Archives For: Industry Updates

Obama?s Top Housing Adviser Steps Down

DS News published an article discussing the announcement of Michael Stegman to step down as the National Economic Council (NEC)’s top housing adviser at the White House.

25 Mar 2016

Distressed Homeowners Still Turning to Permanent Loan Modifications

DS News published an article discussing data released by HOPE NOW in regards to at risk borrowers and the option of permanent loan modifications.

21 Mar 2016

Fast-Tracking Legislation for Vacant and Abandoned Properties Introduced in Maryland

On February 12, MD HB 1377 (“Real Property – Vacant and Abandoned Property – Expedited Foreclosure”) was introduced and had its first reading in the Environment and Transportation Committee. On March 14, the bill was referred to interim study by the Environment and Transportation Committee.

17 Mar 2016

Where Does the Money Go? Maybe We Should Ask the Michigan Legislature. . .

DS News published an article discussing the distribution of foreclosure by advertisement proceeds in Michigan.

17 Mar 2016

The Fight to Eliminate Blight Continues

DS News released an article discussing recent action taken by the Ohio State Senate to help eliminate the spread of blight.

10 Mar 2016

What is the Cost of Blight? What New Research From Atlanta Tells Us

The Center for Community Progress posted a blog discussing findings from a recent report authored by Dr. Dan Immergluck, professor of urban and regional planning at Georgia Tech.

26 Feb 2016

A World of Difference: Recovery in Judicial vs. Non-Judicial Foreclosure States

DS News published an article discussing the difference between the housing market recovery in Cleveland, OH and Phoenix, AZ.

24 Feb 2016

City Targeting Vacant Buildings for Demolition to Reduce Crime

CBS Chicago released an article discussing the plan of the Chicago Department of Buildings to demolish hundreds of vacant homes mostly concentrated in four police districts.

23 Feb 2016

Proposed Legislation in Maryland Aims to Regulate Foreclosed Property Maintenance and Registration

Two similar bills targeting foreclosed properties (HB 0664 and HB 1171) have recently been introduced into the Maryland General Assembly.

23 Feb 2016

Get ready: Regulators are Looking Hard at Cybersecurity of Third-Party Vendors

HousingWire published an article outlining a panel at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Servicing Conference which examined data security threats servicers need to address.

20 Feb 2016

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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