Elizabeth Meza
Costa Mesa
Summary
Accomplished Mortgage Compliance and Licensing Director with over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Expertise in Mortgage Licensing, Fair Lending, and Risk Assessment, providing comprehensive research and strategic guidance on federal and state regulations. Proven ability to ensure Mortgage Compliance Assurance through effective implementation of lending laws, meticulous loan testing, and robust quality control management. Recognized for commitment to fostering regulatory adherence while enhancing operational efficiency and risk mitigation.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Mortgage Compliance - Licensing Managing Director
Optimum First Inc
04.2023 - Current
- In my role as the Mortgage Compliance Director at Optimum, I am responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the company's mortgage compliance programs.
- This involves ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations through the creation of policies, conducting risk assessments, performing audits, providing staff training, and preparing regulatory reports.
- I also serve as a vital link between leadership and regulatory agencies to reduce legal risks and foster ethical lending practices.
- I am responsible for preparing and submitting XML reports in NMLS (call reports) and to state regulators for quarterly reporting.
- I ensure that compliance requirements are met and that all reports are submitted in a timely manner.
- I also obtain and maintain Corporate Licensing, leveraging my extensive experience with company licensing needs and the sales team.
- As the head of the Licensing Department, I am well-versed in the practices and procedures within the Mortgage licensing sector.
- I serve as the NMLS Administrator.
- I have researched and assessed state and federal laws, as well as federal and state guidelines, rules, and regulations for RESPA, TILA, HMDA, DFPI, and CFPB Investor requirements, along with government (FHA, VA, and USDA) requirements.
- I have contributed to enhancing business practices and provided counsel and guidance to Senior Management on business risk assessments.
- I support the Marketing Team and assist with marketing compliance by reviewing marketing materials and providing feedback, and I'm responsible for monitoring Social Media activity for both Individuals & Company.
- I served as the primary point of contact for Compliance with agencies and investors, ensuring the accuracy of information related to regulations in risk assessment tools while promoting consistency in controls.
- I oversee and manage the company's LEI-GMEIU account.
- I drafted and researched policies and procedures with compliance implications, including the updating or introduction of necessary forms and disclosures.
- I monitored and ensured the implementation of operational changes required to comply with Agency and regulatory updates.
- I possess a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to mortgage compliance.
- I managed investor relations and warehouse lines, which included completing applications for investor approval and fulfilling annual certification-specific requirements, as well as serving as the head of the Trailing Docs Department and QC.
- I'm the Comergence Administrator.
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)/Licensing Director
Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation (HMAC)
01.2021 - 04.2023
- I held the position of a senior executive tasked with supervising and managing all aspects of regulatory and ethical compliance within the mortgage operations of the organization.
- My responsibilities included ensuring that the company complies with applicable laws and safeguarding it against potential legal, financial, and reputational risks.
- In my role as the Licensing Director at HMAC, I was responsible for establishing a strategic vision for licensing, managing agreements, ensuring adherence to legal requirements, and increasing revenue through partnerships.
- I oversaw teams tasked with MLO Licensing, brand protection, financial analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with various Branches.
- My responsibilities included developing strategies, maintaining relationships with Investors and agencies, and my mission was to foster business growth while ensuring operational excellence in the acquisition or renewal of licenses.
- Developed and implemented compliance policies to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
- Conducted audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate compliance considerations into business processes.
- Trained staff on compliance protocols, fostering a culture of accountability and ethical behavior.
- Monitored industry regulations and trends to inform strategic compliance initiatives and updates.
- Established reporting frameworks for tracking compliance metrics and outcomes across the organization.
- Advocated for continuous improvement in compliance practices through data-driven analysis and feedback mechanisms.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with legal counsel on matters related to enforcement actions, litigation, or settlement negotiations, protecting company interests.
- Managed a high-performing team of Mortgage License professionals, setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support for career growth.
- Led successful audits and examinations, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Ensured timely completion of all regulatory filings, maintaining a strong reputation with governing bodies.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising, and new product development.
Executive Compliance Manager
Secure One Capital
01.2016 - 01.2021
Compliance Officer
OGI Mortgage Bankers
01.2010 - 01.2016
QC Senior Executive/Compliance Manager
Wells Fargo, Mortgage
01.2001 - 01.2010
Compliance Officer
Countrywide Home Loans
01.1999 - 01.2001
Compliance Risk Assessor
Freedom Direct Lending Group
01.1993 - 01.1999
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Fundamentals and Business Applications
University of Phoenix
Costa Mesa, CA06.1997
Skills
- Mortgage licensing and Examinations
- HMDA compliance
- Trailing Docs Management
- Monitoring changes in state and federal laws
- Encompass, ARIVE and Lending Path
- NMLS and SES
- FHA Connections LEAP, and VA WEBLGY hub
- DocMagic, MERS, Comergence
- Advertising compliance oversight
- Oversight of consumer issue handling
- Warehouse Bank applications and Renewals
- Policy development and implementation
Accomplishments
- NAMU CMCO Certification- Mortgage Compliance Officer
- Compliance Training for Mortgage Lending
- Regulatory Compliance for Loan Origination
- Dodd-Frank Rollback- New Rules Defined
- Mortgage Fraud Audits Course
- Quality Control of Mortgage Lending Course
- Detecting Mortgage Fraud Course
- Compliance Management System Training Program
- Mortgage Licensing Management Training Program
Timeline
Mortgage Compliance - Licensing Managing Director
Optimum First Inc
04.2023 - Current
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)/Licensing Director
Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation (HMAC)
01.2021 - 04.2023
Executive Compliance Manager
Secure One Capital
01.2016 - 01.2021
Compliance Officer
OGI Mortgage Bankers
01.2010 - 01.2016
QC Senior Executive/Compliance Manager
Wells Fargo, Mortgage
01.2001 - 01.2010
Compliance Officer
Countrywide Home Loans
01.1999 - 01.2001
Compliance Risk Assessor
Freedom Direct Lending Group
01.1993 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Business Fundamentals and Business Applications
University of Phoenix