Dart Bank Launches New Wholesale Division
Dart Bank Expands Reach with Launch of New Wholesale Lending Division
July 30, 2024
MASON, MI — William J. Hufnagel, President & CEO of Dart Bank, is proud to announce the launch of the Bank’s new Wholesale Lending division to enhance mortgage brokerage services throughout the United States.
Dart Bank Wholesale Lending is rooted in Dart Bank’s nearly century-long history of service-oriented lending. With a client-centric approach built on integrity and transparency, this strategic initiative extends the opportunity for consumers across the country to experience the Dart Bank advantages of reliable and consistent service as well as quick and efficient loan processing. The new offering will also provide Dart Bank with increased revenue opportunities.
“The Wholesale Lending division strengthens the Bank’s support across diverse markets and broadens our mortgage solutions,” said William J. Hufnagel, President & CEO of Dart Bank. “This new division underscores our commitment to providing competitive rates, minimal out-of-pocket expenses, and efficient loan closings to consumers outside of our existing footprint.”
Leading this initiative, Dart Bank has appointed a team of accomplished wholesale experts with extensive industry experience. These individuals will play a pivotal role in developing and expanding the capabilities of the new division.
Dart Bank’s Wholesale Lending division is led by: Phillip Miller, Todd Gates, Mona Samaha, Michael VerHeek. Joining the team are Adelfo Emanuele, Mary Johnson, Kathy Horn, Charla Karlek, Amelia Kreutzberg, Kristi Kuhn, and Christy Smith.
Phillip Miller has over 30 years of experience and extensive knowledge in the mortgage industry. He previously oversaw ABN-AMRO’s capital markets, originating $121 billion in one calendar year, and achieving top wholesale ranking from 2000 to 2004. Miller co-launched MB Mortgage, scaling it to nearly an $8 billion annual company with 1,000+ employees. He later became president, driving IT strategy for the mortgage and consumer sectors. In Miller’s role as President of Wholesale Lending, he is responsible for profitability, the sales and growth strategy, and the technology roadmap.
Todd Gates has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry working in the disciplines of risk management, financial planning, and portfolio management. Gates brings significant depth and wisdom to the team as VP/Senior Wholesale Lending Business Development Analyst.
Mona Samaha has over 30 years’ experience in the financial industry in both the mortgage arena as well as in finance and health services management. Her wholesale lending leadership includes positions as SVP of Mortgage Operations and Chief Originations Officer experience with MB Financial and Homepoint. Samaha serves as VP/Director of Wholesale Lending Operations and is responsible for overseeing wholesale lending operations and systems.
Mike VerHeek has over 25 years’ experience in the financial industry with a focus on wholesale lending at ABN-AMRO’s InterFirst, CitiMortgage, MB Financial and Homepoint. He brings leadership in capital markets, product, pricing, and technologies that enhance the broker’s experience. VerHeek serves as VP/Director of Wholesale Lending Business Development and is responsible for pricing, product/credit, business intelligence and third-party administration.
Adelfo Emanuele has been a part of the wholesale mortgage space for over 30 years. At Dart Bank Wholesale, he serves as Lending Regional Manager – West. He will oversee business development and relationship management in the western region of the United States.
Mary Johnson brings extensive industry knowledge to her new role as Wholesale Lending Regional Manager – East. She will oversee business development and relationship management in the eastern region of the United States.
Kathy Horn brings a 22-year career in banking to her new position of Wholesale Lending Risk and Product Manager. She will manage credit policy, third party originator approval, and settlement agent approvals.
Charla Karlek brings over 20 years of mortgage experience to her position at Dart Bank Wholesale. In her position as Lending Closing/Disclosure Manager, she leads the setup, service, disclosure, and closing teams, while also designing all the processes they will utilize.
Amelia Kreutzberg has worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years, now serving as Wholesale Lending Client Services Manager. She manages the team that assists brokers by providing email and phone support for customers.
Kristi Kuhn is Dart Bank Wholesale’s Lending Systems Manager. She has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, and in her current position, is responsible for managing support, planning, and implementation of current and new technology to support wholesale lending processes.
Christy Smith brings over 20 years of experience to her position of Wholesale Lending Underwriting Manager. Her experience includes establishing relationships with lenders, brokers, and vendors.
“We have hired the most talented group of people to launch Dart Bank’s new Wholesale Lending division,” Hufnagel commented about the team. “Their collective knowledge and experience will help us scale quickly to accomplish our goal helping individuals and families fulfill their dreams of homeownership.”
With its new Wholesale Lending division, Dark Bank is more competitively positioned in the mortgage industry.
Founded in 1925, Dart Bank has a national reputation for innovation; it was the first bank in the nation to finance automobiles. Among its other notable achievements, Dart Bank has been named a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press and has earned the designation of Top Workplace USA for three consecutive years. Headquartered in Mason, MI, Dart Bank has 13 offices, assets totaling over $1.2 billion, and over 300 employees. For more information, visit dart.bank.
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