Cassie Schmalz, Vice President of Risk Management and In-House Counsel for Member First Mortgage, LLC in Grand Rapids, volunteers at HAVEN, a nonprofit providing services for domestic violence victims and their children.
By Jeanine Matlow
Legal News
Ever since she was a kid, Cassie Schmalz, Vice President of Risk Management and In-House Counsel for Member First Mortgage, LLC (NMLS ID # 149532) in Grand Rapids, had her heart set on a legal career.
“I knew I wanted to be an attorney since I was 10,” she says. “I used to watch ‘Matlock’ with my grandparents and I thought that was the coolest thing ever.”
Initially, Schmalz, who went to the University of Michigan–Dearborn for her business degree and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, did not envision herself on the corporate side, but it turned out to be a good fit for her disposition.
“I care a little too much sometimes,” she says. “With criminal law or family law, I wouldn’t sleep at night.”
The fact that Schmalz soon learned TV shows like “Matlock” do not accurately reflect her profession did not stop her from pursuing that career path.
“I wanted to help people in some way, but I also need to sleep at the end of the day, so a corporate role allows me to do both,” she says.
Throughout her career, Schmalz has led cross-functional teams in navigating complex compliance landscapes, particularly in mortgage servicing, consumer lending and enterprise risk. Her expertise includes regulatory interpretation, policy development and audit readiness.
Schmalz, who lives in Pinckney, works closely with legal, operations and technology teams to implement risk controls that are both practical and forward-thinking. Passionate about fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, she also appreciates her colleagues.
“Mortgage compliance is a pretty small world,” she says. “I’ve met some fantastic people along the way who have mentored me, and I do the same for other people. It’s a nice combination in a niche industry.”
Ever since she first worked as a loan originator, Schmalz, who is married with two stepsons and a grandson, has made some observations along the way.
“I truly believe that the mortgage industry is cyclical,” she says.
“Sometimes there are low rates, then something will shift, and refinancing is off the table. Each administration shifts the industry a little bit. Mortgages are cool. They are like a reflection of everything else going on around them, from politics to the job market.”
In her field, dull moments are rare.
“The only constant in the mortgage industry is change,” says Schmalz. “Those changes can be challenging or stressful. That may make my life hard, but it keeps me from getting bored, which I appreciate.”
In her spare time, Schmalz volunteers for HAVEN, a nonprofit organization in Oakland County that provides services for domestic violence victims and their children. She first learned about the shelter from her sister-in-law and has accompanied her to help with back-to-school and holiday gift giveaways for the past few years.
Her role would soon grow to include the newly-formed Risk and Operations Committee, and now, Schmalz is up for a board position.
“It’s a great organization,” she says. “They are so kind and caring and they do a lot for the community and for the individuals that they catch on their absolute worst day.”
With HAVEN, Schmalz seems to have found her calling.
“I like that I can bring a lot of items that cross over from the real estate industry, like contract renewals and vendor management,” she explains. “It’s nice to feel that I can contribute by using the skills I already have.”
She also appreciates the openness the organization has toward their volunteers and the fact that they value their contributions and try to help them find their lane.
“I clicked and identified more when I knew I could help, especially if I believe it’s for a good cause,” says Schmalz.
Even though the committee is relatively new, Schmalz says they not only try to identify issues, but get plans in place to make changes.
“They’re already great, but there’s always room for improvement,” she says. “The people that come and stay at HAVEN are well cared for.”
Legal News
Ever since she was a kid, Cassie Schmalz, Vice President of Risk Management and In-House Counsel for Member First Mortgage, LLC (NMLS ID # 149532) in Grand Rapids, had her heart set on a legal career.
“I knew I wanted to be an attorney since I was 10,” she says. “I used to watch ‘Matlock’ with my grandparents and I thought that was the coolest thing ever.”
Initially, Schmalz, who went to the University of Michigan–Dearborn for her business degree and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, did not envision herself on the corporate side, but it turned out to be a good fit for her disposition.
“I care a little too much sometimes,” she says. “With criminal law or family law, I wouldn’t sleep at night.”
The fact that Schmalz soon learned TV shows like “Matlock” do not accurately reflect her profession did not stop her from pursuing that career path.
“I wanted to help people in some way, but I also need to sleep at the end of the day, so a corporate role allows me to do both,” she says.
Throughout her career, Schmalz has led cross-functional teams in navigating complex compliance landscapes, particularly in mortgage servicing, consumer lending and enterprise risk. Her expertise includes regulatory interpretation, policy development and audit readiness.
Schmalz, who lives in Pinckney, works closely with legal, operations and technology teams to implement risk controls that are both practical and forward-thinking. Passionate about fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, she also appreciates her colleagues.
“Mortgage compliance is a pretty small world,” she says. “I’ve met some fantastic people along the way who have mentored me, and I do the same for other people. It’s a nice combination in a niche industry.”
Ever since she first worked as a loan originator, Schmalz, who is married with two stepsons and a grandson, has made some observations along the way.
“I truly believe that the mortgage industry is cyclical,” she says.
“Sometimes there are low rates, then something will shift, and refinancing is off the table. Each administration shifts the industry a little bit. Mortgages are cool. They are like a reflection of everything else going on around them, from politics to the job market.”
In her field, dull moments are rare.
“The only constant in the mortgage industry is change,” says Schmalz. “Those changes can be challenging or stressful. That may make my life hard, but it keeps me from getting bored, which I appreciate.”
In her spare time, Schmalz volunteers for HAVEN, a nonprofit organization in Oakland County that provides services for domestic violence victims and their children. She first learned about the shelter from her sister-in-law and has accompanied her to help with back-to-school and holiday gift giveaways for the past few years.
Her role would soon grow to include the newly-formed Risk and Operations Committee, and now, Schmalz is up for a board position.
“It’s a great organization,” she says. “They are so kind and caring and they do a lot for the community and for the individuals that they catch on their absolute worst day.”
With HAVEN, Schmalz seems to have found her calling.
“I like that I can bring a lot of items that cross over from the real estate industry, like contract renewals and vendor management,” she explains. “It’s nice to feel that I can contribute by using the skills I already have.”
She also appreciates the openness the organization has toward their volunteers and the fact that they value their contributions and try to help them find their lane.
“I clicked and identified more when I knew I could help, especially if I believe it’s for a good cause,” says Schmalz.
Even though the committee is relatively new, Schmalz says they not only try to identify issues, but get plans in place to make changes.
“They’re already great, but there’s always room for improvement,” she says. “The people that come and stay at HAVEN are well cared for.”
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