Meet Homestead Funding's New Director of Business Strategy

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Michelle Raymond! Michelle is joining our team in a brand-new role as Director of Business Strategy. Michelle brings with her a wealth of experience in executive leadership, particularly in the realm of mortgage banking and residential real estate.

Dave Stagnitti, Vice President of Retail Sales, expressed his enthusiasm about Michelle's extensive resume, stating, "We are very excited to have someone with Michelle's diverse mortgage banking experience and residential real estate background join the Homestead team as we continue to execute our growth strategy."

Previously, Michelle served as the President of Home Funding Finders Inc, where she seamlessly managed daily operations and staff across multiple locations. Her leadership was instrumental in facilitating the company's transition to State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU). Following this transition, Michelle assumed the role of Senior Vice President at SEFCU Mortgage Services, overseeing the integration of all operational aspects and business-related matters during the acquisition process.

In her most recent role as Administrative Vice President at Trustco Bank, Michelle spearheaded the establishment of secondary market residential lending. She led her team in authoring policies and procedures to ensure compliance with agency guidelines, launched operational areas crucial to the mortgage banking process, and obtained FHA and VA approval within an impressive six-months of the departments inception.

Our Senior Vice President of Operations, Jane Borbee, a longtime friend of Michelle’s, shared “Michelle and I have been trying to work together for the last fifteen years. I couldn’t be happier that she is now part of our Homestead team.” Additionally, our President and CEO, Mike Rutherford, expressed “I’m excited with the growth that Homestead has already experienced, but with Michelle as our new Director of Business Strategy, I know we are going to take that growth to the next level. Michelle has an impressive resume, and I can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish together.”

With Michelle's addition, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will have on Homestead Funding as we grow our strategic objectives. Welcome aboard, Michelle!