Board of Directors

	Fabian Casarez, President is a real estate broker, and practitioner for over 25 years, as well as a mortgage broker and auctioneer. He is currently the broker and CEO for REA Accelerated Marketing Group. An online competitive bidding platform that has revolutionized the Short Sale, REO, Commercial and Traditional Resale method of reallocating performing and non-performing assets. As a supporter of non-profit organizations and advocate for property retention, Fabian has directly been involved in Project Homeowner sponsored by Chase and the Department of Real Estate; home retention educational programs sponsored by Bank of America; and consumer modification fairs sponsored by NAHREP and Wells Fargo. Fabian has designed progressive preapproval and approved short sale programs that have been implemented in the residential and commercial arena, in conjunction with real estate professional and banking institutions with great success. Fabian earned his BS in Finance at California State University of Long Beach.
	Joseph Gutierrez, Vice President is the vice president and multicultural business development manager for Union Bank’s Consumer Lending group. In this role, Gutierrez is responsible for building real estate agent and broker relationships in California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as fostering relationships with national nonprofits in the bank’s geographic footprint. He is also responsible for developing and growing opportunities to implement Union Bank’s Economic Opportunity Mortgage program to meet the lending needs of low- to moderate-income and multicultural communities.Prior to joining Union Bank, Gutierrez served as vice president and business development manager at Bank of America. Previously, he served at Wells Fargo as loan officer and Bank One as community development officer.Active in the community, Gutierrez serves on the Corporate Board of Governors of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and on the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Rebuilding Together organization. In addition, he is vice president for the NAHREP Inland Empire chapter. He is the past president for the Phoenix NAHREP Chapter for 2008 to 2010.Fluent in Spanish, Gutierrez holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
	Ross Nordin, Treasurer joins NAHREP with a long career in finance and engineering. After living in Hungary, Canada and several states in the U.S., he has now settled in Los Angeles and works for Oakwood Temporary Housing. He brings a wealth of knowledge in finance and building scalable business systems. His professional career outside of the world of finance includes co-authoring an academic book relating to the impact of drug policy as well as teaching finance, math and marketing at universities. He is active in a variety of civic organizations including R.E.S.C.U.E, Los Angeles Family Housing and Young Angels. Outside of his professional interests you might find him playing in a rock band, sailing or out on the tennis court. Ross earned his MBA from the University of Michigan.
	Patricia de Santos, Secretary Summit Real Estate is located in the City of Upland at the base of the beautiful San Bernardino mountains. Broker, Patricia de Santos, has been a real estate professional since 1979, and as such has experience in many real estate environments. Summit is a full service real estate brokerage company providing services for both buyers and sellers in addition to consumer purchase training courses and short-sale resource information. Summit is also certified by the California Department of Real Estate to provide statutory real estate licensing courses. At Summit, the goal is to provide the clients with the tools necessary to make prudent real estate decisions. Real Estate Broker, Patricia de Santos, has a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies, focusing on Public Policy, from Claremont Graduate University, and, a Master’s Degree in Education, focusing on Career and Technical Education, from California State University at San Bernardino.
	Daniel Ruiz, VP of Government Affairs current member of NAHREP Board of Governors and past President / Co –Founder of NAHREP –Inland Empire chapter. Licensed since 1990 and currently Broker / Owner of Coldwell Banker First Premier Realty in Ontario California. Daniel has a background in Mortgage Banking and Real Estate / REO Management and is a Certified Distressed Property Expert. Daniel has taught first time home buyer classes for Acorn (San Bernardino) and has served as a Board of Director for Spring Board, a non-profit consumer credit management organization in Riverside Ca.
	Mary Ann Epstein, VP of IT/Communications has been involved with the Real Estate Industry as President of REALPRO Innovations, Inc. since 1985. Her Company provides real estate professionals with tools that allow them to rise to the top and stay there with current FHA, VA and Conventional loan software programs. Mary Ann also started ‘Simple Tech Services’ in 2008 which specializes in training and developing social media platforms necessary for today’s Real Estate Professional for marketing and building client relationships. Mary Ann’s other passion is to raise guide dog puppies for the blind which often accompany her to industry association events. She has been involved with NAHREP since 2006 and is an active member of the Board of Directors for the Inland Empire.
