Archives For: Industry Updates

Urban Institute: Options for Reforming the Mortgage Servicing Compensation Model

The Urban Institute published a report examining three options for the mortgage servicing compensation structure.

19 Apr 2019

Severe Storms Continue Across South

The Weather Channel issued a report outlining severe thunderstorm activity affecting portions of the southern U.S.

18 Apr 2019

Time-Barred Foreclosures and the Statute of Limitations

DS News published an article authored by Wright Finlay & Zak Partner Robert Finlay and Attorney Luke I. Wozniak. The article provides an analysis of recent Washington State case law that could directly impact mortgage servicers that attempt to foreclosures on borrowers who have previously experienced bankruptcy.

4 Apr 2019

Judicial Foreclosure Proposed in New Hampshire

HB 270 (relative to commencement of foreclosure by civil action) passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives in March and currently is making its way through the Senate. If enacted, the bill would require that mortgage foreclosures be commenced by civil actions brought in superior court and would modify the period redemption for a mortgage.

1 Apr 2019

Supreme Court Debates Meaning of ‘Debt Collector’ in Foreclosure Protections Case

HousingWire published an article outlining a new Supreme Court ruling that has awarded mortgage lenders and servicers additional protection when serving non-judicial foreclosures.

20 Mar 2019

HUD: Georgia Disaster Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a press release announcing the approval of the State of Georgia’s disaster action plan, which will invest $38 million to support the state in its recovery from the effects of deadly tornadoes in January of 2017 as well as the impact of Hurricane Irma.

15 Mar 2019

HUD: Missouri Storm and Flooding Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the approval of the State of Missouri’s disaster action plan, which will invest $58.5 million to support the state in its recovery from the effects of severe storms, tornadoes, high winds and flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2017.

15 Mar 2019

HUD: California Wildfire and Mudslide Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the approval of the State of California’s disaster action plan, which will invest $124 million to support the state in its recovery from the effects of deadly wildfires and mudslides that occurred in December 2017.

15 Mar 2019

Youngstown to Consider Charging $500 to Pick Up Major Clean Outs

The Vindicator published an article outlining soon-to-be proposed legislation in Youngstown, Ohio, that would create a $500 fee for property owners who perform large-scale clean outs and leave the trash for city pick-up. The ordinance is expected to be introduced at the April 3, 2019, city council meeting.

14 Mar 2019

Baker Approves Revised Property Maintenance Ordinance

The Baker City Herald released an article discussing a recently passed Baker, Ore., ordinance that will allow the Baker Justice Court judge to block access to properties the judge deems “chronic neighborhood nuisances”.

13 Mar 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