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MortgagePoint ยป Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 20 May 2025 M O V E R S & S H A K E R S Mark Seaton," Gilmore said. "No one is more ready to be our CEO than Mark, who has played a leading role in our most critical strategic initiatives, which are driving the digital transformation of our business. We want to thank Ken DeGiorgio for his many years of service to First American." Seaton has served as CFO since 2013. In addition to managing all finan- cial-related activities, Seaton oversees First American Trust, the company's federally charted bank, as well as First American's technology group. Seaton joined First American in 2006 and holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. The company also announced the promotion of Wajner to CFO. Wajner, who joined First American in 2009, served as Treasurer for the past five years, and previously held the positions of Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. Prior to First American, Wajner held roles with JPMorgan Chase & Company, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. "I've been a part of the First Amer- ican family for nearly 20 years, and it's an honor to serve the company as its CEO," Seaton said. "We have cele- brated many proud accomplishments during our 136-year history, but given our extraordinary people and unique competitive advantages, I firmly believe our best days are yet to come." RATE ADDS NEW SVP OF MARKET GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Rate, a provider of fintech mortgage solutions, has announced that Brett Snortland has joined the company as SVP of Market Growth and Development. Based in Houston, Texas, Snortland will focus on expanding Rate's presence and production across the West Division, helping drive growth through recruitment, development, and sales strategy. With more than 30 years of experi- ence in sales and recruiting within the mortgage industry, Snortland brings a proven track record of success. He has funded more than $20 billion in his career, including $3.1 billion in 2020 and 2021 alone. A seasoned relationship manager and coach to originators, he specializes in growth, P&L manage- ment, relationship selling, and strategic recruiting. "Joining Rate at this time of innova- tion and opportunity is truly ener- gizing," Snortland said. "This team is unmatched in its commitment to both technology and talent. I'm excited to build on that foundation and help drive significant growth across the West." Todd Heaton, EVP and Western Divisional Manager for Rate, added, "Brett's leadership style and experience in cultivating high-performing teams will be a huge asset to Rate. He's joining at the perfect time as we continue investing in both people and platforms to expand our reach and better serve homebuyers." Industry Groups MBA PROMOTES NEW HEAD OF GOVERNMENT HOUSING FINANCE The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has announced that Brendan Kelleher has been promoted to fill the role of Associate VP of Government Housing Finance, where he will help lead the execution of MBA's residential government housing policy and regulatory advocacy priorities, develop and strengthen important agency and industry relationships, and manage key MBA committees. "For the past three years, Brendan has leveraged his industry experience to lead MBA's advocacy efforts on Loan Servicing policy with insight, deftness, persistence and, most important- ly, results," said Pete Mills, SVP of Residential Policy & Strategic Indus- try Engagement. "He has developed strong relationships and garnered the confidence of MBA members, which will be critically important in filling this important role at MBA. He is well-de- serving of this promotion, and I am excited to see him excel." Kelleher joined MBA in 2022 as the Associate Director, Residential Loan Administration Policy, before being promoted to Director, Residential Loan Administration Policy. Prior to MBA, he held a series of ascending roles at Rocket Companies, most recently serving as Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs before joining MBA. In that role, he oversaw external relations and mortgage policy advocacy, with a particular emphasis on mortgage servicing. As AVP for Government Housing Finance, Kelleher will manage the tracking and analysis of regulations, policy changes, and legislation affecting government-sponsored enterprises and private-label markets to assess the impact on MBA members. He will also serve as the staff lead for MBA Residen- tial Board of Governors (RESBOG) and will support the association's business segment-related communities and networks.