	Charles A. Armijo, VP of Special Events has more then 13 years of Title experience closing millions in sales revenue, recognized as the top producing resale rep in his territory. Charles has secured the #1 market share as the top producing sales professional in the territory for several years with at one point 31 competitor Title companies. Recognized as the territory’s best trainer, advisor and problem solver, Charles has full service experience in Residential, REO, Vacant land, Commercial and Refinancing Title knowledge servicing several Counties. Charles is presently serving on NAHREP Orange County chapter as VP of Membership & the NAHREP Inland Empires chapter as VP of Special Events as well as several Home preservation panels. Most recognized for teaming up with other professional community partners in Real Estate related roles to provide additional knowledge of our continuously changing market. Quality ISO certification and Implementation background for Toshiba, Parker Hannifin, Adaptec and Western Digital.
	Fernando Perez, Public Relations Committee is President and CEO of Best Funding Mortgage Loans, Inc. He is also a frequent guest and commentator on Univision, Telemundo, ABC and CBS Radio programs as a Real Estate Finance Expert and has been recognized by CBS Radio as “The Most Recognized On-Air Personality/Advertiser” in Southern California and Phoenix, Arizona. He has a recent history in advising local and national political figures in the areas of Affordable Housing and Urban In-Fill Development. Fernando is currently Co-Manager of a $450 Million Distressed Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Firm comprised of Pension and Endowment Funds. Fernando earned his BS degree in Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona.
	Kari Leon, VP of High Desert is a Real Estate Broker and owner of Agio Real Estate with 29 years in the Real Estate Field and Related Industries. She has held jobs in Title, where her first job was as a messenger delivering documents, Escrow, Construction, Real Estate and Property Management. She now has parlayed that knowledge and hard work in to an office that currently employs 65 Real Estate Agents and has 10 staff members. Her office specialty includes listings which are a majority of REO properties and a Property Management Division. Kari has served on numerous business related Victor Valley committees for the past 20 yrs and is a graduate of Apple Valley High School 1980. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and a desire to make a difference.
	Laura Diaz, VP of Education Rancho Cucamonga/Riverside is a 10 year veteran in the Real Estate Industry. Broker and owner of Rila Realty and Home Aid Solutions in Ontario since 2008 who also has helped hundreds of homeowners and continues through referrals base only. She has been in the real estate business since 2001 both in the finance and real estate. A member of NAHREP, CAMB, NAR, CAR and LPN since 2003. She has also been honored for achievement by Stanford’s who’s who. She has worked in very prestigious companies like Century 21 EN, Consumer Direct Lending, Contact One and World Savings, always a leader and a top producer. She is passionate and committed to working with the Hispanic community. Her focus is foreclosure prevention and short sales. Has been very successful in foreclosure prevention.
	Carmen Franco, VP of Education Low Desert is currently employed by Windermere Real Estate in Indio, Ca /Inland Empire, Desert Cities. Has also worked for Keller Willaims Realty & Tarbell Realtors. While at Keller Williams, earned the priviledge to be part of the Agent Leadership Council Committee. Have been serving my community in the Real Estate industry for the past 8 years. Well known and recognized local real estate agent in the Coachella Valley.Prior to real estate, I have an extensive background in customer service with Riverside County Social Services Departments to include 6 years with the District Attorney’s office in the enforcement section, child support division. 14 years with the Department of Public Social Services, Eligibility division. In addition to having a full time employer I strive to serve my community by volunteering my time to various organizations including 4 years with the Chamber of Commerce in the unincorporated area of Sky Valley, under direct supervision of the Riverside county Supervisor, Roy Wilson. Assisted the Riverside County employees union LIUNA as a local union Steward representative and participated in the yearly negotiations for 6 years.
	Javier Jimenez, VP of Commercial has over 15 years of real estate investment banking experience and has completed over $2.5 Billion in sales, debt and equity transactions on behalf of foreign and domestic corporations, financial institutions and private real estate companies. Mr. Jimenez is founder and owner of Capital Investment Advisors a full service commercial and residential brokerage company. Capital’s mission is to provide the most comprehensive and specialized real estate solutions available in today’s market. Recently, Mr. Jimenez has been involved with REA Accelerated Marketing Group. Mr. Jimenez holds a Finance degree with honors from the USC Marshal School of Business. Prior to creating the Capital Companies, Mr. Jimenez served as a Vice President for Jones Lang LaSalle, a highly respected real estate investment bank on Wall Street.
