As champions for the private lending industry’s reputation and growth, it’s crucial to recognize those who look beyond the bounds of their own businesses to help our mission.
2026 Excellence Awards Voting
Public voting is open September 8-30, 2026. You do not need to be a member of AAPL to vote. Recipients will be announced at our 17th Annual Conference.
Member of the Year and Rising Star are decided by popular vote, while Community Impact nominees are evaluated by AAPL.
About Your 2026 Awards Nominees
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Megan Castleton, Constructive Capital“Megan Castleton is a standout industry leader whose expertise and dedication make her highly deserving of AAPL’s Member of the Year recognition. Throughout her 30-plus-year career, she has helped shape lending operations, underwriting systems, and risk management practices—enabling organizations to grow responsibly and efficiently. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Megan actively contributes to the industry through her work on AAPL’s Fraud Steering Committee, AAPL Private Course certification classes, educational speaking engagements, WIPL leadership, and direct support of clients. Her commitment to collaboration, innovation, education, and advancing best practices continues to make a meaningful impact across the private lending community.” — Greg Hohnstein, Constructive Capital |
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Charles Farnsworth, 1892 Capital Partners“I have known Charlie for years (I mean, who hasn’t?), and in all of those years, he has always been the same: honest, ethical, and a brilliant SME in our industry. Not only does he look for every way to help and bring clients to successful funding, he is also the first person to say a deal won’t work in its present form, but here is another solution that could be a winner for the client while still funding quality loans for his company. Charlie is exactly the kind of guy we should aim to be more like. Thank you, Charlie, for years of great business and quality advice.” — Scott Ward, Think Realty |
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Jo Jones, Bric“I would like to nominate Jo Jones for Member of the Year! Working with her is truly inspiring. Her passion, drive, and determination stand out in everything she does. With over 25 years of experience in private lending, she is not only an outstanding businesswoman but also a thoughtful listener who understands her clients’ needs and serves them with transparency and integrity. Jo is generous with her knowledge, an excellent mentor, and always willing to share what she has learned. Most importantly, she believes in people and gives opportunities to those she sees potential in!” — Nicole Gianoli, Bric Collective |
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Penny Roach, Trinity Real Estate Solutions“Penny has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing the construction and fix-and-flip industry through deep industry expertise, innovative solutions, and a relentless commitment to client success. She has focused on identifying new ways to solve complex challenges, improve processes, and deliver meaningful value to private lenders and their clients. She leads with collaboration, accountability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to taking care of clients—building trusted relationships and helping them navigate an evolving industry. Her combination of deep experience, passion for the industry, exceptional leadership, and unwavering client focus makes her a highly deserving recipient of this award.” — Kristi Douglass, Trinity Real Estate Solutions |
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Alex Kaddah, Liquid Logics“Since joining Liquid Logics and rising to the COO responsibilities, Alex has demonstrated a rare ability to combine technology, people, and team leadership to elevate not only his company but the industry as a whole. Beyond technology, Alex has helped build an effective marketplace facilitating loan flow or tape sales, and capital funding, connecting correspondent lenders and brokers to blue-chip institutional partners and new sources of capital. More importantly, he has shown an exceptional ability to translate vision into a practical, functioning marketplace that creates a more seamless flow of loans and capital throughout the private lending ecosystem. By bringing together origination technology, secondary-market execution, and institutional funding, he is helping unify areas of the industry that have traditionally operated in fragmented silos. “What distinguishes Alex is not simply his ability to identify emerging opportunities, but his ability to turn those opportunities into practical solutions with immediate and measurable industry impact. By combining innovative technology with direct access to capital, he is helping redefine how private lenders originate, fund, sell, and scale their businesses. “Alex represents exactly what a Rising Star should be: a forward-thinking leader with the vision to see what is possible, the leadership to bring people together, and the ability to execute ideas that create meaningful and lasting change across the private lending industry.” — Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics |
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Bryan Kester, Sitewire“Bryan Kester, CEO of construction oversight platform Sitewire, has grown considerably and is the only private lending technology company in the Housingwire Tech 100. Under his leadership, Sitewire has scaled its virtual inspection service and draw management software to help 200+ lenders safeguard $4 Billion in rehab, ground up and multifamily projects in 2026. And lenders on Sitewire grew 12% while most lenders saw flat or negative growth.
