Safeguard Properties

Mahoning County Land Bank Gets $2.4 Million in State Funding to Boost Home Ownership

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One Community Update
June 2, 2024

Source: Mahoning Matters

A grant of $2.4 million under the Ohio Department of Development’s new Welcome Home Ohio program will bring home ownership to 12 Mahoning County buyers who likely otherwise could not afford it, officials said. The funds will enable the grantee, the Mahoning County Land Bank, in collaboration with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., to build six single-family homes, renovate six others and sell them all to qualifying buyers (those with incomes of 80 percent of the area’s median income or less).

“The need for safe and affordable housing is a national challenge that requires proactive solutions, meaningful investments, and strong collaboration across all levels of government,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a formal announcement. “This program represents an innovative and forward-thinking approach that addresses the barriers many Ohioans face when trying to buy a home.”

HOW MUCH FUNDING IS BEING AWARDED STATEWIDE?

The local grant is among $29.4 million awarded statewide to organizations in 17 Ohio counties.

Plans call for six new homes to be built on Mineral Springs Avenue, which runs west off Glenwood Avenue on the eastern edge of Mill Creek Park in Youngstown. The addresses of the lots are 725, 737, 753, 730, 732 and 738 Mineral Springs and are owned by YNDC, which has built two homes on the street. Several older homes have been demolished in recent years.

With the addition of six new homes there, that’s going to feel like a completely new street,” said Debora Flora, executive director of the Land Bank.

 

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

Mayor Parker Wants to Reform Dysfunctional Philadelphia Land Bank

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One Community Update
June 11, 2024

Source: The Real Deal

The Philadelphia Land Bank, the agency which reactivates vacant land, is crucial to the city administration’s housing goals, an adviser to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said.

But the beleaguered nonprofit is sorely in need of reform, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, and proposed changes could make it a vital pipeline for housing in the city.

“Mayor Parker has laid out a bold vision of 30,000 units of housing, and the only way that works is if we have a functioning and fast moving Land Bank,” said Aren Platt, a top adviser to Parker. Platt said “real reform” was coming, but didn’t elaborate further.

When it was created in 2013, the Land Bank was meant to acquire abandoned private land and get vacant parcels into use. All of the city’s publicly held land would be under one umbrella and the municipal government would have priority in acquiring tax delinquent properties in sheriff sales (another problematic area for the city).

But in its first decade, the Land Bank sold a mere 892 lots and resulted in the creation of 992 homes. Nearly 7,700 properties are under municipal ownership but haven’t moved through the process, which alone could account for a third of the mayor’s goal of 30,000 new or repaired homes in four years.

The Philadelphia Land Bank, the agency which reactivates vacant land, is crucial to the city administration’s housing goals, an adviser to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said.

But the beleaguered nonprofit is sorely in need of reform, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, and proposed changes could make it a vital pipeline for housing in the city.

“Mayor Parker has laid out a bold vision of 30,000 units of housing, and the only way that works is if we have a functioning and fast moving Land Bank,” said Aren Platt, a top adviser to Parker. Platt said “real reform” was coming, but didn’t elaborate further.

When it was created in 2013, the Land Bank was meant to acquire abandoned private land and get vacant parcels into use. All of the city’s publicly held land would be under one umbrella and the municipal government would have priority in acquiring tax delinquent properties in sheriff sales (another problematic area for the city).

But in its first decade, the Land Bank sold a mere 892 lots and resulted in the creation of 992 homes. Nearly 7,700 properties are under municipal ownership but haven’t moved through the process, which alone could account for a third of the mayor’s goal of 30,000 new or repaired homes in four years.

Issues at the Land Bank include understaffing, a lack of transparency and the ability of City Council members to dictate the disposition of the land in each of their own districts. An online map doesn’t shed much light on land availability, and regular progress reports and strategic plans haven’t been updated in years.

Reforms not on the table include ousting Angel Rodriguez, the executive director who has led the Land Bank for seven years. Parker did appoint a new slate of board members, though. Additional funding for the program was not requested in the most recent city budget.

This fiscal year, 253 lots have moved through the land disposition process, a promising sign for the city as Parker tries to get the Land Bank and City Council on the same page.

 

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

Cuyahoga Land Bank Leads $122 Million Redevelopment Plan

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One Community Update
June 5, 2024

Source: Cleveland Magazine

In an area including Cleveland’s eastern gateway to University Circle and East Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Land Bank is leading a $122 million redevelopment plan that will consist of more than 200 homes to jumpstart transformational development with an estimated economic impact of $60 million in new property value — and aside from additional income and tax benefits, an expected 610 construction jobs will be created.

