President, Mortgage Bankers Association of NJEVP Divisional Sales, Annie Mac

Gabriel Gillen is the Executive Vice President of Divisional Sales at AnnieMac Home Mortgage, where his strategic vision and leadership drive growth and innovation. In his role as Area Manager, he is expanding AnnieMac’s presence across the Long Island region while ensuring the highest standards of personalized service through a white-glove onboarding experience.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Gabriel is deeply committed to giving back. He serves as Vice President and Officer of A Need We Feed (ANWF), a nonprofit dedicated to delivering freshly packaged, nutritious meals to veterans, seniors, and underserved communities. Additionally, he has lent his expertise as President of the Mortgage Bankers Association, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening industry standards and community engagement.

Gabriel’s career is marked by a passion for leadership with empathy, a dedication to in-person training, and a belief in the power of relationship building—values that continue to shape his approach in both professional and volunteer endeavors.

CEO - Lighthouse Advisors

Steering Lighthouse Advisors as CEO, my strategic expertise catalyzes business growth and operational excellence. As a seasoned mortgage executive my all-inclusive and supportive leadership acumen is a driving force in the mortgage industry. My focus: delivering innovative solutions that resonate with our clients and stakeholders, crafting pathways for sustainable success.

With a seasoned history at American Financial Resources, my role involved cultivating a robust sales strategy and nurturing a culture of accountability. My tenure there solidified my commitment to not just business growth but also to empowering professionals. The mission has always been clear: to champion the success of those we serve and inspire industry-wide transformation through thought leadership and strategic action.

VP - Retail Lending at Luminate Bank

With over 33 years in the residential mortgage industry, Steven Grossman is a driving force at Luminate Bank, where he serves as VP - Retail Lending.  His extensive experience and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and reputation in the mortgage sector.

Chief Executive Officer at Absolute Home Mortgage Corporation

Matthew D. VanFossen, CMB, is the Chief Executive Officer and part-owner of Absolute Home Mortgage Corporation, a mid-size independent mortgage banker based in Fairfield, New Jersey. Since joining the company in 2011, Matthew has leveraged his extensive experience in leadership, technology, and executive management to oversee over $5 billion in retail originations. His passion for technology and strong interests in compliance and system automation have positioned Absolute Home Mortgage at the forefront of the mortgage industry.

In addition to his role at Absolute Home Mortgage, Matthew serves as the CEO of Mortgage Automation Technologies, a financial technology provider specializing in consumer mortgage technology. He is also the President of the New Jersey Mortgage Bankers Association and Vice President and board member of the Community Home Lenders of America.

Matthew’s commitment to innovation and education is evident through his national coverage as a Realtor business coach, having successfully trained over 1,000 Realtors on advanced social media marketing.  His leadership continues to drive Absolute Home Mortgage toward the next generation of mortgage lending.

Partner at Cathedral CPAs & Advisors

Paul Chiarelli, CPA, is a seasoned accounting professional serving as a Partner at Cathedral CPAs & Advisors, a firm formed through the strategic merger of Acquavella, Chiarelli, Shuster LLP (ACS LLP), Spiegel Accountancy Corp., and Cathedral Accountancy LLP. With a career spanning over two decades, Paul has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive accounting and advisory services. He is a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Camden, and is based in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Paul’s expertise encompasses tax services, accounting and auditing, mortgage banking, and management advisory, reflecting his commitment to excellence and client success in the financial sector.

Founder and CEO, The Growth Spot Heidi has over 12 years of experience in the mortgage industry where she has dedicated her career to driving excellence and innovation. She is deeply passionate about building and cultivating both client and vendor relationships, firmly believing in the power of genuine connections to foster mutual success and long-term partnerships. Her insights and expertise have been featured in numerous mortgage magazines, and she has shared her knowledge as a guest on industry podcasts. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply committed to empowering women in the mortgage industry. As a Board Member for Women With Vision and a founding member of the NJ MBA Women’s Committee, she actively champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, striving to create opportunities for women to not only succeed but thrive in the industry and beyond.Outside of work, she finds her greatest joy in spending time with her 10 year old daughter, who is both her best friend and biggest cheerleader. Her daughter is a constant ray of sunshine and the inspiration behind everything she does. Together, they love going on adventures, exploring new places, and making memories on their road trips and travels.

