FIRST NATIONAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Commercial Origination
Aaron has been a part of the First National Financial team for more than 15 years, but brings eighteen years of industry expertise to his role as Vice President, Commercial Operations.
For Aaron, nothing is ever personal in business. He's a confident decision maker, and passionately defends the logic he uses when making decisions.
As a commercial real estate professional, Aaron has an excellent grasp on the dimensions of the business from operations, sales and servicing to product development, investor relations and customer service. He also has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities inherent in the mortgage process, from inception to discharge.
Working at First National, Aaron feels empowered to guide his actions, decisions and opinions according to what he values most - perspective, hard work and progress.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governance Committee
Ms. Palk retired as President of TD Asset Management Inc. in 2010, following a 30-year career in institutional investment and investment management. Her experience on boards of directors include Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust where she chaired the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Human Resources Committee; Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, where she chaired the Investment Committee; TD Asset Management USA Funds Inc.; Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, where she chaired the Governance Committee; Greenwood College School; the Investment Counselling Association of Canada; the Perimeter Institute; the Shaw Festival; UNICEF Canada; and Queen's University, where she was the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Palk is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and a CFA charterholder. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from Queen's University and has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2004).
Job Titles:
- Director, Commercial Financing
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Credit Adjudication
Dave has been a part of the First National Financial team since 2013, but brings more than 25 years of industry experience to his role as Credit Adjudicator.
For Dave, his mandate is to ensure that deals make sense. He considers himself the voice and protector of First National's and investors' interests within the deal process.
As both precedent setter and follower, Dave and his team are responsible for the viability of deals - price, structure, loan amount, term, amortization and investor(s). His philosophy focuses on three key principles:
Service-oriented approach: executing quickly and efficiently for investors and originators.
Pro-business: finding the balance between advancing the business and reasonable risk.
Educator: work collaboratively with underwriters and provide transparent feedback to originators on the rationale behind deal decisions.
Working at First National, Dave is empowered to triage opportunities and transform them into deals that make sense - adding value by foreseeing where a deal could go, providing all available options and advising on right structure that balances returns and risk.
Job Titles:
- Director, Commercial Credit
Deepak has more than 15 years of experience as a commercial and corporate banker, which includes credit underwriting, relationship management and business development. He has a proven track record in structuring, closing and monitoring transactions across a broad spectrum of industries. He joined First National in 2019 with a role in Commercial Servicing before moving into Commercial Credit. Extremely detail oriented and self disciplined, Deepak manages tasks and time with an eye on the bigger picture. He prides himself on being a team player that can adapt quickly and effectively.
When he's not adding value for First National borrowers, Deepak enjoys walks with his wife and son, playing soccer with his son and listening to music.
Ms. Sinhuber serves on the board of directors of the Corporation and Scarborough Health Network and is an independent and objective financial expert, as well as a risk, governance and controls professional with over 35 years' experience providing accounting and auditing services, including reporting to and chairing Audit Committees. Ms. Sinhuber is a retired Deputy Chief Auditor of TD Bank Group and held several positions with Ernst & Young LLP over a 29 year period, including as leader of EY Canada's Financial Services Organization. She previously served on a number of Boards including as Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto and the Kidney Foundation of Canada in Toronto. Ms. Sinhuber has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University, is a Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (FCPA) and holds the ICD.D certification.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance Committee
Mr. Jackman has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of E-L Financial Corporation, an investment and insurance holding company, since 2003. In 2003, he was also elected Chairman of the board of directors of The Empire Life Insurance Company. Mr. Jackman is also Chairman of Algoma Central Corporation, the largest Great Lakes bulk shipper, as well as Chairman and President of Economic Investment Trust Limited and United Corporations Limited, two Canadian listed closed-end funds. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of several other public and private companies. Mr. Jackman is a member of the Business Council of Canada and formerly served on the Economic Advisory Council to the Minister of Finance, Government of Canada. Mr. Jackman graduated from McGill University in Montreal.
Job Titles:
- President / Fundamental Creative Inc.
Hilda W. Wong - Chief Legal Officer, EVP
Job Titles:
- Chief Privacy Officer
- Executive Vice President
- General Counsel
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
Mr. Ellis is the President and Chief Executive Officer for First National and is responsible for the design and maintenance of strategy and operational excellence across the organization. Mr. Ellis joined First National in 2004 as Director, Capital Markets responsible for leading First National's capital markets' activities including interest rate risk management, funding, and securitization for all commercial and residential mortgage origination. Mr. Ellis was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and President in 2019. On January 12, 2022, Mr. Ellis was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining First National in 2004, Mr. Ellis was with the Asset/Liability Management group at Manulife Financial and with RBC Dominion Securities in Toronto and New York where he traded fixed income and interest rate derivatives. Mr. Ellis holds a BA degree from the University of Western Ontario, an MBA degree from McMaster University and is a CFA charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Executive Vice President, Commercial Mortgages
Jeremy Wedgbury is Senior Vice President, Commercial Mortgages at First National. He is responsible for managing the mortgage origination team nationally and oversees the credit adjudication of First National's broad product portfolio.
