PROVIDENCE, R.I. (February 17, 2021) – The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association (RIMBA) is pleased to announce that Al Grant, Senior Vice President with Washington Trust Company, has been named President of the organization beginning in 2021. Additionally, RIMBA added three new members to its experienced Board of Directors: Christopher Lee, Samia DeMarco, and Ben Pettit.
Al Grant, a Senior Vice President with The Washington Trust Company is a 37-year veteran of mortgage lending. He has been on the board of RIMBA for 8 years and helped to establish and maintain their “Future of Rhode Island” scholarship fund.
“My goal for my term as president is simply to carry on the great legacy of accomplishment that has preceded my tenure,” stated Grant. “There may be no finer example of the association’s work than our latest collaboration with CCRI and the Principles of Mortgage Lending program; this program is putting Rhode Islanders to work and helping to fulfill our mission to promote and sustain responsible lending in Rhode Island.”
RIMBA also welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors. They are:
- Christopher Lee (VP Residential Lending-Business Analysis & Adoption for Envision Bank) has over 17 years of mortgage banking experience. In his current position, he is responsible for special projects within the Residential Lending Division to improve process efficiency and customer experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management Operations from Rhode Island College, and maintains his FHA Direct Endorsed Underwriter designation. Chris is a member of RIMBA’s Education Committee.
- Samia DeMarco (National Sales Manager at Birchwood Credit Services, Inc.) was a recipient of the RIMBA Rising Star Award in 2019, and she was named one of National Mortgage Professional Magazines 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40. She currently holds two additional board seats within the New England MBAs, including serving as President in New Hampshire. Samia is a member of RIMBA’s Women in Mortgage Banking, Young Mortgage Professionals, and Membership Committees.
- Ben Pettit (Vice President of Corporate and Legal Affairs for Equity National Title and Closing Services, Inc.) oversees corporate compliance with industry laws, rules and regulations. He establishes company-wide policies to ensure compliance, and he leads the company’s risk department, serving as the ultimate escalation point for all areas of business and enterprise risk. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UMASS Amherst and received his law degree from Roger Williams School of Law. Ben is a member of the RI, MA and OK state bars and holds producer licenses in 29 states. Currently, Ben is a member of RIMBA’s Legislative Committee.
About Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association
The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association is dedicated to promoting and sustaining responsible home lending in Rhode Island. The mortgage association has over 90 corporate members, which represent thousands of mortgage lenders throughout the state who help businesses and people secure mortgages. As part of its overarching plan to create a better housing market, RIMBA regularly promotes educational initiatives, addresses legislative challenges, and strives to cultivate membership growth. For more information about RIMBA, visit: rimba.org.
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