Category: Featured News

35-Year Mortgage Industry Veteran to Further Contribute Expertise to Company’s Operational Focus Areas

PLANO, Texas – April 9, 2024 – Optimal Blue today announced that it has elevated Rick Allen to chief operating officer (COO). Most recently serving as Optimal Blue’s chief administrative officer, Allen brings more than 35 years of experience in the housing industry to his senior leadership role. Throughout his tenure at Optimal Blue, Allen has played an integral role in the enhancement and delivery of products to add exceptional value to the company’s clients. In his new role as COO, Allen will provide greater operational oversight across all areas of the company, including opportunities to enhance efficiencies and streamline execution.

“Our clients have long relied on our technology and data to operate profitably and efficiently, and our ability to serve them has always come from our own ability to operate with agility,” said Allen. “It’s a privilege to step into this role and assume executive oversight of Optimal Blue’s operations so we can continue delivering the highest quality products and services to our customers and partners.”

Prior to joining Optimal Blue in 2017 as vice president of business strategy, Allen built his decades of experience across both the lending and vendor sides of the housing industry. This included roles in client services and product management at Mortgagebot, as well as a position as vice president of mortgage lending at the company now known as TD Bank.

“Optimal Blue is laser-focused on the most meaningful initiatives that deliver the best value and ROI to clients – especially in dynamic market conditions,” said Scott Smith, interim CEO of Optimal Blue and president of Andromeda, Constellation Software Inc. “Rick has been a respected leader at Optimal Blue for many years, and his promotion to COO allows him to lend even more of his expertise across all operational areas and product solutions in ways that underscore our commitment to our customers. This is a true ‘win’ for our business and clients alike.”

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue is a market leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology. The company facilitates transactions among mortgage market participants through its Marketplace Platform, actionable data, and technology vendor connections. The platform supports a range of functions for originators and investors to automate and optimize core processes related to product, pricing, and eligibility, hedge analytics, MSR valuation, loan trading, social media compliance, and counterparty oversight. The company’s premier products are used by 68% of the top 500 mortgage lenders in the U.S. For more information on Optimal Blue’s end-to-end secondary marketing automation, visit  http://www.OptimalBlue.com.

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Media Contact
Olivia DeLancey, Optimal Blue
904.854.5459
Olivia.DeLancey@OptimalBlue.com

PLANO, Texas – March 1, 2024 – Today, Optimal Blue announced its vice president of finance, Mike Schommer, has been honored as a 2024 HousingWire Finance Leader. The award program celebrates senior finance executives who have exhibited exceptional leadership in corporate finance, capital markets, and accounting within the mortgage and real estate sectors.

Schommer is a veteran financial professional with over 30 years of experience operating in the housing finance industry. His significant contributions to Optimal Blue include leading the company’s spin-off from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and constructing a best-in-class financial planning and analysis function. Schommer’s proficiency in managing third-party audit relationships and his skill in engaging with the investment community have set him apart as a leader in his field. A valued member of Optimal Blue’s executive team, Schommer is relied on as a steady source of advice and counsel.

“Mike Schommer’s impact on Optimal Blue cannot be overstated. His strategic financial management, coupled with his unwavering dedication to our team and values, has been a driving force behind our success,” said Optimal Blue interim CEO Scott Smith. “This recognition by HousingWire is a testament to his hard work, expertise and leadership. We are incredibly proud to have Mike as part of our executive team and are excited to see his continued influence on our growth and innovation.”

“Even the best business operators, innovators and entrepreneurs have no chance at winning or growing without creative, diligent and strategic financial management and execution,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. “The executives recognized in the 2024 HousingWire Finance Leaders program represent the strategic finance leaders that unlock and empower progress. They navigate capital markets, execute strategic growth initiatives and facilitate accretive M&A deals. The 2024 Finance Leaders exemplify excellence.”

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue is a market leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology. The company facilitates transactions among mortgage market participants through its Marketplace Platform, actionable data, and technology vendor connections. The platform supports a range of functions for originators and investors to automate and optimize core processes related to product, pricing, and eligibility, hedge analytics, MSR valuation, loan trading, social media compliance, and counterparty oversight. The company’s premier products are used by 68% of the top 500 mortgage lenders in the U.S. For more information on Optimal Blue’s end-to-end secondary marketing automation, visit OptimalBlue.com.

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Media contact:
Olivia DeLancey
904.854.5459
Olivia.DeLancey@OptimalBlue.com