Defy Mortgage Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

Defy Mortgage, a national mortgage lender offering lending solutions for borrowers with non-traditional income streams and asset types, said Tuesday it has appointed Michael Rogan as its first chief operating officer. 

Rogan will lead Defy’s effort “to modernize the mortgage industry and make purchase and refinance opportunities available to consumers that have embraced alternative assets and various ‘gig economy’ revenue,” the company said in a news release.

Rogan has expertise in mortgage, retail banking, corporate sales, and international business partnerships, with extensive knowledge of loan originations, business operations, product management, fintech, system administration, and marketing. 

Before joining Defy, he held leadership roles with mortgage industry giants, including HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase. During his nearly 30-year career in the mortgage and retail banking industry, he has managed teams generating more than $250 billion in mortgage loans. He also has experience in wealth management and retail banking.

“I am incredibly excited to join a company that is entirely focused on helping non-traditional borrowers with non-traditional income streams find a lending option that is nimble and responsive enough to meet their needs,” Rogan said. “Defy is at the forefront of a crucial transformation within the mortgage industry, and I look forward to creating the most innovative mortgage experience for borrowers that is available in the market today.”

At Defy, Rogan’s approach has allowed the company to foster collaborative, innovative partnerships that have resulted in a tech stack designed for the contemporary borrower, the company said.

“We are thrilled that Mike is part of the team,” said Todd Orlando, Defy co-founder and CEO. “With his vast knowledge of the mortgage industry — including building from the ground up, growing originations, revenue growth, and operational strategy — Mike is an ideal leader. Further, his people skills and culture building make him the perfect fit.”

Based in Nashville, Tenn., Defy Mortgage was formed in May 2022 and is licensed in five other states: Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oregon, and Texas.