	Antonio Perez Jr., President Emeritus has been in the mortgage banking business for over 30 years. With American Financial Network consults with Realtors for ABAs and does consulting work with mortgage brokers to make them mortgage bankers. Mr. Perez advocates financial literacy and education of the Professional and the public as CEO of RESCUE. Mr. Perez is the Past President of NAHREP Orange County and NAHREP Inland Empire. He is a board member of the NAHREP Board of Governors. As a board member of CAMP OC an advocacy of mortgage bankers and brokers is championed. As a board member of the Community Housing Development Organization of Riverside County secures affordable housing for the needy. Mr. Perez studied at the University of Washington and is a LUTCF.
	Carlos Brizuela, VP of Special Events
	Arnie Leis, VP of Low Desert Since 1992 Arnie has been in the Mortgage and Real Estate industries helping families achieve the “American Dream” of home ownership. During this time 78% of his clients have been minorities, primarily Hispanic First Time Home Buyers. Arnie is with Todays Realty Group & Loan Solutions, a Certified Minority-owned Business, based in Palm Desert, CA. In addition to listing and selling properties, Arnie is assisting Homeowners who are struggling with their homes to help them understand what they are experiencing and determine what their best options are. Arnie is also a member of “Your Local Business Professionals” Network Connection based in Palm Desert. This group is comprised of local business professionals all with a connection to the housing industry. Each person & business is qualified before becoming a member by verifying impeccable sales & service records along with customer testimonials. This allows us to refer our clients to each other with confidence and allows Arnie to run his business on a “By Referral Only” basis. In addition to being a Realtor, Arnie is also a Licensed Mortgage Loan Consultant and a Notary and is certified to do BPO’s, Short Sales and REO’s. Mission Statement: To promote, provide & protect sustainable home ownership among all diversities in America.
	Patricia Claproth, VP of Corporate Relations
	Delfino Banuelos
	Jonathan Tovar
	Craig Stammler is a Branch Sales Manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, one of the nation’s leading originators of residential mortgages, managing two office locations in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. Drawing in on his ten years of mortgage lending experience, Stammler focuses on growing the Inland Empire through Home Ownership. Stammler is a bilingual leader of the community serving as a Board member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals as well as, the Fundraising Chair for the Asian Real Estate Association of America.As a natural leader, Stammler is self motivated and has led his team to become the number one Branch in the San Bernardino Area in all categories including; funding units, loan volume, and branch profit. His passion to develop and share his strengths has allowed this to happen at a rapid pace. Over the last three years Stammler’s branch has grown from eight employees to just shy of 25, still maintaining the number one position in the area while opening two branches and developing four branch managers.As a company, Wells Fargo focuses on growing and promoting diverse leaders. As a leader and Branch Manager for Wells Fargo, Stammler attends planned quarterly leadership labs and workshops led by Area and Regional Managers. These workshops focus on practicing proven leadership styles. Stammler’s display of effective leadership has created a solid foundation for further advancement.
	Ron Contreras
	Rubirda Juarez Business Development Officer Inland Empire/San Diego and Las Vegas… - With a background of over 20+ years in the mortgage finance industry Rubirda lives the American dream. And if you ask her, it means more to her than simply being a success. It means dedicating yourself to what you believe in and displaying the kind of commitment it takes to make positive things happen. , Rubirda brings a wealth of knowledge & in-depth experience. Key responsibilities include to proactively build strong and productive relationships within our bank assessment areas with not-for-profit housing and public agency entities, Citibank mortgage sales team, including Senior Lending Manager(s), Sales Development Consultant(s), and Home Lending Specialists, and Citibank branch personnel, including Branch Managers and Personal Bankers to promote and generate mortgage loans to meet and exceed community-lending goals.
	Christopher Lutz, Board Member
	Robert Olivas, VP of Marketing
	Rob Noble was born and raised in Diamond Bar and has been a resident in the city of Corona, California since 1999. Currently, Rob is the Regional Sales Manager for First American Natural Hazard Disclosures and JCP-LGS Disclosures. He oversees San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial counties with a team of talented sales representatives. He is seen presenting at numerous associations and real estate offices throughout these counties.Presently, he is currently aligned with several boards, including the Women’s Council of Realtors-Inland Empire Chapter, AREAA-Inland Empire Chapter, Inland Valley Association of Realtors PARAC Committee and The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors Recreational Committee.He has two beautiful and energetic children: Samantha Grace and Ella Jaden and he helps coach their respective Softball teams throughout the year, along with Gymnastics and Soccer.
