Solidifi U.S. Announces Retirement Of President, Griff Straw
Chicago, Illinois, October 10, 2011 – Solidifi U.S., the leading full-fee appraisal management services provider, today announced that its president, Griff Straw, CMB, will transition to Chair of the organization's Advisory Board, effective immediately. The transition is a step towards Straw's move towards retirement.
According to Solidifi President and CEO, Jason Smith, Straws' leadership and guidance was a driving force behind the organization's growth. "I'd like to thank Griff and acknowledge his significant contributions to Solidifi U.S., both in terms of leadership and helping to build a company highly regarded by staff, customers and partners," he says. "Griff's guidance, dedication and enthusiasm for the mortgage industry was especially valuable to me as we worked to grow this company. I wish him success in retirement and his new life in warmer climates. I'm also looking forward to continuing our relationship in his role on our Advisory Board."
Straw is a 30 year mortgage banking industry veteran. As past-Vice President of Industry Relations for United Guaranty, he managed relationships with Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB), as well as various industry groups including Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and American Banking Association (ABA). In 2003, Straw won United Guaranty's Discovery Award for his role in developing the company's Broker Xpress program. Prior to United Guaranty, Griff was responsible for Strategic Opportunities for Freddie Mac in its Business and Product Development groups.
Straw received his designation as a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) from the Mortgage Bankers Association of America in 2000. In October 2003, he was inducted as a CMB fellow recognizing his support of the CMB society. In 2006, he was elected to the leadership of the CMB Society, ultimately acting as the Immediate Past Chairman and CMB Strategic Initiatives Committee Chair.
Upon Straw's retirement, Loren Cooke, current EVP of Solidifi U.S. assumes Straw's responsibilities. Cooke has more than 15 years of industry related experience deploying business solutions to the financial services market and has been with the organization for more than 3 years. Says, Smith, "As he opens a new chapter in his life, I'm confident that Loren and his team will build upon Griff's legacy and relationships. We're planning a seamless transition, so our lender and appraiser partners will notice no disruptions."
About Solidifi
Solidifi is a leading provider of next generation appraisal management solutions to the North American financial services industry. The organization offers a flexible service platform for procuring collateral valuation from marketplace vendors and appraisers that allows its customers to make incredibly smart decisions. Named one of Mortgage Technology Magazine's 'Top 50 Service Providers' for 2010-11, Solidifi is located in Chicago, Illinois. Additional information about Solidifi is available at www.solidifi.com.
Contact:
Brent Artemchuk
Vice-President, Marketing & Communications
Solidifi U.S.
(905) 695-3969
bartemchuk@solidifi.com