Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) has elevated Anjanette Valenta to chief people officer, marking a swift rise for the human resources executive who joined the Atlanta-based lender just one year ago. The promotion reflects the company’s emphasis on strengthening its workforce strategy and culture at a time when talent retention and organizational leadership remain pivotal across the mortgage industry.
“Anjanette’s leadership has been transformational in a very short period of time,” said Eddy Perez Jr., chief executive officer of EPM. “She has elevated our people strategy, strengthened our culture, and built programs that ensure EPM continues to be a place where professionals thrive. Promoting her to Chief People Officer is both a recognition of what she has achieved and a commitment to the future we are building together.”
Since arriving at EPM in September 2024, Ms. Valenta has drawn on more than two decades of experience in human resources to redesign the company’s infrastructure for scalability, bolster talent acquisition strategies, and roll out leadership development and total rewards programs. Her efforts have, according to the company, played a critical role in advancing a culture of empowerment and aligning with EPM’s mission to “preserve, protect, and promote The American Gift.”
Christopher Gordon, EPM’s chief operating officer, echoed those sentiments. “Over the past year, Anjanette has been an amazing addition to EPM,” he said. “She approaches every challenge with a strategic mindset and a deep care for people. Her promotion to Chief People Officer is well deserved, and I have no doubt she will continue to raise the bar for what great people leadership looks like at EPM.”
Ms. Valenta’s career has spanned leadership roles across both public and private enterprises. She previously served as senior vice president of human resources at Banc of California and has advised a range of financial services companies on organizational strategy. She also built a consulting practice, guiding emerging firms through periods of rapid growth, transformation, and regulatory complexity.
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Ms. Valenta holds a B.A. in psychology and social behavior with a minor in management. She also completed executive education in “Leading Change and Organizational Renewal” at Stanford University.
Beyond her credentials, Ms. Valenta has been recognized for her commitment to leadership development and cultural advocacy. “I am honored to step into the role of Chief People Officer at EPM,” she said in a statement. “In just one year, I’ve seen how powerful this organization’s mission is, and I am excited to continue building a culture where people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to give their very best.”
Equity Prime Mortgage, founded in 2008, positions itself as a purpose-driven mortgage company focused on expanding access to homeownership. Working with brokers and community partners across the country, EPM prioritizes first-time buyers, veterans, and underserved communities, reflecting what it describes as its commitment to ensuring that “The American Gift should belong to everyone.”
