Mortgage veterans take on new leadership roles at NAMB and Guild Mortgage

Companies welcome experienced leaders to strengthen mortgage education and affordable housing

Mortgage veterans take on new leadership roles at NAMB and Guild Mortgage

In a series of key industry leadership moves, both the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) and Guild Mortgage have announced the appointments of mortgage veterans to key roles.

At NAMB National 2024, NAMB named its former president Valerie Saunders as chief executive strategist, while Rocke Andrews (pictured left), a former NAMB board member, was appointed chief financial officer.

Saunders will oversee NAMB’s operations, including government relations, events, partnerships, and public communications. Andrews, meanwhile, will manage the organization’s financial strategies and its educational and certification programs.

“I am thrilled to announce both Rocke and Valerie’s new positions within NAMB,” NAMB president Jim Nabors said in a Press release. “Both of these industry veterans are incredibly talented professionals and have served NAMB for many years in various capacities. With these two now working with NAMB full time, NAMB is best positioned to grow its membership and increase the impact of its programs while continuing to be the voice of the mortgage marketplace for years to come.”

Read next: How can industry association membership benefit brokers?

In a separate move, Guild Mortgage appointed Nora Guerra (pictured right) as senior vice president of community lending solutions.

Guerra, who previously worked as the senior manager of national affordable lending at Freddie Mac, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to her new role. She will focus on expanding Guild’s community lending programs, which include down payment assistance, financial education, and outreach initiatives aimed at making homeownership more accessible.

Guerra’s work in affordable housing has earned her several accolades, including the 2023 Latino Leadership Award from Diversity Journal and the Freddie Mac CEO Award.

Commenting on the appointment, Guild Mortgage CEO Terry Schmidt said: “Nora Guerra has long been a champion in our industry, educating and leading initiatives to help make homeownership an achievable goal for everyone. Her values and passion align perfectly with Guild Mortgage’s mission and vision, and we look forward to leveraging her expertise and experience to advance Guild’s mission to make homeownership more attainable and sustainable for individuals and families.”

Stay updated with the freshest mortgage news. Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.