(Washington, D.C.) – The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) released the following statement in response to the passing yesterday of Bill Giambrone, former CEO of Platinum Home Mortgage and one of the founders and the first President of the Community Home Lenders of America.
Scott Olson, Executive Director of CHLA, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of everyone at CHLA, we are in mourning today over the passing of Bill Giambrone, a founder and the first President of CHLA. Bill filled the room with his intelligence and boundless energy and I will miss him dearly.”
Taylor Stork, CHLA President, issued the following statement:
“Bill was the driving force behind the creation of CHLA and its mission of advocating for small and mid-sized IMBs and we strive to carry that legacy forward.”
Don Calcaterra, Jr. one of the other co-founders of CHLA, issued the following statement:
“Bill, first and foremost, was a friend to all, providing a helping hand wherever needed. He worked tirelessly on behalf of community-based lenders, ensuring we have a ‘seat at the table’ when Washington re-shapes the industry. Bill’s collegial, jovial nature, insight, and passion for community lending will live on through the organization he was instrumental in creating, the Community Home Lenders of America.”
Lee Gross, President of Platinum Home Mortgage, issued the following statement:
“Bill was a tremendous leader and pioneer of the mortgage industry. Not only was he a co-founder of a first-generation full-service mortgage banker, but he was also active in many industry advocacy groups and a principal member of CHLA, a group he helped create to ensure Independent Mortgage Bankers had a voice. He was a great business partner as much as a friend and I’ll miss his friendship every day; Bill was truly one of a kind.”
David Wind, the other co-founder of CHLA, issued the following statement:
“Bill Giambrone was irrepressible, a good friend, and a powerful advocate for independent mortgage bankers across the nation. I was privileged to work with him and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve at CHLA. He will be missed dearly.”