A commercial building will anchor the district, and Circle East includes a “heavy emphasis on sustainability,” Dennis Roberts, director of real estate development at Cuyahoga Land Bank, says, pointing to rooftop solar power to reduce energy bills, greenspaces and EV chargers.

Roberts says Circle East will become “an entirely new neighborhood” within a 30-acre footprint including 18 parcels on Euclid Avenue. “We think that is ideal for commercial redevelopment, retail and amenities,” he says, adding the five-year plan comes after two studies conducted in 2015 by Case Western Reserve University and in 2020 by Cleveland State University. “This is an ideal place to strategically develop to spur further investment.”

Circle North, an area just north of Circle East District, is another location where the Land Bank is heavily engaged in development. Some Land Bank initiatives include building new homes — completed residences on East 116th Street and Ashbury Road, and three in-progress on Beulah Avenue. “Our strategy at the Land Bank is to find neighborhoods that need government intervention, and we believe with the investment of our time, talent and treasure we can tip that community and get it into a good place to create a market,” Roberts says.

 

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Arizona Rose Fire

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FEMA Alert
June 12, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Arizona to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Rose Fire on June 12, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Maricopa

 

Arizona Rose Fire (FM-5496-AZ)

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Declaration – Nevada Trail Fire

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FEMA Alert
June 11, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the state of Nevada to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Trail Fire on June 11, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Public Assistance:

  • Washoe

 

Nevada Trail Fire (FM-5494-NV)

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Major Disaster Declaration – Oklahoma Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding

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FEMA Alert
June 14, 2024  

FEMA has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from May 19-28, 2024.  The following counties have been approved for assistance:

Individual Assistance:

  • Blaine
  • Caddo
  • Custer
  • Delaware
  • Jackson
  • Mayes
  • Muskogee
  • Rogers

Public Assistance:

  • Blaine
  • Delaware
  • Mayes
  • Rogers

 

Oklahoma Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes and Flooding (DR-4791-OK)

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oklahoma

Map of Affected Areas

List of Affected Zip Codes

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FHFA Seeks Public Input on the GSE’s Proposed Duty to Serve Plans for 2025-2027

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Industry Update
June 11, 2024

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a request for input (RFI) on the proposed 2025-2027 Underserved Markets Plans (Plans) submitted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) under the Duty to Serve (DTS) program. The proposed Plans cover the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

“Providing sustainable liquidity for affordable housing preservation, rural housing, and manufactured housing in a safe and sound manner is a key component of the Enterprises’ statutory responsibility to serve underserved markets,” said Director Sandra L. Thompson. “I look forward to hearing the public’s input and feedback on the plans the Enterprises have proposed.”

FHFA issued a final rule in 2016 that implemented the DTS provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The statute requires the Enterprises to serve three specified underserved markets — manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing — by increasing the liquidity of mortgage financing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families in those markets.

FHFA invites interested parties to provide written input, feedback, and information on all aspects of the proposed Plans by August 12, 2024. The public can review the RFI and submit responses through the DTS page on FHFA’s website. FHFA also will hold three listening sessions to review the proposed Plans on July 15, 16, and 17.

The objectives outlined by the Enterprises to achieve proposed Plan activities will remain subject to FHFA review and approval to ensure compliance with the Enterprises’ Charter Acts, safety and soundness measures, and other conservatorship and regulatory requirements.

FHFA published the proposed Plans on its dedicated webpage, https://www.fhfa.gov/duty-serve-program.

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Sees a Monthly Increase in May 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
June 11, 2024

Source: ATTOM

ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its May 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 32,621 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — up 3 percent from a month ago but down 7 percent from a year ago.

“May’s foreclosure activity highlights nuanced shifts in the housing market,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “While we observed a slight increase in foreclosure starts, the decline in completed foreclosures indicates resilience in certain areas. Monitoring these evolving patterns remains crucial to understanding the full impact on the real estate sector.”

New Jersey, Illinois and Delaware post highest foreclosure rates

Nationwide one in every 4,320 housing units had a foreclosure filing in May 2024. States with the highest foreclosure rates were New Jersey (one in every 1,939 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 2,362 housing units); Delaware (one in every 2,595 housing units); Connecticut (one in every 2,600 housing units); and Florida (one in every 2,638 housing units).

Among the 224 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest foreclosure rates in May 2024 were Longview, TX (one in every 1,162 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Trenton, NJ (one in every 1,471 housing units); Atlantic City, NJ (one in every 1,569 housing units); Lakeland, FL (one in every 1,584 housing units); and Bakersfield, CA (one in every 1,685 housing units).

