IDEA

Inclusion Diversity Equity & Awareness "IDEA" Committee

ALFN values the individual differences within our member community, and the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings to our association.  We continue providing access to opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location, or professional level.  The group meets quarterly and may schedule calls as necessary. The group hosts webinars with special guest speakers, submits topics for educational presentations that pertain to issues of interest from this committee, and helps to plan ALFN's Annual DEI Event each Spring - IDEA Summit.
 
The committee will work to:

• Promote greater diversity in the ALFN by helping recruit, support, and retain members and group participants from diverse backgrounds
• Assist the ALFN Board of Directors and CEO in the implementation of strategic initiatives proposed by the committee
• Promote participation in activities supporting diversity and inclusion in our member communities
• Communicate diversity and inclusion initiatives, actions and results to ALFN members and group participants

Click here to join IDEA (website login required).

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IDEA Leadership Team:

• Chair (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member, can be an Attorney or Non-Attorney)
  • Maria Tsagaris, Esq. - McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce – maria.tsagaris@mccalla.com (term ends 12/31/25)

 

• Vice Chair (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member, can be an Attorney or Non-Attorney)
  • Caren Castle, Esq. – IDEA Law Group – ccastle@idealawgroupllc.com (term ends 12/31/25, then moves to Chair for a 2-year term that ends 12/31/27)

 

• Servicer Co-Chairs (Servicer/GSE, can be an Attorney or Non-Attorney)
  • Candace Russell – Carrington Mortgage – candace.russell@carringtonms.com (term ends 12/31/25)
  • Steven Higgins-Prelle – Slaterock Asset Management – shiggins@owslp.com (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-elected for another 2-year term)

 

• Chair Emeritus (immediate past Chair) (Attorney-Trustee member, must be an Attorney)
  • Natalie Grigg, Esq. – Woods Oviatt Gilman – ngrigg@woodsdefaultservices.com (term ends 12/31/24)

 

• ALFN Staff Liaison
  • Susan Rosen – ALFN – srosen@alfn.org

 

• ALFN Board Liaison
  • Natalie Grigg, Esq. – Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP - ngrigg@woodsdefaultservices.com

 
Appointed Positions (Not Members of the Committees Leadership Team. Appointed by the Committees Leadership Team):

• Secretary (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member, can be an Attorney or Non-Attorney)
  • Christine Maggard, Esq. – Brock & Scott, PLLC - christine.maggard@brockandscott.com  (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)

 

• Events, Content & Social Media Subcommittee – 2 Co-Chairs (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member or Servicer/GSE, can be an Attorney or non-Attorney. 1 Co-Chair must be an Attorney-Trustee or Associate Member)
  • Ali Degan, Esq. - Knuckles & Manfro LLP - ad@kkmllp.com (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)
  • Julie York, Esq. - Brock & Scott - julie.york@braockandscott.com (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)

 

• Membership Subcommittee – 2 Co-Chairs (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member or Servicer/GSE, can be an Attorney or non-Attorney. 1 Co-Chair must be an Attorney-Trustee or Associate Member)
  • Gina Daya - Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. - gdaya@dallegal.com (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)
  • Toni Klysz - Mortgage Legal Network - toni@mortgagelegalnetwork.com (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)

 

• Resource Guide & Strategic Partnership Subcommittee – 2 Co-Chairs (Attorney-Trustee or Associate member or Servicer/GSE, can be an Attorney or non-Attorney. 1 Co-Chair must be an Attorney-Trustee or Associate Member)
  • Vacant Position (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)
  • Vacant Position (term ends 12/31/25, may be re-appointed for another 2-year term or may run for leadership team after term ends)