FirstClose Appoints New Chief Technology Officer – NMP Skip to main content

FirstClose Appoints New Chief Technology Officer

Jun 15, 2023

Dan Kellett has more than a decade of experience as a software engineer and leading development teams.

FirstClose Inc., a fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home-equity lenders, said Wednesday  that Dan Kellett has joined the company as chief technology officer (CTO). 

Dan Kellett
Dan Kellett

Kellett has more than 10 years of experience as a software engineer and leader of development teams in SaaS [software as a service] organizations.

As CTO, Kellett will be responsible for overseeing the company's information technology and strategy spanning applications, data, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, FirstClose said.

With many lenders looking to capitalize on the nearly $28 trillion home-equity market, Kellett will play a pivotal role in delivering FirstClose's suite of solutions, including FirstClose Equity for lenders and FirstClose Gateway for settlement services providers, as well as the buildout of future solutions, the company said.

Before joining FirstClose, Kellett was head of technology and architecture at Blink UX,a research and design firm based in Seattle, where he was responsible for designing software systems, collaborating with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, and providing technical guidance to the product development teams. Previously, he served as CTO of MarcomCentral, a marketing software firm.  

"We're pleased to welcome Dan to the FirstClose team," said FirstClose CEO Tedd Smith. “His skillset and knowledge of the latest technology trends will be invaluable as we continue to innovate, grow, and expand our product suite. Dan has been charged with raising the bar on quality, scalability, performance and security and we are delighted to have him on board."

Kellett received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from San Diego State University. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and holds a certification with the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²).

"It's exciting to join FirstClose at this time of immense change, challenges and innovation in the mortgage industry," Kellett said. "FirstClose's focus on providing a true digital home equity experience makes this a unique opportunity, and by expanding the ecosystem leveraging our platforms and provider network, we'll increase our speed of adoption which will keep us at the forefront of mortgage innovation."

Based in Austin, FirstClose Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide.

About the author
David Krechevsky was an editor at NMP.
Published
Jun 15, 2023
NEXA Lands $100M Guild Team Amid $690M Recruiting Swing

The Bookspan Baker Team is moving from Guild to NEXA as the brokerage builds recruiting momentum among experienced mortgage professionals

Sep 24, 2026
Planet Adds Derek Vandlen And Honor Team In Multistate Retail Push

The 28-year mortgage veteran will lead more than two dozen producers across the Southeast, with additional markets planned

Sep 22, 2026
LoanCare Names Amy Jones Chief Information Officer

Former Wells Fargo technology executive will lead the subservicer’s digital and AI strategy

Sep 22, 2026
New American Funding Promotes Stacy Chevalier To Northwest Regional VP

Mortgage veteran will lead recruiting and expansion across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska

Sep 22, 2026
Sagent Promotes Sridhar Sharma To CEO, Names Andrew Bon Salle Chairman

The former Mr. Cooper technology chief moves into Sagent’s top job seven months after joining the mortgage-servicing fintech as president

Sep 22, 2026
Former Chase Executive Kevin Christopher Returns To Key Mortgage

The 34-year industry veteran will lead mortgage production after overseeing retail sales across 17 states for JPMorgan Chase

Sep 22, 2026