Recruiting pulse in early 2026
The first full week of 2026 delivered a flurry of leadership changes and recruiting activity across the U.S. mortgage industry. From new presidents and chief executive officers to an influx of board appointments, firms are sharpening their teams to capture the mortgage market opportunities that analysts expect to materialize later this year. This weekly recruit report distills the major moves that impact loan officers, branch managers, leaders and executives in the mortgage and housing ecosystem.
Why it matters
Experienced talent is still in high demand, even as origination volumes remain sluggish. Understanding where the opportunities lie helps ambitious professionals chart their next career move.
Leadership changes signal strategic pivots. By monitoring C‑suite and board appointments, mortgage professionals can anticipate where products, technology and recruiting efforts are headed.
National U.S. coverage means these insights apply whether you work for an independent mortgage bank or a large depository lender.
Below are the top industry moves announced between January 1 – 7, 2026, along with what they could mean for your next gig.
MLB Wholesale names Laura Brandao president of wholesale & correspondent
What happened: MLB Wholesale, based in Springfield, New Jersey, appointed industry veteran Laura J. Brandao as president of its wholesale and correspondent lending divisionnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Brandao previously served as CEO and founder of Lighthouse Advisors and spent 15 years as president/partner of American Financial Resources (AFR) leading its wholesale and correspondent divisionsnationalmortgageprofessional.com. In her new role she will spearhead the strategic growth of MLB’s wholesale and correspondent platforms with a focus on innovation and strengthening broker and correspondent relationshipsnationalmortgageprofessional.com. The company simultaneously promoted Paul Sushereba to Non‑QM division manager and added several account executives to bolster its Non‑QM practicenationalmortgageprofessional.com.
Why it matters: Brandao is highly regarded for building high‑performing sales teams. Her appointment signals that MLB Wholesale plans to capture more broker market share and expand its non‑QM product lines. Loan officers and branch managers who thrive in entrepreneurial environments may find opportunities at MLB as the company scales up its broker support. Recruiters should watch for new account executive roles and support positions as the wholesale division grows.
MISMO unveils its 2026 board of directors
What happened: The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), the standards body of the Mortgage Bankers Association, announced its 2026 board of directors. The new slate includes leaders from across origination, servicing and technology, such as Matt VanFossen (Absolute Home and Mortgage Automation Technologies), Courtney Thompson (CMG Financial), Jay Kingsley (Cotality) and othersnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Returning board members include executives from Experian, ICE Mortgage Technology, Fannie Mae, Rocket Mortgage, Pennymac and United Wholesale Mortgagenationalmortgageprofessional.com. MISMO president Brian Vieaux said the group’s diverse expertise will be critical as MISMO develops standards to support automation, artificial intelligence readiness and interoperabilitynationalmortgageprofessional.com.
Why it matters: MISMO standards influence everything from data formats to digital signatures. The board’s composition—heavy on technology and compliance leaders—suggests that 2026 will bring accelerated adoption of AI and automation across mortgage processes. For mortgage executives, understanding MISMO’s direction helps prioritize technology investments. For loan officers and branch managers, improvements in interoperability could mean smoother workflows and faster closings. Recruiters should note that firms represented on the board may ramp up hiring in data governance, compliance and AI engineering.
Sagent elevates Chris Marshall to CEO
What happened: Mortgage servicing technology provider Sagent named board chairman Chris Marshall as its new chief executive officernationalmortgageprofessional.com. Marshall will continue as board chair and lead the rollout of Sagent’s cloud‑native Dara mortgage servicing platform, focusing on broad market adoption, customer experience and operational efficiencynationalmortgageprofessional.com. He succeeds Geno Paluso, who becomes vice chairman and senior advisornationalmortgageprofessional.com. Marshall said Sagent intends to build the industry’s top mortgage servicing technology team and noted that Dara’s AI‑integrated platform aims to unify data across core, consumer and default servicingnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Marshall brings prior leadership experience from Mr. Cooper, Ally Bank and Bank of Americanationalmortgageprofessional.com.
Why it matters: Servicing technology often lags origination technology, but Sagent’s Dara platform competes with solutions from ICE Mortgage Technology, Black Knight and other large players. With Marshall at the helm, Sagent is doubling down on AI-driven servicing—a market worth more than $14 trillionnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Mortgage lenders and servicers should watch for product updates and potential recruiting opportunities in software engineering, client success and data science. For professionals with fintech backgrounds, Sagent’s growth could represent a compelling opportunity to innovate within mortgage servicing.