“Beyond scaling his business, Bryan has championed the industry, using Sitewire’s unique analytics to advocate for real estate investors and their lenders against misguided legislation.” — Layla Van Buren, The MicDrop Agency
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Melissa Martorella, Fortra Law“I am honored to nominate Melissa Martorella for the Rising Star Award. I have had the privilege of working alongside Melissa for the past 11 years and have had a front-row seat to her incredible professional growth and leadership. “Over the past year, Melissa has taken on a highly hands-on role managing the firm and overseeing the day-to-day operations at Fortra Law. She leads with confidence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to both our team and our clients. Her passion for the private lending industry, our firm, and the people we serve is evident in everything she does. Melissa consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our organization while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and supportive culture. “What sets Melissa apart is her relentless drive to improve—not only those around her, but herself as well. She challenges her team to reach their full potential while continually setting ambitious personal goals. This past year, she completed her first full marathon, competed in several HYROX competitions, and has embraced new hobbies like golf. Whether she’s leading initiatives at work or pursuing personal growth outside the office, Melissa approaches every challenge with determination, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. “Melissa is an exceptional leader, role model, and teammate whose dedication inspires everyone around her. I can think of no one more deserving of the Rising Star Award, and I am proud to nominate her for this well-earned recognition.” — Ruby Boulanger, Fortra Law |
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Alex Mora, Merchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation“Alex has built his career in private lending around a clear mission: opening doors in real estate investing for the Latino & Hispanic community. He has become a trusted voice throughout Portland and Seattle since entering the industry in 2022, mentoring Latino & Hispanic entrepreneurs and drawing on his own journey as an investor since 2019. His involvement with NAHREP and his speaking engagements center on lifting up Latino & Hispanic investment opportunities in an industry where they’re too often underrepresented. His personal loan production has grown nearly 150% YOY—a reflection of his dedication and the community he’s built.” — Lauren Lorey, Merchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation |
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Brando Tessar, CV3 Financial Services“Brando Tessar’s promotion this year to Senior Vice President after only five years in private lending reflects an uncommon combination of talent, intensity, and selfless leadership. He has led his team beyond $1.2 billion and personally surpassed $250 million in three years, yet his greatest impact is how he elevates others. Brando treats every loan as his only loan and every teammate’s challenge as his own—mastering systems, restructuring complex deals, building training tools, and relentlessly advocating for clients and colleagues. He raises the standard around him, making him not only a rising star, but a force shaping the future of private lending.” — Gina Comeaux, CV3 Financial Services |
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Ashley Winter, Build Check Pro“Ashley made the bold transition from lender to vendor to help build Build Check Pro around the real challenges she experienced firsthand in construction lending. In just over a year, she has helped grow BCP from an idea into a platform gaining strong recognition from lenders for its ease of use, transparency, and ability to simplify the construction draw process. Her industry knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to creating a better experience for lenders and borrowers make her an excellent candidate for AAPL’s Rising Star Award.” — Leonardo Benatar, Build Check Pro |
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Briana Malkoon, Cardinal Capital Group“After facing frightening medical challenges with her own daughter, Briana Malkoon saw firsthand what children’s hospitals mean to families in their hardest moments. She turned that experience into action by launching Cardinal Cares, the charitable arm of Cardinal Capital Group, and rallying her company, partners, and community around families facing similar challenges. In less than a year, Cardinal Cares has raised more than $250,000 for Boston Children’s Hospital and Connecticut Children’s. Briana has transformed a deeply personal experience into meaningful action, creating a culture of giving that inspires others to show up, get involved, and make a lasting impact.” — Nina Gozzi, Cardinal Capital Group |
More On Our Award Process
Past Recipients
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2025: Nick Wilson, Legacy Group Capital“A longtime employee and the vice president of business purpose lending at Legacy Group Capital, Nick shares his institutional knowledge and vision by leading a team focused on improving every aspect of the business. His determination resulted in his team funding 72% of its total Q1 2024 production within the first month of 2025.” – Melissa Hartman, Legacy Group Capital |
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2024: Jennifer Walton, Servicing Pros“Jennifer Walton exemplifies excellence in many ways, specifically her vast knowledge of our industry standards and best practices at both high and detailed levels. She is able to execute corporate goals down to a simple task with the same energy and precision. Her commitment and work ethic—to herself, her company, her clients, and our industry are admirable. For these reasons, Jennifer would be an ideal recipient of this award.” – Robin Aldridge, Trilion Capital |
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2023: Ben Fertig, Constructive Capital“Ben is an A+ leader who has demonstrated deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and growing the industry.” |
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2022: Carrie Cook, Ignite Funding“For the past 15 years as president, Carrie has not only led Ignite Funding to be one of the most reliable private lenders in the Western U.S., but also a sponsor that private investors depend on. Ms. Cook’s philosophy that everything should be handled in-house is why Ignite Funding has never missed a funding deadline, providing borrowers with timely financing, and why investors know they are working with an organization that stands behind their investment.” – Stephanie Fryar, Ignite Funding |
Prior to 2022, Member of the Year was split into 2 categories: Lender and Service Provider.
