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Left to right: Suzy Ortiz, Randi Barrett, Courtlin Donner-Noggerath, Heather Braiwick, Courtney Jenkins, Betsy Merrick, Tiffany Bruno and Jamie Lynn Seals
The Women of NOLA Lending, A Division of Fidelity Bank “With almost 300 local women employed by NOLA Lending and Fidelity Bank combined, it is not lost on anybody that much of our success is due to the experienced and exceptional women on our team,” says Richard LaNasa, President of NOLA Lending, a division of Fidelity Bank. “That saying ‘If you want something done, ask a busy woman’ rings true in our line of business.” NOLA Lending opened its doors 15 years ago in Mandeville. Co-founded by Richard LaNasa, the original founding team of three included Anne Stirratt Elston, now Vice President of Operations. The mission was clear: make the loan process simple, easy and fast, and deliver world-class client service. Today, the women of NOLA Lending understand the real estate business and take pride in what they do each and every day. Senior Loan Officer Randi Selby Barrett adds, “I understand this is not a 9-to-5 career. I appreciate the flexibility to work with my clients and make the loan process as simple as possible. Sometimes that means meeting my clients at the office in the early morning, or late night or even going to their home or place of business. I take the time to get to know my clients and their needs so I can ensure every step of the process is as smooth as possible, from applying for the loan to the closing table.” When asked why working at NOLA Lending is so special, Vice President of Operations Anne
Elston says, “I know that what we all do here matters and that we are helping build the community, one loan and one home at a time. Our mission is HERE FOR GOOD. In my career, I’ve seen mortgage companies come and go, but NOLA Lending and Fidelity Bank are here for the long haul. When your goals are long term you act and behave differently, and I appreciate that ‘Here For Good’ also means we do good in the community and give so much back.” With 26 mortgage offices spread across Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Alabama and 18 Bank branches, you do not have to go far to find a NOLA Lending office. As a local leader in the mortgage finance industry, its lenders closed almost $1 billion in loans last year. Alton McRee, CEO of Fidelity Bank explains, “Women play a critical role in all levels of our organization. I’m proud that we have entry level positions, lenders, senior management and even the highest level of our organization—Chairman of the Board—filled by strong, capable women. Our Chairman, Katie Crosby, makes sure opportunities abound for advancement in our Fidelity Family.” NOLA Lending operates as the mortgage division of Fidelity Bank, a local bank with a rich heritage of over 100 years of service to the community. This means that unlike many of its competitors, NOLA Lending can offer a full array of financial service products designed to meet the needs of clients. While its lenders still work
with mortgages all day long, the synergy between Fidelity Bank and NOLA Lending has allowed NOLA Lending to serve even more people and give more back to the community. Community is extremely important to the people at NOLA Lending and Fidelity Bank—it is one of their core values. You will find NOLA Lending and Fidelity Bank representatives at numerous nonprofit events serving up delicious food with their well-known and often-requested grilling rig. Not only will they bring delicious food and drinks, but they will be sporting their special #NOLAHATITUDE. Their branded hat has become so popular in local circles that team members are often asked if they will sell their hat!
On the northshore, find the Women of NOLA Lending Group here: 830 W. Causeway App., Mandeville; 2550 Florida St., Mandeville; 2201 Hwy. 190 North, Covington; 70457 Hwy. 21, Suite 105, Covington; 1901 Gause Blvd.., Slidell; 500 C.M. Fagan Dr., Hammond For mortgage information, call (985) 951-8479, or visit nolalending.com. Women IN Business 15