INNOVATION AND TECH TRACK: Make the Most of Your Tech Stack

James M. Deitch, CMB, CPA

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Teraverde Financial

Mr. Deitch is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teraverde®. Previously, he was a co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of the American Home Bank division of First National Bank of Chester County. Under his leadership, American Home Bank was named one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine and a top 50 national residential lender by American Banker and National Mortgage News. Mr. Deitch has served on the Board of publicly traded and privately held banks and non-bank companies. He is a frequent industry speaker and best-selling author.

Roy K. George, CMB

President and Chief Executive Officer, MOR Lending, LLC

Roy George is a C-Level mortgage fintech executive with an unprecedented blend of compliance and operations expertise built on over 25 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industry. Often called an industry disruptor, he proudly embraces this moniker as he continues to revolutionize the mortgage space. Roy is President and CEO of Miami-based MOR Lending and serves on the board of directors for Casamia and Preapprovedletter. After experiencing rapid career growth, beginning with Citi Residential Mortgage/Citigroup, he rose to become Chief Compliance Officer of Better Mortgage. He strategically accepted a new role in 2016 with Taylor Morrison Home Funding, one of the top 5 homebuilders in the U.S., where he led all compliance functions and teams. Recognized for overhauling the leadership paradigm, Roy served on the Advisory Board of Stetson University’s Disruptive Leadership Certificate program. In addition, he was profiled as a thought leader possessing a unique blend of operations and compliance experience in James Deitch’s book, “Disruptive Fintech: The Coming Wave of Innovation in Financial Services with Thought Leadership Provided by CEOs.” Always seeking professional development, he is pursuing his JD/MBA. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and an active member of Mortgage Bankers of America (MBA) and the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA), where he helped to launch the South Florida chapter as its first President.

Allison Johnston, CMB

President, Success Mortgage Partners, Inc.

Allison Johnston, a visionary leader with a profound understanding of the mortgage industry, has risen to prominence as a driving force behind Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. (SMP), an Independent Mortgage Bank headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Allison's journey is marked by a series of remarkable achievements and contributions that have not only propelled her to the presidency of SMP but have also reshaped the landscape of mortgage banking. Allison's remarkable odyssey in the mortgage sector began in 2013 when she joined the ranks of Success Mortgage Partners. However, her connection to the industry spans over 30 years, amassing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight. Allison was bestowed with the prestigious title of President of Success Mortgage Partners in 2019. This appointment underscored her exceptional leadership qualities and her pivotal role in steering the organization toward new horizons of success. A standout achievement in Allison's journey was her attainment of the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation in 2015. This accolade demonstrates her expertise and underscores her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Allison earned her master’s degree in business management. Allison is also an instructor for the Mortgage Bankers Association and teaches classes on a regular basis. Allison's influence extends beyond her role at SMP. As the Chairwoman of the State of Michigan Governmental Mortgage Industry Advisory Board, she has played a crucial role in shaping industry policies, demonstrating her advocacy for responsible and effective mortgage practices. Her participation in influential organizations like The Mortgage Collaborative, where she holds a Board Member position, and her past Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association presidency further attest to her standing as a luminary in the field. Allison has received several awards such as Movers and Shakers, Ambassador award, Vic Miller Award. What sets Allison apart is her multifaceted approach to leadership. Her creativity, which has been showcased time and again, breathes innovation into SMP's operations. Her unparalleled talents and approachable demeanor foster a collaborative environment where growth and success flourish. Allison's influence transcends state borders. With a Mortgage Loan Officer License spanning 42 states and the District of Columbia, she has extended her expertise and impact across a vast geographic expanse. Under her stewardship, SMP has cemented its presence in these regions, fostering growth and nurturing client relationships. Today, Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. is a testament to Allison Johnston's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. With a strong presence in 40+ states and the District of Columbia, SMP boasts over 400 employees and a history of accelerated growth. The company has navigated many challenges through Allison's visionary leadership and thrived in an ever-evolving industry.

Christy Soukhamneut, CMB

Chief Lending Officer, UFCU

Christy Soukhamneut has more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry and is currently the Chief Lending Officer at University Federal Credit Union. Prior to her time at UFCU, she led top performing sale steams for a mid-sized IMB. She currently sits on the boards of Voxtur, Trained, and Beneath the Surface Foundation, an organization founded by special operations veterans dedicated to combating the negative impacts of combat on the mental health of those who served. She also serves on a wide variety of committees and industry boards as well as being a partner with Blue Wolf Coaching and contributing as a subject matter expert for Stratmor.