Empower Mortgage, a lender focused on expanding homeownership opportunities for first-generation American buyers, has announced the appointment of Rogelio Goertzen as its new Chief Growth Officer. Goertzen, a seasoned mortgage industry professional and founder of the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME), joins the company with a mandate to enhance its outreach and impact among underserved communities.
A member of the Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) family of brands — alongside Vetted VA — Empower Mortgage aims to remove longstanding barriers to homeownership. The company is the only wholesale lender licensed to originate loans in Puerto Rico and is also investing in technological innovation to streamline the borrowing process.
"For many first-generation Americans, homeownership represents more than just buying a house — it's a symbol of financial stability, family security, and generational progress," said Goertzen. "I joined Empower Mortgage because its mission is deeply personal to me. As a second-generation American with Mexican and German roots who has a passion for the mortgage broker community, I know how critical it is to have a lender that truly understands the unique obstacles these families face."
Goertzen will oversee efforts to grow Empower’s operations, cultivate strategic partnerships, and strengthen the brand’s position within the market. His appointment aligns with EPM’s broader strategy to drive financial inclusion through targeted leadership.
"Empower Mortgage isn't just another lender — we are a movement," said Eddy Perez, Founder & CEO of EPM. "Rogelio's leadership and vision will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to break barriers and create lasting change for America's diverse homebuyers."
The company has recently introduced "Power Up," a proprietary AI-driven underwriting platform designed to assist brokers with instant loan decisions and streamlined processes. The platform is intended to accelerate approvals and closings, particularly benefiting first-time and first-generation homebuyers.
"Bringing Rogelio onto our leadership team isn't just a strategic decision — it's a necessity," said Phil Mancuso, president, CIO, and partner of EPM. "His expertise, empathy, and deep understanding of our target market will drive us further than any investment we could dream up. Homeownership isn't just about numbers; it's about people, and Rogelio gets that. With his leadership, we're not just adapting to change —we're shaping the future of the American homebuying experience."
Kevin DeLory, Chief Lending Officer of EPM, also expressed confidence in Goertzen’s ability to lead.
"Helping sales teams reach their full potential has been my life's work, and great leadership is what takes them there," DeLory said. "Rogelio isn't just bringing operational excellence — he's bringing a level of relationship-building and cultural insight that will push this brand and the homebuying experience for first-generation buyers to new heights. I have no doubt that with his leadership, we're about to break through limits we didn't even know existed."
