AFR Adds Director Of Marketing – NMP Skip to main content

AFR Adds Director Of Marketing

Director of Events
Jan 26, 2022

American Financial Resources, Inc. named Lauren Blackburn as its director of marketing, where she will be tasked with driving the company's marketing strategy.

As director of marketing, Blackburn will also be contributing to the overall business strategy for AFR. She joins the company from First Hope Bank where she served a long tenure, most recently as assistant vice president, marketing officer where she developed and implemented annual marketing plans.

Photo of Lauren Blackburn, director of marketing, AFR.

Blackburn has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services and banking industry. Prior to serving as assistant vice president, marketing officer at First Hope Bank, Blackburn held various positions throughout her time there spanning from compliance opener to mortgage processor to operations support specialist and more, all of which enabled her to develop a deep understanding of the mortgage application and underwriting process as well as the financial services, banking, and mortgage industry overall, according to AFR.

“As an experienced marketing executive, Lauren brings a proven track record of leadership in marketing, internal and external communications, and project management,” said Richard Dubnoff, CEO of AFR. “As someone who's not only ingrained in marketing but also the mortgage industry, we will benefit greatly from Lauren's expertise and are excited for the year ahead.”

Additionally, Blackburn is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) which is the only industry-recognized certification for bank and financial marketers. As a CFMP, she holds a depth of knowledge in data and analytics, leadership, strategy, and revenue generation which AFR says will strengthen its marketing efforts and core business.

About the author
Director of Events
Navi Persaud is Director of Events at NMP.
Published
Jan 26, 2022
More from
Community
Written In The Stars: 2026 Mortgage Star Awards

The women whose vision, leadership, and influence are shaping mortgage’s future

Jul 07, 2026
PrimeLending Celebrates 40 Years In Mortgage Lending

National lender marks four decades of serving homebuyers while emphasizing its commitment to personalized guidance and technology

Jul 07, 2026
2026 Legends Of Lending

The mortgage veterans whose leadership continues to shape the next generation

Jun 04, 2026
Women Of Tech 2026: Code That Closes

The innovators behind the tech making loans faster, smoother, and more accessible

May 19, 2026
Leading LOs 2026: Delivering In A Demanding Market

The originators who kept deals moving and pipelines producing in a market that tested everyone

Apr 17, 2026
Women Of Inspiration 2026: Voices That Move Markets

Turning relationships into results — and momentum into impact

Mar 26, 2026