Safeguard Properties

Archives For: NY

New York Foreclosure Protection Law Signed by Governor

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed A.5619/S.5160 (An Act to amend the real property actions and proceedings law, in relation to the failure to raise the defense of lack of standing in a mortgage foreclosure action). The legislation amends Article 13 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to protect foreclosure court defendants by allowing more leeway to raise the defense of “standing”. 

23 Dec 2019

FEMA Declared Disaster New York

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in New York affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that took place October 31 to November 1, 2019.

19 Dec 2019

Erie County Taking Steps to Identify Vacant Property Stakeholders

WKBW ABC 7 published an article discussing rising foreclosure rates in Erie County, N.Y., and steps officials have taken to combat the issue. Included is new initiative set to being June 1, 2019, that will align the county with the WNY Law Center to research banks/financial institutions responsible for the maintenance of vacant homes in foreclosure and take legal action on those not in compliance.

29 May 2019

New York Bill Focuses on Abandoned Property Redemption

NY S.1864 passed the New York Senate on February 26, 2019. The bill intends to lower the tax redemption period for certified vacant and abandoned buildings from two to one year. Also included is an amendment (Real Property Tax Law) for municipalities to expedite foreclosure proceedings on such properties based upon certain qualifying factors.

1 Mar 2019

Ogdensburg Land Bank Up and Running

The Journal released an article outlining the first action of the Ogdensburg (N.Y.) Land Bank Corporation.

14 Feb 2019

Hamilton Hill Demolitions to Resume

The Daily Gazette published an article discussing a Schenectady, N.Y., neighborhood redevelopment project. The multi-phase, $62 million endeavor has demolished blighted properties and provided new area housing.

14 Feb 2019

City Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Zombie Properties

WRFA published an article discussing a plan by City of Jamestown, N.Y., to apply for a state grant provided by the Zombie and Vacant Properties Remediation and Prevention Initiative.

12 Feb 2019

‘Zombies 2.0’: Attorney General James announces $9 Million in Grants for Communities Dealing with Vacant & Abandoned Properties

The office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a press release announcing the expansion of a grant initiative to address the growing statewide issue of vacant and abandoned homes that are not maintained during a prolonged foreclosure proceeding.

28 Jan 2019

Calls for Audit on Brooklyn Home Foreclosures

Caribbean Life published an article discussing an action taken by Brooklyn, N.Y., civic leaders that calls for a full-scale forensic audit and investigation in the federal, state and city levels into the issue of deed fraud currently faced by the Borough.

30 Nov 2018

FEMA Declared Disaster New York

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in New York affected by severe storms and flooding from August 13-15, 2018.

1 Oct 2018

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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