Senior Vice President – Director of Residential & Consumer Lending 1st Colonial Community Bank

With over 40 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry, Gino Brown brings comprehensive expertise and a deep, hands-on understanding of every aspect of the business. He began his career at Pioneer Mortgage Company in Haddon Heights, NJ, starting as a messenger and steadily rising through the ranks—gaining experience in processing, underwriting, closing, post-closing, accounting, and servicing—before becoming one of the company’s top-producing Mortgage Loan Officers.In 1998, following the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage by Jefferson Bank, Gino remained with the organization through its transition and eventual sale to Hudson United Bank. In 2001 he joined Aurora Financial Group, Inc. in Marlton, NJ, where he became a part-owner. With his help and leadership, Aurora expanded into a regional mortgage company licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, closing nearly $500 million in loans annually and building a servicing portfolio of comparable size.After the passing of Aurora’s principal shareholder, Gino sold his interest and joined Oak Mortgage Company (Marlton, NJ) in 2013. He played a key role in growing the company and helping position it for acquisition by Republic Bank. There, he continued to lead mortgage operations and contribute to the division’s ongoing success. Since joining 1st Colonial Community Bank in September 2019, Gino has been responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the Residential and Consumer Lending Divisions. Under his leadership, the bank’s mortgage division has grown significantly, earning a strong reputation as a trusted mortgage provider throughout New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Co-Founder, CSO & EVP - WebMax

Kelcey Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a highly regarded figure in the Real Estate and Mortgage technology industry with over 20 years of experience. As the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at WebMax, Kelcey has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth, helping shape the company into a leading SaaS provider for mortgage professionals.Beginning his career in a support role at ScreenDreamer and rising to Senior Success Manager, Kelcey earned widespread respect for his strategic insight and dedication to client success. His industry contributions have been recognized through honors such as the 2017 National Mortgage Professionals Magazine "40 Under 40” and the 2019 Mortgage Luminary by Progress In Lending Magazine.Kelcey actively participates in tech boards and industry panels, and he frequently consults with mortgage technology startups - offering valuable insights on user experience, digital strategy, and go-to-market execution.Outside of work, Kelcey is a proud South Jersey resident, a devoted husband of over 25 years, and the father of three - one adult child and two younger kids chasing big soccer dreams. He’s also a proactive youth soccer coach, pouring his passion for the game into the next generation. A true soccer enthusiast, Kelcey follows everything from the USMNT and USWNT to Real Madrid, where he’s especially drawn to the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé. At home, he enjoys life with Sunny, the family’s beloved senior Maltese.

Biography coming soon.

President - Lenders One®

As president of Lenders One® Cooperative, Justin leads its day-to-day operations and strategic execution. With nearly 30 years of mortgage, consulting and business development experience, he brings extensive leadership know-how to the role. He joined the organization in 2019 as Vice President, Sales and most recently served as Managing Director.

Before that, Justin served in prominent positions at several independent mortgage banks, including Chief Operating Officer of MLB Residential Lending, LLC and President of The Hills Mortgage and Finance Company, LLC. He is a licensed mortgage loan originator and Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB). In addition to his responsibilities at Lenders One, Justin serves as resident CMB instructor for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s CMB Final Prep Course, where he shares his insight and support with current students. Justin serves on the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey Board of Directors and is a member of the MBA MORPAC Committee.

Vice President, National Account Manager at Essent Guaranty

Ryan Faughner currently serves as Vice President, National Account Manager at Essent Guaranty. Ryan is responsible for key account relationship management and driving business growth. Mr. Faughner has expertise in sales, marketing, relationship management and project management. Prior to Essent, Mr. Faughner served as Account Executive in the Correspondent Lending channel at PHH Mortgage. Mr. Faughner received his BS degree in Marketing from Penn State University, with a Minor in Business Logistics. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and two kids – Ronan (12) and Hudson (10).

Account Manager, Enact

Justin Ferris has been an Account Manager with Enact since 2014. In this role, he works with mortgage lenders, banks and credit unions in northern New Jersey, northeast and central Pennsylvania, and New York. Over the last 27 years, he's been an active member of the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware chapters of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Justin has provided Appraisal Underwriting training for hundreds of Mortgage Professionals over the last several years.

In his over 25 years in the mortgage industry, Justin has worked many roles including as a loan officer, operations, sales management, and others. That work has been at both the national and regional Wholesale and Retail mortgage levels.

EVP - Chief Growth Officer

Senior Strategic Account Manager - CertifID

Ashley Gravano is a seasoned mortgage industry professional with over 25 years of experience. She currently serves as a board member for the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey (MBA NJ) and is a columnist for Mortgage Women Magazine. Throughout her career, Ashley has built a reputation for leadership and expertise, contributing valuable insights to the industry. Her commitment to advancing women in mortgage and financial services has made her a respected voice in the field.

Chief Administrative Officer, Freedom Mortgage

Richard Jordan joined Freedom Mortgage in June 2016 as a Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He currently leads Freedom Mortgage’s efforts and activities in Housing Policy, Government Affairs & Agency Relations. He reports directly to the founder and CEO, Stanley C. Middleman.

