AFR Taps New President and COO

On Oct 8, 2018

Laura Brandao has been promoted to president and Bill Packer is now chief operating officer of American Financial Resources, Inc. (AFR).

“For more than a decade, Laura has been a driving force behind our success as a specialty lender,” said Richard Dubnoff, AFR CEO. “Laura has energized AFR’s ascension to the top of manufactured home, one-time close and renovation lending in the U.S, and has earned accolades as an industry leader.”

“Since joining AFR in 2015, Bill has also helped spearhead B2B and B2C technology solutions that have streamlined and improved the way mortgage lenders communicate with their customers,” adds Dubnoff. “The development of these tools illustrates the pioneering mindset of AFR’s leadership, and is exemplary of our commitment to ensuring an optimal experience for both brokers and lenders.”

Under Brandao’s and Packer’s leadership, AFR has introduced many innovative solutions to the industry. Recent examples include, “AskAFR” an Amazon Alexa skill for AFR brokers and correspondents. The One-Time Close Portal is the industry’s first fully digital end-to-end solution that facilitates combining the financing for lot purchase, construction and permanent mortgage into one first mortgage loan. The renovation portal is a technology solution that provides the loan transparency needed to help manage the loan process during the draw period. Additionally, on-demand processing allows AFR’s broker and correspondent clients to focus on originating loans, reducing costs and complexity for AFR’s clients.

In addition to her new role at AFR, Brandao is actively engaged with a number of organizations and initiatives including the 203(h) Mortgage Insurance Education for Hurricane Harvey survivors and AIME. Brandao will be hosting a panel at Fuse 2018, AIME’s inaugural national event for independent mortgage experts on October 20, and is the executive sponsor of AIME’s newly formed Women’s Affinity Group.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.