DS News

MortgagePoint September 2025

DSNews delivers stories, ideas, links, companies, people, events, and videos impacting the mortgage default servicing industry.

Issue link: http://digital.dsnews.com/i/1539371

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 56 of 83

55 2 0 2 5 W O M E N I N H O U S I N G A W A R D S September 2025 » KIRA GRANOVSKAYA Head of Transaction Management, Citi WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "With a career spanning decades, Kira Granovskaya has shaped disclosure frameworks for institutional investors, enhancing transparen- cy and trust in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) post GFC. Kira's expertise has been instrumental in developing robust securitiza- tion processes that provide liquidity to the mortgage market, enabling lenders to issue more loans while distributing risk efficiently. A recent key accomplishment is her collaboration with industry groups to create the Structured Finance Association's (SFA) seasoned mortgage loan optional scope of review, which standardizes due diligence for seasoned loans, further boosting market liquidity. Her efforts have strengthened investor confidence and supported housing market stability by ensuring consistent, high-quality standards. Kira's leadership continues to drive innovation, making her a pivotal figure in advancing the efficiency and accessibility of mortgage financing." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "Being nominated as a finalist for the Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy Award is an honor that deeply resonates with me. As a Ukrainian immigrant, this recognition symbolizes the opportunities I've found in this country. Laurie's unwavering dedication to the mort- gage market, her significant contributions to homeownership policy, and her impactful career spanning both private and public sectors are truly inspiring. To be recognized by an award that celebrates women who have left such an indelible mark on housing, much like Laurie did, reinforces my own commit- ment to fostering transparency and stability in the mortgage market. By empowering women to lead, we bring diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and a more comprehen- sive understanding of societal needs to the forefront. This nomination signifies that my efforts align with the very principles Laurie championed, making it a profound and meaningful acknowledgment of my work." JENNIFER STOCKETT Senior Advisor, External Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "With a career dedicated to strength- ening the housing finance system and protecting homeown- ers, Jennifer has been a pivotal force in both the public and private sectors. As the Senior Advisor in the External Affairs Front Office for the CFPB, Jennifer serves as a critical link between the agency's leadership and the financial industry. Jennifer was instrumental in working with the CFPB's rulemaking mortgage teams, contributing to policies that empowered community banks and credit unions to continue their vital work of serving local communities. Her commitment to preventing foreclosures was further demonstrated during her time at the U.S. Treasury, where she worked with Laurie Maggiano on the Home Affordable Modification Program, helping thousands of homeowners avoid foreclosure. She is a true leader and an invaluable asset to the housing community, and I believe she is a most deserving recipient of the Laurie Maggiano Award." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "Having worked closely with Laurie at the U.S. Treasury on the Home Afford- able Modification Program (HAMP), this nomination brings back memories of the program work she and I did, along with our colleagues, that, together with the mortgage industry's implementation, prevented over a million homeowners from facing foreclosure. There are home- owners today who may be struggling to make ends meet, and this nomination also reminds me that if Laurie was still with us, her leadership would be show- ing her mortgage industry colleagues how best to reach those facing a future foreclosure before missed payments even begin. And basically, I just miss her and her dedication and contributions she put foremost toward helping others." DR. CHERYL TRAVIS-JOHNSON EVP & COO, VRM Mortgage Services WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED: "Cheryl Travis-John- son's legacy in the housing industry is defined by her unwav- ering commitment to expanding home- ownership and advancing financial empowerment. With over 30 years of experience, she has led transformative initiatives as EVP and COO of VRM Mortgage Services. Cheryl continues to champion the growth of VRM's training division through VRMU, the platform she developed to broaden access to education and professional development across the industry. As the founder of the Council for Inclusion in Financial Services (CIFS), she has opened doors for underrepresented communities. Today, CIFS focuses on making financial literacy accessible and easy to under- stand—empowering anyone to learn, grow, and thrive. Cheryl's passion extends beyond the corporate sphere; she leads financial literacy sessions for women through her church, helping individuals build confi- dence and financial stability. Her impact is both systemic and deeply personal, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry and the communities it serves." WHAT THIS NOMINATION MEANS TO HER: "Being named a finalist for the Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy Award is an incredible honor that fills me with pride for decades of work expanding access to homeownership, promoting financial literacy, and creating pathways for others to thrive. Laurie's work left a profound mark on our industry, and to be recognized in her name is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I share this recognition with everyone at VRM Mortgage Services and with every person who has walked alongside me in this journey. Together, we're building a legacy of lasting impact."

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of DS News - MortgagePoint September 2025