxpayer First Act.

20 Dec 2019

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CEO

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the Chief Executive Officer for Safeguard Properties, steering the company as the mortgage field services industry leader. He also serves on the board of advisors for SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Alan joined Safeguard in 1995, learning the business from the ground up. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2002, and was named CEO in May 2010. His hands-on experience has given him unique insights as a leader to innovate, improve and strengthen Safeguard’s processes to assure that the company adheres to the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Under Alan’s leadership, Safeguard has grown significantly with strategies that have included new and expanded services, technology investments that deliver higher quality and greater efficiency to clients, and strategic acquisitions. He takes a team approach to process improvement, involving staff at all levels of the organization to address issues, brainstorm solutions, and identify new and better ways to serve clients.

In 2008, Alan was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its annual “40-Under-40” profile of young leaders. He also was named a NEO Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award finalist in 2013.

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Esq., General Counsel and EVP

Linda Erkkila

Linda Erkkila is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Safeguard Properties, with oversight of legal, human resources, training, and compliance. Linda’s broad scope of oversight covers regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, insurance, litigation and claims management, and counsel related to mergers, acquisition and joint ventures.

Linda assures that Safeguard’s strategic initiatives align with its resources, leverage opportunities across the company, and contemplate compliance mandates. She has practiced law for 25 years and her experience, both as outside and in-house counsel, covers a wide range of corporate matters, including regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, compensation and benefits, litigation management, and mergers and acquisitions.

Linda earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. Linda was previously named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

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COO

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Properties, where he has played a pivotal role since joining the company in July 2010. Initially brought on as Vice President of REO, Mike’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision quickly propelled him to Vice President of Operations in 2013, and ultimately to COO in 2015. Over his 14-year tenure at Safeguard, Mike has been instrumental in driving change and fostering innovation within the Property Preservation sector, consistently delivering excellence and becoming a trusted partner to clients and investors.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mike earned a degree in Quantitative Economics. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Branch, where he specialized in supply chain management. Before his tenure at Safeguard, Mike honed his expertise by managing global supply chains for 13 years, leveraging his military and civilian experience to lead with precision and efficacy.

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CFO

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard Properties. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Marketing, Accounting, and Information Security departments. At the core of his responsibilities is the drive to ensure that Safeguard’s focus remains rooted in Customer Service = Resolution. Through his executive leadership role, he actively supports SGPNOW.com, an on-demand service geared towards real estate and property management professionals as well as individual home owners in need of inspection and property preservation services. Joe is also an integral force behind Compliance Connections, a branch of Safeguard Properties that allows code enforcement professionals to report violations at properties that can then be addressed by the Safeguard vendor network. Compliance Connections also researches and shares vacant property ordinance information with Safeguard clients.

Joe has an MBA from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University’s Honors Accounting program.

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Business Development

Carrie Tackett

Business Development Safeguard Properties