CrossCountry Creates Affordable Housing Role, Names New CRO

CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), the nation's third largest retail mortgage lender, announced Tuesday that it has created a new role focused on expanding affordable housing options, while also promoting a top producer to its executive team.

CCM appointed Jayma Banks as its new senior vice president of housing initiatives. In this new position, Banks will focus on community products, including CCM Community Promise, CCM Smart Start, and other down payment assistance programs. 

Banks is a 21-year mortgage industry veteran who has held various leadership positions at Freddie Mac, most recently as a single-family sales & relationship manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the University of Maryland University College. 

“There is a dire need for affordable housing in underserved communities,” Banks said. “I’m looking forward to using this new opportunity to focus on making homeownership dreams attainable to those who need it most, advancing greater equity in America's housing system."

CCM Founder and CEO Ron Leonhardt Jr. said CCM created the SVP of housing initiatives position “because we identified a need in underserved communities. Jayma’s unparalleled level of expertise combined with her exceptional relationships will allow us to focus on these communities to really make a difference.”

CCM also announced that Glen Lemeshev has joined its executive leadership as chief revenue officer. In his new role, he will focus on financial planning, product development, and strategic partnerships. He has worked at CCM for six years as a senior vice president and as a branch manager overseeing a team of 40. He has been in the mortgage industry for over 15 years.

Lemeshev said, “I’m excited to join the executive team and continue to bring in the voice of the branches to make our organization even more successful while providing exceptional services to our borrowers and partners.” 

“As we continue to grow, we’re strengthening our team and reaching out to the communities we serve,” said Leonhardt. “Over the past several years, Glen has been instrumental in providing the voice of the field, which has led to many improvements in operations and support for the branches.”

Based in Cleveland, CrossCountry Mortgage has more than 7,000 employees operating nearly 600 branches across all 50 states.