Those metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million with the worst foreclosure rates in May 20244 were: Chicago, IL (one in every 2,015 housing units); Philadelphia, PA (one in every 2,143 housing units); Riverside, CA (one in every 2,216 housing units); Jacksonville, FL (one in every 2,267 housing units); and Las Vegas, NV (one in every 2,361 housing units).

Greatest numbers of foreclosure starts in Florida, Texas and California

Lenders started the foreclosure process on 22,385 U.S. properties in May 2024, up 3 percent from last month but down 4 percent from a year ago.

States that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts in May 2024 included: Florida (2,750 foreclosure starts); Texas (2,560 foreclosure starts); California (2,370 foreclosure starts); Illinois (1,427 foreclosure starts); and New Jersey (1,219 foreclosure starts).

Those major metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million that had the greatest number of foreclosure starts in May 2024 included: New York, NY (1,447 foreclosure starts); Chicago, IL (1,272 foreclosure starts); Houston, TX (915 foreclosure starts); Miami, FL (750 foreclosure starts); and Philadelphia, PA (713 foreclosure starts).

Foreclosure completion numbers decrease slightly from last month

Lenders repossessed 2,879 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs) in May 2024, down 1 percent from last month and down 28 percent from last year.

States that had the greatest number of REOs in May 2024, included: California (254 REOs); Illinois (254 REOs); Pennsylvania (238 REOs); Ohio (177 REOs); and Texas (167 REOs).

Those major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population greater than 1 million that saw the greatest number of REOs in May 2024 included: Chicago, IL (179 REOs); New York, NY (124 REOs); Baltimore, MD (84 REOs); Pittsburgh, PA (80 REOs); and Washington, DC (69 REOs).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

Top 10 Zombified ZIPS in Q2 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
May 31, 2024

Source: ATTOM

According to ATTOM’s newly released Q2 2024 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report, 1.3 million (1,289,387) residential properties in the United States are vacant. This figure represents approximately 1.3 percent, or one in 79 homes, across the nation, consistent with the rate observed in the first quarter of this year.

ATTOM’s latest vacant properties analysis also reveals that 237,208 residential properties in the U.S. are in the process of foreclosure in the second quarter of this year, marking a 2.3 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2024 and a 23.9 percent decline from the second quarter of 2023.

The report notes that among those pre-foreclosure properties, approximately 6,945 are vacant zombie foreclosures (pre-foreclosure properties abandoned by their owners) in the second quarter of 2024. This figure represents a 5.4 percent decrease from the previous quarter and a 20.6 percent decline from a year ago.

Also according to ATTOM’s Q2 2024 vacant property and zombie foreclosure report, the number of zombie properties has decreased in 30 states from the previous quarter and in 38 states compared to last year. The biggest decreases from Q1 to Q2 2024 in states with at least 50 zombie properties, are in: Ohio (zombie properties down 22 percent, from 597 to 466), Maryland (down 17 percent, from 104 to 86), South Carolina (down 14 percent, from 74 to 64), California (down 13 percent, from 310 to 269), and North Carolina (down 12 percent, from 67 to 59).

On a more granular level, the report indicates that the highest zombie foreclosure rates in U.S. counties with at least 500 properties in the foreclosure process during the second quarter of 2024 are found in Broome County (Binghamton), NY (15 percent of homes in foreclosure are vacant); Marion County (Indianapolis), IN (9.3 percent); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (7.6 percent); Erie County (Buffalo), NY (6.6 percent); and Volusia County (Daytona Beach), FL (5.9 percent).

In this post, we take a deep dive into the data behind ATTOM’s Q2 2024 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report, to uncover the top 10 U.S. zip codes with the highest zombie foreclosure rates in zips with 10 or more pre-foreclosure properties. Those zips include: 61605 – Peoria, IL (69.8 percent); 66604 – Topeka, KS (50 percent); 61603 – Peoria, IL (47.8 percent); 46208 – Indianapolis, IN (40.6 percent); 14092 – Lewiston, NY (40 percent); 62948 – Herrin, IL (40 percent); 14905 – Elmira, NY (36.8 percent); 32064 – Live Oak, FL (36.4 percent); 45804 – Lima, OH (36.4 percent); and 66701 – Fort Scott, KS (36.4 percent).

