HousingWireHousingWire
Atlanta-based Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) named Kenny Phillips as its new Chief Sales Officer on Tuesday, succeeding his late best friend, Kevin DeLory.
DeLory, EPM’s former chief lending officer for TPO and a partner in the business, passed away in early April after a bout with cancer. He was 53 years old.
Phillips joined EPM in August 2021 as its senior vice president of lending, East. Previously, he held leadership roles at Carrington Mortgage Services and Carrington Wholesale Lending.
As chief sales officer, Phillips’ role will include overseeing all wholesale lending operations, product strategy and partner relations.
“I’m honored to step into my best friend Kevin’s shoes as chief sales officer and to carry forward his legacy of innovation and service as part of EPM’s new guard,” Phillips said. “It is bittersweet to fulfill the plan we always shared to grow EPM together, but they say a legacy only ends when we stop talking about those who have passed. Stepping into this role ensures Kevin’s legacy will endure for generations, and I take joy in knowing I will see a bit of Kevin in this role every day as our team continues delivering market-leading wholesale mortgage solutions backed by integrity and expertise.”
Phillips’ promotion comes as EPM also announces the retirement of Chief Compliance Officer James Minghini, effective June 30, marking the end of a 30-year legacy in regulatory leadership.
Minghini began his career in 1993 at CitiFinancial, where he spent nearly 20 years in branch compliance and training. Before joining EPM a decade ago, Minghini served as assistant vice president of compliance at Crescent Mortgage.
“After more than 30 years in this industry, I’m proud of everything we’ve built together at EPM,” Minghini said. “This leadership team’s drive to unite an entire industry for shared success is inspiring, and I leave knowing EPM’s best days are ahead.”
Eddy Perez, founder and CEO of EPM, expressed confidence regarding Phillips’ new role. “I couldn’t be more confident in Kenny Phillips as he steps into the large shoes left by our late friend and colleague, Kevin DeLory. Kevin’s vision and dedication built the foundation we stand on today, and I’m certain that Kenny’s leadership will carry that legacy forward. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to James Minghini for his decades of service and unwavering commitment to excellence. His impact on our compliance culture will be felt for years to come.”
“As someone who believes a rising tide lifts all boats and that true innovation comes from thinking beyond conventional limits, I’m thrilled to join Kenny in this next phase,” said Phil Mancuso, president, chief investment officer and partner of EPM. “Kevin always challenged us to dream bigger and I’m committed to carrying that spirit forward by uniting our teams in collaboration, pushing boundaries in client experience, and ensuring Kevin’s vision for EPM shapes our future success. I also want to thank James Minghini for his many contributions over the past decade; his leadership, integrity and dedication have been instrumental to our growth, and his presence will be deeply missed.”