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2021 Lender: William Tessar, Civic Financial ServicesI nominate Bill Tessar, president of Civic FS. Bill has an abundant knowledge in the mortgage industry, specifically in private money lending. He has communicated with transparency and empathy through the pandemic to the benefit of all industry personnel. He has provided education, guidance, resources for all. I believe he exemplifies the AAPL mission. – Kendra Rommel, Civic Financial Services |
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2021 Service Provider: Joseph Fooks, Mortgage AutomatorJoseph co-founded Mortgage Automator in 2019, spurred on by his 16-yearlong career as a private lender. Since then, Automator has been helping hundreds of private lenders to streamline, automate, and grow their businesses. Thanks to the company’s continuous innovation and stellar customer support, more than $10 billion worth of loans have been funded through the system, with more than 100,000 auto-generated documents that have saved mortgage professionals thousands of hours of precious time. With new developments, partnerships, and exponential growth, Joseph continues to advance the vision of Mortgage Automator, bringing the disrupting leading-edge technology to private lending, an industry long overdue for a shake-up.– Tatiana Caciur, Mortgage Automator |
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2020 Lender: John Beacham, Toorak Capital Partners“John Beacham, Founder and CEO of Toorak Capital Partners is a recognized industry leader who has participated in AAPL webinars and its in-person events. John’s contributions to the industry have had a long-lasting impact. At Toorak, he established a standardized set of underwriting guidelines and credit criteria which have been adopted by much of the industry. This framework and insight improved and institutionalized credit standards industry-wide.” – Emily Meringolo, Stanton Public Relations & Marketing |
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2020 Service Provider: Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics“Sam’s dedication to providing education and helping others make connections has placed him in the eyes of his peers as a leader in this industry. His contribution to this industry has not only provided innovated insight but he has also shown in-depth knowledge and best practices that will be utilized for years to come.” – Brigette Havard, Liquid Logics |
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2019 Lender: Chris Ragland, Noble Capital“This year, more than ever, I have seen AAPL succeed in getting its message out. Though credit is due to the effectiveness of its leadership, this year Chris has been one of those unique variables that has propelled AAPL’s value to its members, brand awareness and overall significance.” – Romney Navarro, Noble Capital |
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2019 Service Provider: Michael Tedesco, Appraisal Nation“Michael brings a passion and expertise that is contagious. He’s at the forefront of what’s going on in the industry, bringing his one-step-ahead insight to his clients and colleagues and providing a much-needed service to private lenders and their business processes.” – Valley Matlaga, Appraisal Nation |
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2025: Benn Jackson, Constructive Capital“Benn earned a promotion to Vice President of Wholesale Lending mid-2024 by leading his team of eight to drive significant originations growth. He also represents Constructive Capital at industry events, including speaking on panels and podcasts, while still making time for philanthropic activities throughout the year. Benn’s contributions continue to increase; a true Rising Star!” – Greg Hohnstein, Constructive Capital |
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2024: Ken Jacobson, CV3 Financial Services“Ken’s ability to champion CV3’s capital markets division and earn the confidence of the secondary markets was vital to the company’s successful launch in 2023. His tenacity, dependability, and integrity have enabled CV3 to execute its capital and liquidity strategy to scale the company beyond expectations. “Today, Ken is responsible for day-to-day pricing of a more than $300 million pipeline while managing daily financing, loan sales, and aggregation of CV3’s entire loan volume. His deep-rooted relationships and expertise in secondary markets for business purpose loans as well as his extensive experience in securitization financing position Ken as an inspirational leader who brings tremendous value both to the company and the industry at large.” – Elizabeth Hillestad, CV3 Financial Services |
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2023: Wade LaRouche, Housemax Funding“Wade is the epitome of hard work and the old school hustle culture. He’s one of the top originators in the country for a reason: he outworks everyone.” – Doug Roberts, HouseMax Funding |
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2022: Jack Helfrich, CIVIC Financial Services“Jack’s star has been rising since he launched his career as one of the five original founders of CIVIC eight years ago. To say that Jack cares about his team, his customers and the private lending industry is an understatement. Jack is the human equivalent of a golden retriever… loyal, kind, and lots of fun, creating a contagiously positive impact wherever he goes – there’s just no stopping this Rising Star!” – Elizabeth Hillestad, Civic Financial Services |
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2021: Doug Roberts, HouseMaxDoug has gone from supervising loan officers to becoming a strategic partner and CRO of HouseMax, which is one of the top private lenders in the country. The company has achieved that status due in no small part to Doug’s leadership. He’s one of the true industry stars. – Ray Sturm, AlphaFlow |
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2020: Ben Shaevitz, Civic Financial Services“Ben Shaevitz, SVP of Wholesale Lending, took over CIVIC’s wholesale channel on February 1, 2020. Ben has played a major role in growing the company’s presence and partnerships in the private lending space. In just over 6 months, he has led the company to achieve over $60.7 million in first-time fundings for new broker partners. He has also onboarded 676 new brokers in this short time — personally welcoming each new partner to ensure their path to success with CIVIC.” – William Tessar, Civic Financial Services |
