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Property Management Experts Share Insight on QC

Safeguard in the News
September 13, 2016

With a normalization of default, the field services sector is under increased scrutiny. The Property Management Lab at the Five Star Conference on Monday discussed how quality control oversight is increasing, and cities and municipalities are becoming increasingly punitive and because of this it is imperative that the property preservation and field services industry, along with its government and servicing partners, engage in open dialogue about the future of the space.

The Lab began with opening remarks from the lab directors, Jason Chapman, Director of Field Services for Fannie Mae, and Jerry Mavellia, CEO of Guardian Asset Management. The event then went into a discussion over pre-foreclosure oversight. Specifically, a panel lead by Todd Pawlinski, VP of Property Preservation for Caliber Home Loans, engaged in dialogue about what distinguishes a zombie property from a property that is vacant and new legislation that impacts the property preservation model. Panelists included Kellie Chambers, AVP Investor Relations for Safeguard Properties, LLC; David Dolan, COO for ZVN Properties; Tracy Hager, Senior Industry Relations Officer for Mortgage Contracting Services; Adrienne Villalobos, First VP of Shared Services for PennyMac; and Jacob Williamson, VP Single-Family Real Estate Fulfillment for Fannie Mae.

The Lab then progressed to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Update lead by Ivery Himes, Director Office of Single-Family Asset Management for HUD. After the update, Brad Phillips, National Field Services Manager for Fannie Mae lead a panel discussion on understanding client core values and lessons learned. Phillips along with panelist Timika Cole, SVP Operations Group Manager for US Bank, and James Taylor, SVP of Asset Management and Property Preservation for Wells Fargo, discussed what they need from their vendors, the importance of understanding core values of a client, how to maximize opportunities with them, and lessons learned during their time in the industry.

Following their discussion, Eric Chader, Advisor for HUD, lead a paneled discussion about the changing focus for property preservation. Panelist in this discussion included Darin Decker, VP of Operations for JPMorgan Chase; Robert Klein, Founder & Chairman for Community Blight Solutions; Matt B. Martin, Director of Servicing and Loss Mitigation for HUD; and Ronnie Ory, CEO for Cyprexx Services. The panel went into in-depth conversation about the recent focus on the larger community and the effect pre and post-foreclosure properties have on the area around them and what the industry is doing to show their commitment to the communitites.

The lab finished with a paneled discussion on the best wat to build a successful network. This panel was led by Chapman, and included Brian Mingham, CEO for National Real Estate Solutions; Dave Sunlin, SVP for Mortgage Contracting Services; Shannon Tomasso, Default Director for PHH Mortgage Corporation, and Sam Tucci, VP of Business Operations for U.S. Best Repair Service. The panel focused on the tricks of the trade to build and maintain relationships throughout the property preservation scope and staying ahead of the changing environment for field services.

Source: DS News

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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