MBA taps Alexandra Brinton as vice president & CFO
What happened: The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) appointed Alexandra Brinton, CPA as vice president and chief financial officernationalmortgageprofessional.com. She will oversee MBA’s managerial accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and risk managementnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Peter J. Grace, MBA’s chief administrative officer, praised Brinton’s disciplined financial leadership and collaborative approachnationalmortgageprofessional.com. Brinton brings more than 20 years of accounting and financial management experience across for‑profit and nonprofit organizations and previously served as controller at the American Association of Airport Executives and other nonprofitsnationalmortgageprofessional.com.
Why it matters: MBA is the national trade association for mortgage lenders and a major voice in Washington. Having a seasoned CPA at the helm of its finance function should strengthen its fiscal stewardship and ability to advocate for policies that expand access to homeownership. For mortgage leaders, Brinton’s appointment signals stability and a continued focus on risk management. It may also free other MBA executives to focus on lobbying and member services. Recruiting teams should monitor MBA for additional finance or strategy roles as Brinton reorganizes her department.
NFM Lending promotes LaTasha Waddy to president and elevates Bob Tyson to CEO
What happened: NFM Lending announced leadership changes effective January 1. LaTasha Waddy has been appointed president, while previous president Bob Tyson moves into the CEO rolehousingwire.com. Managing director Greg Sher told HousingWire that founder David Silverman will focus on technology initiatives and investor relationshousingwire.com. Waddy has been with NFM since 2010 and most recently served as executive vice president and chief legal officerhousingwire.com. In a social media post she thanked the Silvermans for the opportunity, credited Tyson and Sher for their mentorship and pledged to continue expanding homeownership through culture and financial educationhousingwire.com. She also plans to release children’s books and an educational app to teach kids healthy money habitshousingwire.com.
Why it matters: NFM Lending is a top retail lender with a strong footprint in community lending and credit union partnerships. The leadership shift shows that the company values continuity and diversity: Waddy is a longtime insider who rose from legal leadership to president. For mortgage loan officers and branch managers, NFM Lending’s commitment to financial education may translate into new outreach programs and marketing support. The company could also accelerate hiring in legal, compliance and educational outreach as it broadens its mission.
The Mortgage Collaborative adds strategic advisors
What happened: Industry cooperative The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) appointed former president Rich Swerbinsky as strategic advisor to CEO Jodi Hall and added Heidi Belnay as senior advisor for business developmentthemortgagenote.org. Swerbinsky helped expand TMC from four members to more than 300 and will work to further strengthen its influence in the mortgage industrythemortgagenote.org. Belnay and Swerbinsky will focus on expanding TMC’s membership base and benchmark subscription servicesthemortgagenote.org. Hall said bringing them aboard positions TMC for decisive growth in 2026themortgagenote.org.
Why it matters: TMC connects independent mortgage lenders and provides networking, education and advocacy. Adding seasoned advisors underscores its ambition to grow membership and offer more data-driven services. Loan officers, branch managers and executives may benefit from TMC’s expanded benchmarking tools and networking events. Those seeking leadership roles in cooperative organizations may find opportunities as TMC scales.
Implications for recruiters and mortgage professionals
The common thread in these announcements is momentum. From wholesale lenders to technology firms and trade associations, organizations are setting the table for a more competitive 2026. For recruiters and mortgage professionals, here are actionable takeaways:
Stay nimble: Major players are reshuffling leadership to drive innovation. Keep your resume updated and stay connected with recruiters who specialize in mortgage and fintech placements.
Explore non‑QM and servicing tech: MLB Wholesale’s focus on non‑QM products and Sagent’s emphasis on servicing technology suggest growth areas for sales, underwriting and technology roles.
Invest in education and compliance: NFM Lending and MISMO highlight the importance of financial education and standards. Professionals who strengthen their compliance and data literacy skills will have an edge.
Network with industry associations: Joining groups like the MBA and TMC can provide access to thought leadership, events and recruiting opportunities. Participate in webinars and conferences to expand your network.
Looking ahead
Your Next Gig will continue to monitor leadership shifts, mergers and hiring trends across the mortgage landscape. Our mission is to connect talented professionals with organizations that value expertise, innovation and culture. If you’re exploring your next opportunity—whether as a loan officer, branch manager or executive—reach out to us to learn how we can help you navigate the ever‑evolving mortgage market.
