To help our members get to know one another, NRMLA will publish periodic Member Spotlights that feature professionals from across the reverse mortgage ecosystem.
Meet Carol Ann Dujanovich, Vice President, Reverse Mortgage Operations at University Bank. Carol Ann’s mortgage career has spanned over 40 years with the last 20 devoted to reverse mortgages. She received her DE CHUMS number in 1987. Carol Ann oversees the entire operation of the reverse mortgage division from intake of the loan to investor delivery and insuring.
Carol Ann’s leadership and voice extends to numerous committees within the industry, including NRMLA’s HUD Issues Committee, the National Aging in Place Council, and HUD’s Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee.
How did you get into the reverse mortgage world?
I came up through the ranks of the forward world. I began as a loan processor and moved up to underwriter then management. I developed an Affordable Housing program for a large bank in Cincinnati that required the applicants to attend counseling. While I helped many people obtain safe and affordable housing and homeownership, I felt unfulfilled in my work.
That began to change over time when I was asked “to look into this reverse mortgage thing” by the bank president I was working for at the time. I did just that and the deeper I was able to dive into reverses, the more I enjoyed it. Fast forward, I accepted a job with one of the larger reverse companies when they were just beginning. I was employee number ten or 11. Fast forward again, and I’m going into my fourth year at University Bank, which is a top reverse lender doing all the right things to grow in the reverse business. I enjoy each day knowing that I have helped our seniors stay in their homes and age in place. Many of our seniors lack the financial means to support themselves through their retirement and stay in the home they love, where memories were made. When we have a successful closing, and the senior is happy and feeling secure, then I’ve truly done my job.
What has been your favorite NRMLA event and why?
My favorite conference was in Nashville. The speakers and sessions were great. But I had the most fun seeing all our colleagues and trying to squeeze into all the noisy clubs to get a glimpse of who was playing. I stepped into Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Bar and watched him get escorted out of his own bar! The lights and noise on Broadway in Nashville are unbelievable. Oh, and real Nashville Hot Chicken.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone that wants to get into the reverse mortgage world, what would it be?
Well, my advice to anyone wanting to get into the reverse world, would be first to be authentic, be who you are and never compromise your values or goals. This is a great industry to be able to accomplish that!