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

VA Calls for Extension of Veteran Foreclosure Moratorium through Dec. 31, 2024

Posted on by Safeguard

Industry Update
May 29, 2024

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidance to strongly encourage mortgage servicers to implement a targeted moratorium on foreclosures for Veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, 2024. This will help Veterans and their families stay in their homes beyond the end of the current foreclosure moratorium, which will end on May 31.

This new, targeted foreclosure moratorium will help ensure that Veterans and their families are able to stay in their homes while mortgage servicers implement the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – a new, last-resort tool for qualified Veterans experiencing severe financial hardship. Through VASP, VA will purchase qualified Veterans’ modified loans from their loan servicers and then place them in the VA-owned portfolio as direct loans – making the loans more affordable for Veterans. VASP officially launches on May 31 and mortgage servicers must have it fully implemented by October 1, 2024.

Veterans facing financial hardship should contact their mortgage servicer and work with them to explore all available home retention options. For additional assistance, Veterans can always contact VA directly by calling 877-827-3702, option 4, or by visiting the VA Home Loans website for additional information.

“When a Veteran falls on hard times, we work with them and their loan servicers every step of the way to help prevent foreclosure, including offering repayment plans, loan modifications, and more,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs. “We’re calling on mortgage servicers to follow a targeted foreclosure moratorium so we can make sure that Veterans get the support they need to stay in their homes.”

 

For full report, please click the source link above.

 

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the chief executive officer for Safeguard, 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® finalist in 2013.

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Chief Operating Officer

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the chief operating officer for Safeguard. Mike has been instrumental in aligning operations to become more efficient, effective, and compliant with our ever-changing industry requirements. Mike has a proven track record of excellence, partnership and collaboration at Safeguard. Under Mike’s leadership, all operational departments of Safeguard have reviewed, updated and enhanced their business processes to maximize efficiency and improve quality control.

Mike joined Safeguard in July 2010 as vice president of REO and has continued to take on additional duties and responsibilities within the organization, including the role of vice president of operations in 2013 and then COO in 2015.

Mike built his business career in supply-chain management, operations, finance and marketing. He has held senior management and executive positions with Erico, a manufacturing company in Solon, Ohio; Accel, Inc., a packaging company in Lewis Center, Ohio; and McMaster-Carr, an industrial supply company in Aurora, Ohio.

Before entering the business world, Mike served in the U.S. Army, Ordinance Branch, and specialized in supply chain management. He is a distinguished graduate of West Point (U.S. Military Academy), where he majored in quantitative economics.

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CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Sean Reddington

Sean Reddington is the new Chief Information Officer for Safeguard Properties LLC. Sean has over 15+ years of experience in Information Services Management with a strong focus on Product and Application Management. Sean is responsible for Safeguard’s technological direction, including planning, implementation and maintaining all operational systems

Sean has a proven record of accomplishment for increasing operational efficiencies, improving customer service levels, and implementing and maintaining IT initiatives to support successful business processes.  He has provided the vision and dedicated leadership for key technologies for Fortune 100 companies, and nationally recognized consulting firms including enterprise system architecture, security, desktop and database management systems. Sean possesses strong functional and system knowledge of information security, systems and software, contracts management, budgeting, human resources and legal and related regulatory compliance.

Sean joined Safeguard Properties LLC from RenPSG Inc. which is a nationally leading Philintropic Software Platform in the Fintech space. He oversaw the organization’s technological direction including planning, implementing and maintaining the best practices that align with all corporate functions. He also provided day-to-day technology operations, enterprise security, information risk and vulnerability management, audit and compliance, security awareness and training.

Prior to RenPSG, Sean worked for DMI Consulting as a Client Success Director where he guided the delivery in a multibillion-dollar Fortune 500 enterprise client account. He was responsible for all project deliveries in terms of quality, budget and timeliness and led the team to coordinate development and definition of project scope and limitations. Sean also worked for KPMG Consulting in their Microsoft Practice and Technicolor’s Ebusiness Division where he had responsibility for application development, maintenance, and support.

Sean is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Masters in International Business from Central Michigan University. He was also a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force prior to his career in the business world.

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General Counsel and Executive Vice President

Linda Erkkila, Esq.

Linda Erkkila is the general counsel and executive vice president for Safeguard and oversees the legal, human resources, training, and compliance departments. Linda’s responsibilities cover regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, enterprise strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, litigation and claims management, and 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. Her practice spans over 20 years, and Linda’s experience covers regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, executive compensation, litigation management, and merger and acquisition activity. Her experience at a former Fortune 500 financial institution during the subprime crisis helped develop Linda’s pro-active approach to change management during periods of heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Linda previously served as vice president and attorney for National City Corporation, as securities and corporate governance counsel for Agilysys Inc., and as an associate at Thompson Hine LLP. She earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Linda holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. In 2017, Linda was named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

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Chief Financial Officer

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Accounting & Information Security departments, and is a Managing Director of SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Joe has been in a wide variety of roles in finance, supply chain management, information systems development, and sales and marketing. His career includes senior positions with McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Newell/Rubbermaid, and Procter and Gamble.