	Deborah Linden is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty in Rancho Cucamonga. She began her real estate career in 2006 with a strong background in Management and Customer Service. Her memberships include: NAHREP, AREAA, RESCUE, NAR and CAR. She has a passion for her business and believes that real estate is much more than simply buying or selling a home. To her, a key element of real estate is developing relationships and building trust. Whether it’s with her clients or her business partners, she knows how to listen and address the needs of others. Her focus is home retention and education. Her certifications include: Short Sale Foreclosure Resource, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Probate Specialist and Certified Relocation Specialist. She is very active in her community and is involved with various organizations promoting home ownership. Deborah is dedicated to servicing her clients with honesty, integrity and professionalism.
	George Baca


	Tony Diaz, Non-Profits Committee is a 18 year veteran of the real estate and construction industries. He has successfully managed projects from conception to implementation, to exit preparedness. His success as an entrepreneur include the launch of N-Star Inc. in 2001 and has since focus on real estate investment to new homes and communities. Since 1994, Tony has consistently been a top producing realtor mastering sales and marketing of single family and multi-residential homes. He specializes in single family residential housing, lucrative real estate investments, rehabilitations and development. Tony has created relationships with local cities and agencies and subsequently provides consultant and construction services for redevelopment project and assistance programs for low to moderate income families. Tony is the acquisition and disposition manager for HomestrongUSA a non for profit organization focusing in affordable housing and community redevelopment. He has implemented many foreclosure prevention assistance programs and is a certified thought NeighborWorks as a Foreclosure intervention and default counselor.


	Mark A. Mellor, Esq, Advisory Board Member obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University in 1988. While at Cornell he was a member of Cornell University’s National Debate and Forensics Team, repeatedly recognized as an exceptional debater and individual public speaker throughout the country. Mr. Mellor obtained his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law in 1992. He was admitted to both the California and the District of Columbia Bars and has been practicing law for over 16 years in both state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Mellor started his own Real Estate and Business Litigation Practice in 2001 and has had three published opinions in the California Courts of Appeal since that time. Mr. Mellor is currently an Advisor and a past chair of the Executive Committee for the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California and was Chair in (2007-2008); Vice-Chair (2006-2007); Treasurer (2005-2006); Secretary (2004-2005) and Executive Committee member (2002-2004). He also is a member of the State Bar’s Real Estate Law Section in California. He has special interests in real estate and business litigation involving loan modifications, foreclosures, mechanic’s liens, construction defects, business contracts, business entity formation, and technology.
	John P. Gonzalez, CPA, Advisory Board Member owns and operates a full service accounting, tax and consulting firm specializing in small business, entrepreneurs and Real Estate professionals. Helping clients structure profitable and growth centered companies. John has practiced in the public accounting profession since 1992. John is the founder of Gonzalez CPA; his expertise includes individual, corporate, multi-state taxation, and consolidated returns. Additionally, he specializes in real estate transactions and strategic planning of acquisitions and sales of small businesses. He received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from California State University Long Beach. He also received his Masters of Science in Taxation at Golden Gate University.
	Maria T. Bonilla-Giuriato, Advisory Board MemberMaria T. Bonilla-Giuriato, is currently the President of Bonilla-Giuriato & Associates with consulting business offices in the Monterey County Central Coast specializing in consulting projects or government work in the areas of business development, health and human services, agriculture, housing, economic development and government and corporate relations. Recently she opened a new office Giuriato & Zmery, an international trade and business consulting firm in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Her business partner is Mercedes Zmery of Guadalajara with major experience in the similar arenas. Bonilla-Giuriato & Zmery have a well established client base of the most prominent clients and projects in Jalisco, Merida and numerous other areas of Mexico as well as the United States.She formerly served as the Deputy Director of External Affairs & Communications for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. She has also served in the capacity of Executive Director, Deputy Director, Real Estate Industry & Consumer Liaison and Appointee of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, for the State of California. She worked over twenty-five years for the County of Monterey in executive roles as Community Relations Director, Chief of Staff for County Board of Supervisors and other Director roles. She served as an elected City Council member for the City of Salinas, and served on numerous organizations in both the public, private and non-profit sectors. She has provided strategic and tactical communication and leadership for executives and Board members responsible for the educational, regulatory, enforcement, legal, policy, government affairs, external relations, community outreach and business segments of the organizations.