Rich has more than 35 years of industry experience. He is currently a member of the NJ & NY MBA Board of Directors, is on the MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Executive Committee, is a member of the Housing Policy Council Advisory Committee and is a member of NYU’s Furman Institute Advisory Board.

Before joining Freedom Mortgage, Rich was a Managing Director in the Mortgage Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase (2001-2016). During his tenure at JPMorgan (1989-2016), he had various Banking related responsibilities. Prior to that (1981-1989), he was the Controller for Irving Securities, a primary dealer in government securities.

A New York native and current resident of West Nyack, Rich graduated from Manhattan College with a B.S., Finance and Computer Information Systems. He has an M.B.A. in Management with a concentration in Finance from Columbia University.

In his spare time, Rich enjoys biking, walking, and boating. He and his wife are active members of The Platelet Disorder Support Association, a non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering those with immune thrombocytopenia and other platelet disorders.

Regional Vice President, Sales Director, Northeast at Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT)

Cara Krause is Vice President, Northeast Director of Sales at Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT), where she helps lenders optimize their secondary marketing strategies through innovative capital markets technology and services. With a deep understanding of mortgage pipeline hedging and trading and SaaS, Cara brings strategic insights to MCT clients, helping them navigate market shifts and maximize profitability. Her dedication to client success and deep industry knowledge makes her a valuable resource and respected leader in the mortgage finance space.

Biography coming soon.

Chief Revenue Officer- Secure Insight

Amanda Padd is the Chief Revenue Officer at Secure Insight, the mortgage industry’s leader in wire and mortgage fraud prevention. With more than a decade of experience in the mortgage space, Amanda has dedicated her career to helping lenders, title agents, and attorneys navigate the complex landscape of third-party risk management and fraud prevention.At Secure Insight, Amanda leads a high-performing sales team and ensures clients fully leverage the company’s solutions as essential safeguards against wire fraud, cyber threats, and disbursement fraud. Through her leadership, Amanda plays a critical role in strengthening Secure Insight’s presence and influence across the mortgage industry. She also played an instrumental role in the development and launch of TruePay, an innovative solution designed to protect settlement professionals and small businesses from disbursement fraud at the closing table.In 2026, Amanda achieved several notable career milestones, celebrating her 10th year with Secure Insight, earning the Mortgage Bankers Association’s 2026 Residential mPact Young Professional Spotlight Award, and being elected to the Board of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey.Beyond her technical expertise, Amanda is widely recognized for her natural ability to connect with others. A dynamic speaker and passionate networker, she frequently shares insights on the power of authentic connection, effective communication, and showing up with purpose in an industry built on relationships. Amanda is also a strong advocate for women in the mortgage industry, championing opportunities for women to lead, grow, and support one another throughout their careers.

Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Appraisal Links

My name is John Pisani, Born and raised in Staten Island, New York currently residing in Central New Jersey. I am the COO and part owner of Appraisal Links where I manage the day to day operations of the company. Appraisal Links is a national Appraisal management company operating in 49 states. I pride myself on being a strong leader for my employees and taking this company to all new heights in the future.

Senior Vice President, MLB WholesaleChris Stanton is a results-driven professional with extensive expertise in strategic planning, business development, and operations. He has a proven track record of leading teams to drive innovation and deliver growth across dynamic market environments. Known for his collaborative leadership and forward-thinking approach, Chris leverages his industry knowledge to optimize processes and implement effective solutions. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement positions him as a key contributor to organizational success and transformation.

Sr. Division Manager East, NewRez

With over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Tom brings a wealth of expertise in sales management, business development, and mortgage lending. Currently, he serves as Sr. Divisional Sales Manager at Newrez LLC, working closely with our Eastern division team to expand market share, foster strong client partnerships, and achieve impactful results.

His professional journey includes leadership roles in correspondent lending and regional sales, where he consistently focused on managing relationships with independent mortgage bankers, credit unions, and banks. He is committed to driving business growth through collaboration and building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with clients. Tom is based in Southern, NJ and has supported the MBANJ for more than 2 decades.

Executive Chairman of the Board, Maverick Lending Solutions

Ralph Vitiello is Executive Chairman of the Board at Maverick Lending Solutions and a respected authority in mortgage lending, regulatory affairs, and strategic growth. With over three decades in the industry, he co-founded Maverick Funding Corp. and guided its national expansion through market volatility and regulatory change. In 2008, Ralph was appointed under President George W. Bush to assist HUD in managing FHA policy during the subprime mortgage crisis. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Mortgage Bankers Association, contributing to policy, compliance, and best-practice initiatives.