CMA Board of Directors
January 2018CMA President
Platinum Mortgage Solutions Inc., President and CEO
Joanne Johansen is Owner/Broker of Platinum Mortgage Solutions Inc. in Wallingford, CT and is a long time resident of Wallingford. Joanne prides herself on her excellent customer service skills and will always go the extra step for her clients to make sure they understand the mortgage process from beginning to end. Joanne is one of the few brokers in her area that attends all of her purchase closings. Her motto is, “Know what you know and hire someone for what you don’t know.” Joanne has over 20 years of mortgage experience, starting as a processor in the business and then quickly moving up the ranks to owner of her own company. Joanne is a licensed mortgage broker in the State of Connecticut and Florida. Feel free to contact Joanne at the information below.
Contact Info:Joanne@pms1.org Direct: (203) 589-4677
Josh started in the industry in 2011 as a processor for Mortgage Assistance Company, LLC. While he finished his degree at CCSU he processed loans for the company until he received his license in 2015. At that point he began originating his own loans while at the same time continuing to process for the company. That same year, in 2015, Josh and 4 other professionals of the industry started the Young Mortgage Professionals Association. Since then they’ve grown their membership to well over 500 members. In 2017 he made the full leap to 100% loan officer. He’s greatly enjoyed the experience he’s gained through many years as a processor/loan officer mix. He can’t imagine himself working in any other industry!
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CMA Association Counsel
The Bernard Law Group
Over 17 years banking/mortgage experience; 9 years as Legal Practitioner. Credentials: Mortgage Compliance Attorney whose practice includes assisting mortgage brokers and bankers in the development and maintenance of Federal and State compliance programs, including NMLS licensing and deficiency resolution, state examination preparation and response, policy implementation and due diligence, advice and representation in the event of sanctions, fines or State or Federal Administrative actions.
Contact Info: wendy@bernardlawgrp.com Direct: (203) 805-4521
CMA Director
Burke Mortgage-Consultant/Owner
A native of Manchester, CT, John graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1988 with degrees in Economics and History. His perspectives regarding mortgages originate from his successes in the financial and employer services industries. When John entered the mortgage business, he came into the industry as a client who demanded to understand the process first. He will do the same for you! Allow John and his team to listen to your individual needs and desires in order to help make your goal of purchasing or refinancing your home or commercial property a reality. As a mortgage broker, John has access to diversified lenders and loan programs. His team scrutinizes market opportunities for you as determined by your needs and qualifications. Accessibility, customer service and a true desire to help you achieve your dreams are the hallmarks of Burke Mortgage’s success. We work with and for you! Burke Mortgage would be happy to pre-qualify you for your purchase or refinance. First-time home buyers are always welcome.
Contact Info: jburke@burkemortgage.com Direct: (860) 649-LEND (5363
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Gilbert Ginsburg
CMA Director
President of Avistar Capital Group, LLC
Contact Info: gilg@avistarmortgage.com Direct: 203-679-0732, ext. 11
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Don Romanski
CMA Treasurer
Senior Account Executive, Parkside Lending
Don is a performance driven Mortgage Banking Executive serving consumers and clients throughout the New England market since 1984. Don has extensive background in Correspondent and Wholesale Business Channel Development and comprehensive Account Management.Don is currently focused on supporting his Clients to navigate through regulatory and compliance mandates while helping them grow market share. Don has served on the CMA Board since 2012 and was named President of CMA in December 2015.
Contact Info: don@parksidelending.com Direct: (203) 815-9611
Matthew Hallisey
CMA Lobbyist
Matthew Hallisey is the managing principal of Matthew Hallisey Government Affairs, LLC, a full-service government relations and lobbying firm in Hartford, Connecticut. Matthew Hallisey Government Affairs represents clients before the Connecticut General Assembly and administrative agencies at the state and federal level. Matt serves as executive director of professional and industry trade associations. He was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1994; he is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court, District of Connecticut. Matt graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1986 and Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law) in 1994.
Contact Info: mhallisey@mhga.net Direct: (860) 978-7346
Patty Samoskevich
Plaza Home Mortgage
Patty is currently employed with Plaza Home Mortgage as an Account Executive for the past 9 years. She has been in the mortgage industry since 1992. She started out in Customer Service, and quickly moved to a Closer, then to an Underwriter, which she was for about 10 years, then into Sales. She really enjoys working in this business and loves the challenges each day brings. Our industry has really over come a lot of obstacles in the past years and she loves working with the true professionals, both Mortgage Brokers and Correspondents, who have made it through and are very successful today!
Contact Info: Patricia.Samoskevich@PlazaHomeMortgage.Com Direct: 203-410-8525
Paul Durkin
Finance of America
Paul Durkin is the wholesale and correspondent Account Executive for Finance of America covering the state of Connecticut and surrounding areas. Paul has been in the mortgage industry since 2003 and his experiences include loan officer, realtor, processor and AE. Having this variety in his background gives him a unique perspective when working with his partners, understanding all sides of every transaction. Paul currently resides in Middletown, CT with his wife and 2 daughters.