NPPC 25 Takes Center Stage in D.C.

Safeguard in the News
November 18, 2025

Source: MortgagePoint

The 2025 National Property Preservation Conference (NPPC), hosted by Safeguard Properties, commenced this week at the MGM Grand Hotel in Washington, D.C. Now in its 21st year, NPPC has established itself as a preeminent platform dedicated to promoting innovation and excellence in property preservation. The conference convenes industry professionals, government officials, and community stakeholders to present the most recent strategies and techniques for maintaining and rehabilitating residential and commercial properties.

The programming commenced with opening remarks by Alan Jaffa, CEO of Safeguard Properties, followed by a morning keynote presentation on the U.S. economy, delivered by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation.

“To witness the level of subject-matter experts who convene at NPPC annually, to assist in stabilizing communities through efficient preservation practices and policies, is truly awe-inspiring,” said Jaffa.

A Line-up of Industry Experts

Following Fleming’s remarks, Ed Delgado, Chairman Emeritus at Five Star Global and Managing Director of Mortgage Policy Advisors, took the stage to moderate the popular State of the Industry panel, with representation from U.S. Bank, Safeguard, Rocket Mortgage, and Impact Capitol.

LaQuanda Sain, EVP of Mortgage Servicing at Rocket Mortgage, emphasized the significance of advancing AI solutions in the mortgage servicing sector. Sain highlighted the potential of AI to enhance and improve homeowner interactions, stating, “While AI will not supplant human empathy and understanding, its implementation will undoubtedly streamline workflows and processes.”

Timika Scott, SVP and Operations Group Manager at U.S. Bank, addressed the challenges associated with homeownership affordability and the establishment of supportive programs. Scott underscored the pivotal role of affordable homeownership in fostering stable communities and providing economic opportunities for all.

Tim Rood, Founder and CEO of Impact Capitol, commented on the topic of GSE conservatorship. “GSE reform is not a three-legged race,” Rood said. “Don’t expect them to come out of conservatorship and/or IPO at the same time.”

Delgado shared his perspective on the economy, highlighting forecasters’ assessment of Q4 retail spending. He noted, “When consumer spending, the primary driver of the U.S. economy, begins to decline, it serves as a clear indication that a broader slowdown is imminent. A significant and prolonged decrease in retail sales will not remain confined; it will propagate throughout job markets, prompt cost-cutting measures among businesses, and, potentially, precipitate a downturn in the economy.”

In the afternoon keynote, Joe Iafigliola, Chief Financial Officer at Safeguard Properties, engaged in a powerful discussion with David Sheeler, Senior EVP and President of Residential Servicing at Freedom Mortgage. The two speakers delved into a diverse spectrum of topics, encompassing mortgage volume, affordability, and technological advancements in servicing.

Key topics covered during the conference included sustainable preservation practices, advancements in property inspection technology, and innovative approaches to reducing property neglect. Attendees also explored the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to combat urban decay and promote neighborhood revitalization.

Additionally, sessions focused on regulatory updates, funding opportunities for preservation projects, and best practices for engaging with property owners. Panel discussions emphasized the role of technology in streamlining preservation efforts, including the use of data analytics and digital documentation.

NPPC25 runs through November 19, with an opening keynote on the final day provided by Min Alexander, Founder of BOSSCAT Home Services and Technologies. Subsequently, a ‘super-session’ titled “Preserving the Future: AI and Tech Trends” will be held. The conference will conclude with the Women Impact Network (WIN) Luncheon, featuring speakers who will discuss the significance of connection and the importance of leadership through mentorship.

The conference underscores the collective responsibility to preserve community assets and ensure safe, healthy living environments. By sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships, the 2025 National Property Preservation Conference aims to drive forward the future of property care and revitalization across the nation.

 

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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