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MortgagePoint ยป Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 20 November 2025 M O V E R S & S H A K E R S the economic opportunity and well- being of the veteran community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time." A Life of Service John E. Bell III began serving as Executive Director, Loan Guaranty Service, on June 21, 2022. There, he was responsible for delivering VA Home Loan Benefits to his fellow veterans. Bell had extensive mortgage industry experience, having served in leadership roles with nationwide lenders for over 20 years before starting his career with VA in 2010. Bell worked to ensure that VA home loan benefits were the product of choice for veterans, and that Loan Guaranty was the VA program of choice. As Deputy Director, Bell was instrumen- tal in VA Loan Guaranty Service's fast response during the COVID-19 pandem- ic through frequent communications and the issuance of guidance that ensured that home loan benefits continued to be delivered to veterans without delay and reassured industry partners during that critical time. As Assistant Director, Loan Policy & Valuation, Bell initiated Loan Guar- anty's transformation to better align with the fast-paced mortgage industry. Bell improved customer experience by automating Certificate of Eligibility (COE) functionality and implementing a nationwide phone system with subject matter experts answering calls in less than 60 seconds, advocating for Veter- ans when it matters most. Serving as the Chief of Staff, Office of Economic Opportunity, Bell engi- neered a redesign of the organizational structure, providing data to improve decision making, and created a task force to establish business intelligence capabilities within the Veterans Bene- fits Administration. Bell had left his Loan Guaranty Service role at VA in August, announc- ing his departure in a LinkedIn post that ran down a long list of accom- plishments he was proud of from his time at the organization. At that same time, Bell was appointed to the role of Deputy Executive Director of the Office of Mission Support (OMS). There, his top priorities included supporting the Veterans Administration (VA) and VBA Central Offices and 56 Regional Offices that serve Veterans across the nation in six major areas: Acquisition, Adminis- tration, Facilities, Information Access and Privacy, Operations, Safety, Securi- ty, and Preparedness, and the Executive Management Office staff. Bell began his career in mortgage finance while attending Lambuth Uni- versity in Jackson, Tennessee. He also served in the U.S. Navy during Opera- tion Restore Hope and the Gulf War. REMEMBERING DR. CHERYL TRAVIS-JOHNSON OF VRM MORTGAGE SERVICES Dr. Cheryl Tra- vis-Johnson, EVP and COO of VRM Mortgage Services, passed away in late October. Cheryl was a dedicated industry veteran with over 30 years of service. Since joining VRM in 2008, she was instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and impact. Her exceptional leadership helped position VRM as a trusted and inno- vative partner in delivering mortgage services that strengthen communities nationwide. Beyond her operational excellence, Cheryl was a tireless cham- pion for expanding homeownership opportunities and creating pathways for financial empowerment across underrepresented communities. "I've known Cheryl for over 25 years ago," shared Keith Murray, President and CEO of VRM Mortgage Services. "I've had the extraordinary privilege of collaborating and witnessing her lead VRM with unwavering integrity and commitment, all while staying anchored in her faith. She is an icon whose contributions will long be remembered for thoughtful intent and improving the lives of others." A Lifelong Industry Leader Before joining VRM, Dr. Tra- vis-Johnson served as Director of REO Sales Operations for Freddie Mac, where she received Freddie Mac's Pre- mier Achievement Award on multiple occasions. Throughout her career, she held senior leadership roles in origi- nations, branch operations, auditing, loan servicing, and REO sales for industry-leading financial institutions. She was widely recognized for her superior client operations management, innovative problem-solving, and ability to drive results even during the most challenging market conditions. Dr. Travis-Johnson received her BA in administration and legal processes with an emphasis in economics from Mills College, an MBA from Walden University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in leadership from Walden University in 2018. Her passion for financial empower- ment extended beyond her professional achievements. Cheryl led financial literacy sessions for women through her church, helping individuals build confidence and create pathways to financial stability. Her impact was both systemic and deeply personal. She didn't just transform organizations; she transformed lives. Cheryl's passing leaves an immea- surable void within VRM and through- out the partnerships and communities she served with such dedication. VRM Mortgage Services will continue to honor Cheryl's legacy through our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community impact. Dr. Travis-Johnson was recently honored as a finalist for the Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy Award, part of the 2025 Women in Housing Leadership Awards.