People in the News, Oct. 9, 2025
(Paul Gigliotti, courtesy of California MBA)
Paul Gigliotti Is New California MBA CEO
The California Mortgage Bankers Association has announced that Paul Gigliotti will assume the role of CEO in a planned leadership transition as former CEO Susan Milazzo retires.
Gigliotti brings significant experience to the role, with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services and technology industries. He has worked for companies including AXIS, Pinnacle and Prudent AI. He also has previous experience on the California MBA board of directors.
“Paul is an excellent choice to carry on the amazing work and achievements of the California MBA,” said William Kooper, MBA vice president of state government affairs and industry relations. “His deep and lasting engagement in the California association and throughout the industry is an impressive record and will serve him well as he enters this important new chapter. Everyone at MBA is excited to begin working with him.”
Milazzo has served the California MBA and its members for 21 years, dedicating her career to fostering growth and education and advocacy. She will be staying on as a consultant for the next year.
“Susan has been an indefatigable advocacy partner in the challenging California public policy arena,” Kooper said. “As one of the industry’s most valuable leaders, MBA has honored her with numerous recognitions–the Burton C. Wood Legislative Service Award, the Marianne Collins State Leader of the Year, and the Lowrie-Woodward Distinguished Service Award. And her generous leadership has also earned her the esteem of state and local associations nationwide.”
ActiveComply Appoints Asif Alam as CEO
ActiveComply, Orlando, Fla., appointed Asif Alam as CEO.
Alam has deep experience in scaling financial services compliance platforms. He was previously CEO of Compliance.ai, and has worked as chief strategy and revenue officer at ThoughtTrace.
Additionally, ActiveComply announced a strategic investment from growth equity firm Level Equity.
Covered Insurance Welcomes Jerry Halbrook
Covered Insurance, Denver, has announced the appointment of Jerry Halbrook as president and chief operating officer.
Halbrook has more than four decades of executive leadership across mortgage lending, banking and fintech. He has previously served in senior executive roles at companies such as Deloitte & Touche, Prudential Home Mortgage, Bank of America, Black Knight and PennyMac. He was also the co-founder of Nexstar Financial.
His experience in operational scale, innovation and culture-building is expected to accelerate the company’s momentum toward sustainability, profitability and long-term market leadership.
Outamation Promotes Lisa Guadagno
Outamation, Southlake, Texas, has appointed Lisa Guadagno as vice president, global strategic initiatives.
Guadagno will lead key people initiatives and sales and marketing initiatives. She will also continue serving as a board member.
Guadagno has more than 25 years of experience across management consulting, financial services and high-growth tech environments.
Jason Ream Appointed Head of Finance, Administration at Blend Labs
Blend Labs, San Francisco, has appointed Jason Ream head of finance and administration.
Ream has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, and has held senior leadership roles across public and private enterprise software companies.
He was previously chief financial officer at SailPoint, SolarWinds, Mitratech and Relativity. He has also worked with Haveli Investments.
Guaranteed Rate Affinity Launches The Scott Dana Team
Guaranteed Rate Affinity, Chicago, announced that Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending Scott Dana has launched The Scott Dana Team.
The launch will allow Dana, who has 25 years of experience in the industry, to expand his services beyond the New Haven County, Conn., market.
Through the initiative, Dana will be able to work more closely with agents and attorneys across additional counties and leverage greater resources to meet a wider range of borrower needs.
Planet Announces Multiple Personnel Updates
Planet Home Lending, Meriden, Conn., has appointed John Adams as retail renovation leader.
Adams will help Planet expand its renovation expertise at a time when the market and agents are looking for solutions to unlock more housing opportunities.
Adams has significant experience in the field and has authored the book “House Hacking: Using Renovation Loans for a Better Way to Buy a Home.”
Additionally, Planet Financial Group has appointed Rob Parsley as senior vice president, non-agency sales.
Parsley has a career spanning more than three decades, and has guided organizations through changing markets by developing growth strategies, building strong teams and deepening client relationships.
He most recently served in senior leadership roles at Lima One Capital, along with Carrington Mortgage Services, Citadel Servicing Corp. and EquiFirst Corp.
Additionally, Tim Fisher has joined Planet as senior vice president, non-agency lending.
Fisher has more than two decades of experience across the mortgage industry, with a career spanning origination, capital markets, mortgage servicing rights, private issuance and mortgage insurance. He has previously held leadership roles at Deephaven Mortgage and SG Capital Partners.
Choice Mortgage Partners With Tammy Schneider
Choice Mortgage, Boca Raton, Fla., has partnered with Tammy Schneider to recruit and mentor top loan originators.
Schneider brings nearly two decades of experience.
She will help Choice’s strategic national expansion plan, with new offices in New Mexico, Colorado and New Hampshire this year, by helping to identify and cultivate top-tier talent.
