LMLA Education Conference
Senior Executive Panel Discussion
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
L’AUBERGE CASINO & HOTEL
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Senior Executive Industry Panel Discussion
In this moderated panel discussion, our Leadership Team of distinguished Louisiana Senior Executives will be sharing their perspectives on Mortgage Lending in the State of Louisiana and insights as to current market trends and changes that are shaping the landscape of how we do business.
Tee Brown, President, GMFS, LLC
Tee Brown is the President of GMFS, LLC, a residential and wholesale mortgage company founded in 1999. GMFS has nearly 200 employees with 14 branches in five states and has served more than 150,000 customers resulting in over $30 billion in funding. GMFS retail and wholesale divisions are consistently ranked in the Scotsman Guide Top Mortgage Lenders lists and has also been recognized as a “Best Places to Work.” GMFS was recently named the Top USDA Lender in Louisiana for 2023. Tee has been married to his wife, Kate, for 33 years. They have four children and four grandsons, with whom they enjoy spending their spare time.
Joe Uzee, Mortgage Division President, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust
Joe Uzee is a 31 year veteran in the mortgage business. Born and raised in New Orleans, Joe always had a passion for sales and service. Shortly after graduating with a business management degree from the University of New Orleans, he went into sales with a major food supplier before finding his way to the world of finance. He joined the Mortgage Division at Gulf Coast Bank and Trust as an originator in 2007. In 2021 Joe transitioned to the role of Mortgage Division President. His 27 years as an originator have given him the solid foundation needed to lead his team and also be an instrumental resource in the industry. Joe served as the GNO Mortgage Lenders Association’s Vice President for 2 terms. Joe is a member of Lenders One, a national mortgage cooperative. Joe and his team are members of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Through these affiliations Joe has gleaned knowledge that he has used in his leadership at Gulf Coast Bank and Trust and has shared within Louisiana’s and the GNO area’s mortgage industry.
Kate deKay, CEO, Eustis Mortgage Corporation
Kate deKay, CEO of Eustis Mortgage Corporation, comes from a long line of industry leaders and is a third-generation owner of the company. Kate has led numerous company initiatives resulting in the substantial growth with the objective to focus on new and innovative ideas that add value to both the customer and employee experience. Kate believes her employees are the lifeblood of the company. Under her leadership, Eustis has received numerous awards as a top place to work over the years because it is a company that people want to work for, and because of that, it is also one that customers want to work with for their mortgage needs. She attributes her success to her experienced and dedicated team who shares in her belief of serving their customers and making the dream of homeownership a reality every day. Together, they strive to be a trusted company within the community. Outside of Eustis, Kate is a mother to three children, a pet parent, and an active community member. True to her commitment to servant leadership, she engages her employees with company-wide initiatives to be active community members while recognizing and contributing to organizations that her employees support. As a committed community member, she devotes her time to serving on the boards of the Youth Empowerment Project and Raintree Children & Family Services, believing that investing in the city’s youth will foster a stronger community. She also dedicates her time to industry organizations including the being on the board of both the Mortgage Bankers Association Board of Directors, The Mortgage Collaborative Advisory Board and the TMC Tech Council. In her free time, Kate enjoys exercising and sharing time in the company of friends and family.
Danielle Gilyot Smith, Senior Vice President, Lending Operations Director; Fidelity Bank Nola Lending Group
Danielle Gilyot Smith is the Senior Vice President, Lending Operations Director for Fidelity Bank which involves managing loan operations for the bank including its mortgage division, NOLA Lending Group. Going on 10 years and counting with the bank, she leads an operations team that is instrumental in the company’s success which was recently reflected in Fidelity Bank/NOLA Lending Group being named one of the top lenders in the country by the Independent Community Bankers Association. She graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Miami before entering the mortgage industry working for her father. With 20 years in the mortgage industry, Danielle believes that the cornerstone of any family’s financial success and wellbeing is homeownership and is glad to be in service to the customers of Fidelity Bank/NOLA Lending Group in achieving that dream. Born and raised in New Orleans, Danielle lives with her husband, Lindsey, and their two daughters, Zoë and Lyndsey.
Steve Ward, President and COO of Assurance Financial
Steve Ward was born and raised in Baton Rouge. Steve has dedicated over 20 years to Assurance Financial, playing a crucial role in the company’s success. He began his journey as a Loan Officer, quickly distinguishing himself with his exceptional skills and commitment to client satisfaction. His passion for efficiency led him to establish the Operations Division, a pivotal role that enhanced the company’s processes. Now serving as President and COO, Steve leads with a vision rooted in innovation and excellence, fostering a collaborative culture that empowers his team and enhances client experiences. His leadership ensures that Assurance Financial remains a trusted partner in the industry. A proud graduate of Ole Miss, Steve and his wife, Jennifer, have three grown children. In his free time, he loves to play golf, embracing the challenges of the course just as he does in his professional life. Join us in welcoming Steve, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming the financial landscape.