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72 tie that success back to an "engaged workforce and a compelling vision of the future that people believed in." Giving an example from the financial crisis of how smart, engaged people collaborating together could change the course of the industry, Ebers, who worked with IndyMac at that time, said they worked closely with the FDIC, the OCC, Treasury, "and a really smart team of individuals at One West to come up with the Home Affordable Modification Program." "Many people played a role in that, but coming up with the industrywide solution to help people retain homeownership during the financial crisis was a difficult, humbling time. Being part of that solution, helping navigate it, and, over time, earning the respect of mortgage lenders back again, has been an important process," Ebers said. Over the years, Ebers has helped develop numerous innovations that have changed the industry for the better, according to Kurt Johnson, Chief Credit Officer at Mr. Cooper Group, who has known Ebers for more than 15 years. "In my years of working with him, he has been at the forefront of initiatives including loan modifications, business process outsourcing, streamline refinancing, workforce optimization and diversification of servicing revenues, and that names only a few that have transformed our industry. In all instances, Tony's been a leader and the industry followed," he said. Bill Glasgow, President and CEO of Glasgow Mortgage Advisors, and one of Ebers' oldest friends and colleagues, also pointed out that Ebers' "drive and determination in setting standards of excellence with not only himself, but the industry as a whole," has changed the business for the better. "Tony has served the mortgage industry as a leader and visionary selling in both mortgage servicing and mortgage production disciplines—a rare combination," Glasgow said. "His dedication to the company and industry is supported by a work ethic and core values that explains, in part, his career progression to the role of COO in two major mortgage companies in the last decade." During this time, Ebers has also stayed true to the commitment to his work and the people around him. Perhaps that's the reason he elicits complete loyalty from his team and peers. "I know dozens of people, at Mr. Cooper and Xome today for instance, who are there because Tony is responsible for bringing them in," said Rayman Mathoda, CEO, Xome. Mathoda puts it down to the positivity he brings to the workplace. "I've only been a part of his core team a short while, but I can say that (From left to right) Chris King, SVP Business Development, Tony Ebers, COO Mr. Cooper Group, Belinda DeArman, SVP, Post Closing & Change Management, and Juan Gonzalez, SVP of Consumer Direct.