POLICY & COMPLIANCE TRACK: Hot Topics Roundtable (Closed to Media)

Regulatory Specialist, Mortgage Bankers Association

Gabriel Acosta is the Regulatory Specialist in the Residential Public Policy and Industry Relations department at the Mortgage Bankers Association. Gabriel works with the team to analyze agency actions and legislation in areas related to origination, servicing, and data protection. Gabriel also works with member committees to provide guidance to members on the changing regulatory landscape. Before the Mortgage Bankers Association, Gabriel previously worked in Congress on criminal justice and immigration issues. Gabriel is a recent graduate from the Georgetown University Law Center and was a student at Georgetown’s Federal Legislation Clinic.

President & COO, MSI

Kellie embarked on a career in property preservation in 2001, devoted to investor compliance and preservation of properties. Under the mentorship of a great leader, ascended the ranks, honing expertise and fostering innovation in mortgage field services. In June of 2022, Kellie joined MSI as the Executive Vice President, entrusted with the strategic oversight of Inspections, Preservation, Repairs, and Vendor Management. Recognized as an authority in the field, Kellie actively participated in HUD MBA working groups, active participant at industry conferences as a panelist, sharing expertise on critical issues. Kellie’s current passion is championing the cause of proper maintenance and renovation of vacant properties to help ensure homeownership remains accessible and affordable.

Chief Executive Officer, Claims Recovery Financial Services (CRFS)

Jodi Gaines is a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry, currently holding the position of CEO of CRFS. Jodi’s journey in the mortgage industry began as claims clerk at Anchor Mortgage, showcasing her commitment and work ethic. Over the years, she steadily ascended the management ranks, accumulating valuable insights and expertise. In 2002, Jodi’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to help establish Claims Recovery Financial Services “CRFS” at her kitchen table. Under her leadership, CRFS flourished into a thriving enterprise with over 600 employees. In 2019 Jodi transitioned to join Insight One until March of 2024, when she returned to CRFS. Jodi is also the President of Orleans of United Way & Secretary of the Finance Committee for Holy Family Parish.

Managing Director, Stretto

Leveraging substantive legal, bankruptcy, and technology expertise, Joe Smith serves as Managing Director of Stretto. Early in his career, he co-founded and served as CEO for Default Mitigation Management, LLC (DMM), and was instrumental in positioning the company for acquisition by Stretto. Alongside his DMM role, Joe was Senior Executive Vice President of Consumer Financial Services and Mortgage Subserving at Provident Bank for 25 years. At Stretto, Smith leads a multi-disciplinary team of internal industry experts and technologists to enhance the DMM Portal to meet stakeholders’ evolving needs, including the diverse challenges facing both Attorneys and loan servicers. Gleaning insight from decades of experience collaborating with bankruptcy Attorneys and their clients, he provides valuable guidance to Stretto’s technology team related to crucial software enhancements to maintain up-to-date court-required forms and ensure borrowers meet regulatory compliance. Smith supports Stretto’s efforts to expand adoption of the DMM Portal by maintaining his professional network of colleagues across a wide breadth of industries, including government, healthcare, and education. As a vocal advocate, he is an active member of NACTT and NACBA, serving as a loan modification resource, providing valuable knowledge and insight to an evolving industry.