Nick Lofton
Phoenix
Summary
Results-driven Director of Lending Solutions with expertise in strategic planning, relationship building, and operational efficiency. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to exceed service benchmarks and implement impactful automation solutions.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Lending Solutions
New American Funding, Inc.
Santa Ana, CA
09.2022 - 05.2026
- Directed department of Encompass administrators, business systems analysts, and frontline support personnel to implement strategic initiatives.
- Fostered teamwork among diverse teams and stakeholders to improve communication and streamline project coordination using agile practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Directed quarterly major releases, ensuring alignment across all Encompass environments.
- Directed cross-functional teams to surpass service level agreement delivery benchmarks with competing timelines between multiple departments within New American Funding.
- Steered department through substantial transitions and workforce fluctuations while prioritizing long-term strategic objectives.
- Spearheaded interviewing, and hiring processes while establishing a mentoring program to enhance employee engagement.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence across all operational areas. Regularly met with compliance and legal teams to discuss trends and new compliance initiative.
- Implemented strategic automation solutions to enhance productivity and streamline operations for ordering flood Certs and fraud services.
- Oversaw transition from legacy SKD platform to Partner Connect API solution for service orders.
- Managed integration of custom vendor platforms for large loan program initiatives, ensuring effective delivery of internal HELOC, bridge, co-op lending and Spanish language disclosures.
Business System Analyst Manager
New American Funding
Tustin
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Analyzed business requirements to identify solutions and enhance operational efficiency.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Developed detailed documentation for system specifications and user requirements to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather feedback and prioritize project deliverables effectively.
- Evaluated business requirements to optimize system capabilities, emphasizing eNote and remote online notary solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement effective solutions for operational challenges.
- Mentored junior analysts, providing guidance on best practices and internal NAF systems to foster professional development.
- Implemented comprehensive quality assurance protocols for all development phases, ensuring thorough pre and post-release validations.
Business Systems Analyst
New American Funding
Tustin, CA
11.2018 - 09.2021
- Analyzed business requirements and met with stakeholders to identify Encompass system enhancements and optimize operational workflows.
- Wrote change requests based on business requirements with recommendations of updates to rules, custom input forms, integrations and services integrations
- Led user acceptance testing to validate system functionality and address any discrepancies before deployment and performed comprehensive post release validation to ensure deployment success.
- Executed integration of Encompass Partner Connet and TPO Connect services to enhance operational connectivity.
- Implemented and maintained an internal fee engine for disclosures of Lender, Title and Government fees.
Area Sales Support Manager
New American Funding
Tustin, CA
02.2015 - 11.2018
- Developed training materials for Loan Officers, Processors and Sales Assistance, fostering knowledge retention and improving service quality.
- Led remote online training calls for all new hires going over NAF Core systems and Encompass
- Implemented new CRM software features, driving efficiency in tracking leads and customer interactions.
- Delivered targeted onsite training and seminars, equipping teams in new branches and regions with essential skills and knowledge.
Branch Production Manager
Residential Pacific Mortgage
Newport Beach, CA
11.2011 - 02.2015
- Managed production schedules to ensure timely loan processing and compliance with industry regulations.
- Developed training programs for staff on best practices in production management and quality assurance processes.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced turnaround times and increased overall productivity within the team.
- Supervised branch activities and maintained adherence to compliance protocols.
- Coordinated onboarding sessions and provided comprehensive training to ensure new branch staff proficiency.
Sr. Underwriter / Processor /Senior Pricing Analyst
Bank of America
Brea, CA
10.2002 - 11.2011
- Evaluated risk and determined underwriting guidelines for complex loan applications.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance underwriting processes and reduce turnaround times.
- Mentored junior underwriters, providing training on policy changes and best practices in risk assessment.
- Implemented structured call queue to support timely resolution of 200+ daily inquiries concerning best X pricing for large wholesale division.
Education
High School Diploma -
Woodbridge H.S
Irvine, CASkills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
Timeline
Director of Lending Solutions
New American Funding, Inc.
09.2022 - 05.2026
Business System Analyst Manager
New American Funding
09.2021 - 09.2022
Business Systems Analyst
New American Funding
11.2018 - 09.2021
Area Sales Support Manager
New American Funding
02.2015 - 11.2018
Branch Production Manager
Residential Pacific Mortgage
11.2011 - 02.2015
Sr. Underwriter / Processor /Senior Pricing Analyst
Bank of America
10.2002 - 11.2011
High School Diploma -
Woodbridge H.S