Nations Lending has promoted longtime executive Eric Roman to president and Cindy Baird to chief operating officer, reshuffling its senior leadership team as the Ohio-based lender focuses on growth and operational efficiency.
Roman, who previously served as COO, was among the company's original nine employees when it was founded in 2003. Baird, who joined Nations Lending in 2022, moves into the COO position after serving as executive vice president of national operations.
The appointments also mark a change in responsibilities for co-founder Bill Osborne, who was previously listed as president and is now identified as co-founder and executive director on the company's leadership page. Co-founder Jeremy Sopko remains CEO.
“Eric and Cindy understand what makes Nations Lending special: our people and the commitment we make to support them,” Sopko said in announcing the promotions. “They know our business, they understand the challenges our teams face, and they lead with accountability. These promotions recognize the confidence we have in their leadership and the important roles they will play in our future.”
Roman brings more than 25 years of lending industry experience to his new position. As COO, he oversaw daily operations and performance while helping execute the company's strategic initiatives. As president, he will take on a broader role in corporate strategy, organizational alignment, and long-term growth.
A former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Roman has spent more than two decades helping build Nations Lending from its beginnings in northeast Ohio into a national lender.
“I’ve had the privilege of helping build Nations Lending from its earliest days,” Roman said. “What has always mattered most is creating a company where people have the support, trust and opportunity to do meaningful work. I’m proud to step into this role and continue building on that foundation alongside an exceptional team.”
Baird's promotion places her in charge of operational execution across the organization, including improving coordination among departments and strengthening support for branches and loan officers.
Before joining Nations Lending, Baird held senior operations leadership positions in the mortgage industry, including executive vice president of national operations at Homeowners Financial Group USA.
“Strong operations give our teams the confidence to deliver for borrowers,” Baird said. “My focus is on making it easier for our people to do their jobs well through clear communication, practical processes and dependable support. I’m excited to build on the work we’re doing and help Nations Lending continue to grow with purpose.”
The leadership changes separate responsibility for broader corporate strategy from the day-to-day operational execution that Roman previously oversaw as COO. Baird's appointment also puts an executive already familiar with the company's national operations in charge of that function.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Independence, Ohio, Nations Lending is a privately held residential mortgage lender offering home financing through its national lending operations.