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2019: Jacob Therrien, Bridge Loan Network“Jacob has been a major factor in the company’s expansion and evolution in the private lending space this year – Bridge Loan Network now has 251 active lenders and close to 2,000 active brokers. He’s worked diligently to ensure users understand everything the platform has to offer.” – Erica Sikoski, RCN Capital |
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2025: Bill Tessar, CV3 Financial Services“In the wake of the devastating California Wildfires of January 2025, Bill mobilized the private lending community with urgency, compassion, and unity. He spearheaded the CV3 Cares Wildfire Relief Fund, raising nearly $90,000 for organizations on the front lines: Pasadena Humane (shelter and care for displaced pets), Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club (stability and safe spaces for youth), and the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation (educational and mental health resources for students). |
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2024: Scott Ward, Thee Network“Scott has been the most helpful, informative, knowledgeable, and transparent person I have ever communicated with in the private lending industry. Scott has been so valuable to me and my colleagues by offering education, resources, and connections. I have been fortunate to know him, and I hope everyone has a chance to meet and even work with Scott. He’s not only knowledgeable but also fun to work with.” – Sylvia Barrios, Ca DRE Mortgage Broker “Scott has distinguished himself through his exceptional ability to bring people in the industry together and connect them with the right companies. His expertise in linking brokers with funds and capital resources has been invaluable in getting loans approved and finalized efficiently. Scott is always ready to offer helpful information and support, ensuring brokers have access to the funding companies they need. His honesty, trustworthiness, and extensive industry knowledge make him the go-to person for anyone seeking guidance and connections in the mortgage sector. We look at Scott as the guy to know in the industry, and his remarkable efforts have significantly enhanced the professional landscape for many. His dedication to fostering collaboration and sharing resources truly sets him apart.” – Dru Barrios, Coast Life Capital |
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2023: Lisa Alberti, Ruby Boulanger, Karey Geddes, and Kristina Sawyer; Women in Private Lending“The Women in Private Lending Group has done an exceptional job at elevating female professionals to be seen, heard, and valued! WIPL has truly raised the bar, creating a platform for women to come together to network, inspire each other, collaborate, and solve issues. While the four founders hail from different companies and disciplines, together they built a much-needed and much-appreciated addition to the private lending industry.” |
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2022: Alexandria Breshears, Lend2Live“During the pandemic Alex started a Facebook group for private lenders, now numbering 7,000+ members, that has brought the community together through her leadership and live educational training from industry experts. The sense of community she has brought to a fragmented industry allows for an exchange of best practices that focuses on inclusiveness regardless of experience level. This year, Alex, along with her co-author Beth Johnson, became a published author, teaching readers how to manage each step of the loan cycle. It is precisely for her community impact that I nominate Alex Breshears for the aptly-named Community Impact Award.” – Mike Seidl, Cedar Oak REI |
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2022: Jeffrey Tesch, RCN Capital“The entire RCN Capital Team, led by Jeffrey Tesch, have taken great pride in giving back to their local communities. RCN Capital has provided tremendous support to their local Children’s Hospital through sponsoring the hospital’s Superhero Day with CT Children’s and supporting their Amazon wish-list by hosting companywide toy drives. It is inspiring to watch RCN give back to their community, both in Connecticut and in their satellite offices through food drives, back to school supply collections, and more.” – Erica Sikoski, Bridge Loan Network |
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2021: Raul Avila, The Avfund GroupIt is an honor to nominate Raul Avila, president of The Avfund Group for the 2021 AAPL Community Impact award. Raul specializes in fix-and-flip funding and in rehabbing blight properties in underserved communities. I have witnessed Raul’s entrepreneurial leadership and community spirit. He serves as a board member on many nonprofit groups with commitment, dedication, passion, and impact. Raul recently established his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit named Avfund Family Foundation. His community advocate volunteerism over the decades has positively contributed to the livelihood of many underserved families attaining the American dream of homeownership. Raúl is a strong advocate of empowering youth and individuals in the community to expand their knowledge and take action on social issues. – Liz Soto, The Avfund Group |
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2020: Nema Daghbandan, Fortra LawIn a year of uncertainty and change, Nema has remained dedicated to providing timely updates on legislation crafted to harm private lenders, including attempts to prevent foreclosures, require forbearances, and otherwise prevent private lenders from enforcing their rights. Nema has worked with AAPL to craft the industry standard forbearance request template, and has provided countless webinars, panels, and learning opportunities for members. – Kevin Kim, Fortra Law |
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2019: Nathan Shinder, PeerStreet“Nathan led the charge in opening up a new loan product that has a direct impact on borrowers’ ability to purchase and make more properties available for rent. The widespread impact in communities is palpable.” – Rebekah Jack, PeerStreet |
