Brand Mortgage’s Jennifer Smith Elected to Board of Directors of Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity

Lawrenceville, GA, June 17, 2012 --(PR.com)-- During their last meeting on May 22, 2012, the Board of Directors for non-profit organization, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity tapped Jennifer Smith to join the team. The Vice President and Director of Project Management for Brand Mortgage is energized by the appointment and feels she will prove a good match thanks to her history with a number of programs, her experience in the mortgage banking industry, and her long-standing role as a single mom.

“I was looking for a way to get involved in something beyond work and family,” explained Smith. “As a single mom, I have been fortunate enough to have received help along the way. I want to pay it forward and help others. I can’t think of a better way to do that than through Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity. I was born and raised in Snellville, and have always lived in Gwinnett. I like the idea of building houses for families who deserve a home and helping them become self-sufficient. Since some of the families Habitat for Humanity helps are comprised of single moms and their children – this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart.”

Smith has been appointed to the Family Selection Committee for the Gwinnett-based organization. Established in 1988, the organizers for Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity hoped to emulate on a local level a similar success to that of Habitat for Humanity International, which has provided housing for more than a million people worldwide. In the 24 years since it was founded, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity partnerships with local businesses, churches, and volunteers from all walks of life have constructed more than 110 new homes, and put over 250 children in Gwinnett County schools.

“We are helping families get from one place to another,” insisted Smith. “They aren’t looking for a handout, just some help. Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing, helps families in need acquire a mortgage loan, and educates them about home ownership.”

Smith knows a thing or two about mortgage loans and facilitating home ownership thanks to her 20-year career in the industry.

“Jennifer’s wealth of experience in mortgage finance and her enthusiasm for helping others will make her as much an asset to Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity as she is to Brand Mortgage,” said Greg Shumate, CEO and Managing Partner for the full-service lender. “Service to others is a major element of our company culture, so our team members often seek out ways to stay involved in our community. Jennifer and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity are a natural fit.”

While Smith is new to Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, she is no stranger to taking part in community-driven organizations. Most recently, she chaired Grayson’s Starling Elementary School campaign for an Outdoor Classroom through Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. Construction is already underway, and expected to be complete in time for the students’ return in Fall 2012. She also chairs the Couch Middle School PTSA Legislative Committee and was selected as a participant in the Georgia Future Leaders Program through the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia.

“With an 18-year-old son and 10 year-old daughter at home, I believe it’s important for them to learn the value of doing something nice for others, merely for the sake of doing something nice,” said Smith. “During my time at Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, I would like to see the organization form a synergy with local banks to renovate existing foreclosed homes to use as Habitat Homes. There is so much inventory out there in so many neighborhoods within Gwinnett County. It just seems a waste to let them sit abandoned and unused. I’m really excited to do a whole lot of good for a whole lot of people, plus I get to wear my tool belt!”

To learn more about Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, sign up to volunteer, or make an online donation, please visit www.habitatgwinnett.org.

About Brand Mortgage:

Brand Mortgage stands tall on their century-long history of operating with respect, trust, and integrity. Brand Mortgage is a subsidiary of The Brand Banking Company, which was founded in 1905 and is one of the oldest privately-owned banks in Georgia. Brand Mortgage is focused on being the best and strongest lender in the Southeast. While they provide loans in 10 states, they have never outgrown their Georgia roots. Brand Mortgage is a full-service lender offering a wide variety of mortgage finance products. They help each and every client choose the best options to fit their budget and meet their individual needs. Brand Mortgage strives to take the guesswork out of the application process and explains all of the options in simple, straightforward language so their clients can feel comfortable and secure with their decision. To learn more about Brand Mortgage and their wide variety of mortgage finance products, visit www.brandmortgage.com.