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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AVP, High Risk and Investor Compliance

Steve Meyer

Steve Meyer is the assistant vice president of high risk and investor compliance for Safeguard. In this role, Steve is responsible for managing our clients’ conveyance processes, Safeguard’s investor compliance team and developing our working relationships with cities and municipalities around the country. He also works directly with our clients in our many outreach efforts and he represents Safeguard at a number of industry conferences each year.

Steve joined Safeguard in 1998 as manager over the hazard claims team. He was instrumental in the development and creation of policies, procedures and operating protocol. Under Steve’s leadership, the department became one of the largest within Safeguard. In 2002, he assumed responsibility for the newly-formed high risk department, once again building its success. Steve was promoted to director over these two areas in 2007, and he was promoted to assistant vice president in 2012.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve spent 10 years within the insurance industry, holding a number of positions including multi-line property adjuster, branch claims supervisor, and multi-line and subrogation/litigation supervisor. Steve is a graduate of Grove City College.

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AVP, Operations

Jennifer Jozity

Jennifer Jozity is the assistant vice president of operations, overseeing inspections, REO and property preservation for Safeguard. Jen ensures quality work is performed in the field and internally, to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Jen has demonstrated the ability to deliver consistent results in order audit and order management.  She will build upon these strengths in order to deliver this level of excellence in both REO and property preservation operations.

Jen joined Safeguard in 1997 and was promoted to director of inspections operations in 2009 and assistant vice president of inspections operations in 2012.

She graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in business.

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AVP, Finance

Jennifer Anspach

Jennifer Anspach is the assistant vice president of finance for Safeguard. She is responsible for the company’s national workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. She manages recruitment strategies, employee relations, training, personnel policies, retention, payroll and benefits programs. Additionally, Jennifer has oversight of the accounts receivable and loss functions formerly within the accounting department.

Jennifer joined the company in April 2009 as a manager of accounting and finance and a year later was promoted to director. She was named AVP of human capital in 2014. Prior to joining Safeguard, she held several management positions at OfficeMax and InkStop in both operations and finance.

Jennifer is a graduate of Youngstown State University. She was named a Crain’s Cleveland Business Archer Award finalist for HR Executive of the Year in 2017.

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AVP, Application Architecture

Rick Moran

Rick Moran is the assistant vice president of application architecture for Safeguard. Rick is responsible for evolving the Safeguard IT systems. He leads the design of Safeguard’s enterprise application architecture. This includes Safeguard’s real-time integration with other systems, vendors and clients; the future upgrade roadmap for systems; and standards designed to meet availability, security, performance and goals.

Rick has been with Safeguard since 2011. During that time, he has led the system upgrades necessary to support Safeguard’s growth. In addition, Rick’s team has designed and implemented several innovative systems.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Rick was director of enterprise architecture at Revol Wireless, a privately held CDMA Wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana, and operated his own consulting firm providing services to the manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

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AVP, Technology Infrastructure and Cloud Services

Steve Machovina

Steve Machovina is the assistant vice president of technology infrastructure and cloud services for Safeguard. He is responsible for the overall management and design of Safeguard’s hybrid cloud infrastructure. He manages all technology engineering staff who support data centers, telecommunications, network, servers, storage, service monitoring, and disaster recovery.

Steve joined Safeguard in November 2013 as director of information technology operations.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve was vice president of information technology at Revol Wireless, a privately held wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana. He also held management positions with Northcoast PCS and Corecomm Communications, and spent nine years as a Coast Guard officer and pilot.

Steve holds a BBA in management information systems from Kent State University in Ohio and an MBA from Wayne State University in Michigan.

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Assistant Vice president of Application Development

Steve Goberish

Steve Goberish, is the assistant vice president of application development for Safeguard. He is responsible for the maintenance and evolution of Safeguard’s vendor systems ensuring high-availability, security and scalability while advancing the vendor products’ capabilities and enhancing the vendor experience.

Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve was a senior technical architect and development manager at First American Title Insurance, a publicly held title insurance provider based in southern California, in addition to managing and developing applications in multiple sectors from insurance to VOIP.

Steve has a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in Ohio.