Prior to joining First National, Jeremy spent 14 years working with other leading commercial mortgage lenders including Manulife Financial and Merrill Lynch Financial. He has been leading First National's origination team for the past 15 years. From 2004 to 2015, Jeremy helped the First National mortgage origination team to achieve nearly 300 per cent growth, expanding the team to include more than 30 mortgage professionals. In 2015 alone, First National's commercial team originated $6.2 billion in commercial loans, bringing mortgages under administration to $27 billion and making First National the largest commercial lender in Canada.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Urban Land Economics Diploma (Real Estate) from the University of British Columbia. He is the Past President of the Greater Toronto Chapter of NAIOP and is a sought-after speaker for industry events.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Commercial Financing
- Senior Member of the First National Financial Commercial Team
Jim is a senior member of the First National Financial commercial team. He brings 25 years of experience in both real estate finance and sales.
For Jim, personal service means being thoughtful and intuitive. He invests time and energy in getting to know clients' strategies, focus and business goals. That insight allows him to tap his broad market knowledge to match market opportunities with the right clients, at the right time.
In Jim's view, it's important to really care. He cares about clients, taking a long-term view and building dynamic relationships. He cares about the community, volunteering on a Board of a not-for-profit affordable housing provider. And he cares about deals, demonstrating a true passion for digging in and getting them done. Jim believes strongly in finding creative solutions and tackling challenges with composure and diplomacy.
Working at First National, Jim is inspired by the can do, will do attitude and support of the whole First National Team. He values the execution mentality and associated flat corporate structure, giving him the confidence that what he promises and presents is what he ultimately delivers to his clients.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Commercial Financing, British Columbia and Alberta
John joined the First National team in February 2022 with a mandate of growing First National's presence, brand and credibility in the west. In his mission to lead by example, John plans to leverage his reputation, network and deep expertise in local markets.
John's career's long journey in commercial real estate has included roles in both development and lending. Having spent time as both a borrower and a lender, he has a rare perspective that affords him a 360 degree view of transactions.
When John joined Coast Capital to lead the commercial real estate group in 2012, he spearheaded a business model reset from term lending to construction lending and started the company's CMHC & Builder Finance division. As part of that transition, he reenergized and refocused the team to a direct relationship mindset. John mentors and guides from a place of curiosity and possibility thinking. Once oriented to the possibilities, he then emphasizes a pragmatic approach to discovery, focusing on the reality of the borrower, market and location. While technical proficiency and credibility are vital, John believes that a client-first mentality is the key to building meaningful, lasting connections.
Working at First National, John is excited to get back to his roots and re-immerse himself in the financial structuring and dynamics that come with figuring out deals. With a mandate to grow the team, John is looking forward to mentoring for success and promoting each person's individual credibility. He aligns with First National's philosophy of relationship first and is optimistic about the possibilities he can create for his existing and expanding network.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Commercial Credit
Kirill joined the First National team in July 2021, bringing 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. He spent the past eight years in commercial risk management roles focusing on credit underwriting and adjudication. As a dedicated team player, Kirill takes on responsibilities with a consistent focus on the bottom line. He is a firm believer that productive relationships are vital to achieving goals. When solving problems, Kirill concentrates on the solution rather than the challenge by balancing creativity with logic. Committed to accountability and honesty both personally and professionally, Kirill emphasizes transparency and stresses integrity when making decisions.
When he is not adding value for First National borrowers, Kirill pursues passions including reading, playing golf and squash. He also spends time with family and connects with friends.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Commercial Servicing
Lena joined the First National team in 2020 after more than 30 years in the industry. Her career journey includes leadership roles in both commercial and residential mortgage servicing. With more than three decades in the industry, Lena has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she combines with her problem solving skills and innovation mindset. Her work ethic and team building philosophy focus on gaining insight, getting it done right the first time and innovating for efficiency. As a leader, she prioritizes empowering her team, fostering open communication, sharing best practices, making sound decisions and optimizing processes. Lena enthusiastically shares her passion for mortgages and service, motivating her team to consistently grow, challenge the status quo, gain perspective, strive for results and celebrate success.
When she's not adding value for First National borrowers, Lena enjoys dinners out with family and friends and planning her next trip.
Job Titles:
- Director, Commercial Credit
Mark joined the First National team in 2020, but has been working in commercial real estate lending since 2007. His analytical skills enable him to dig into details, assess strengths and weaknesses and surface what's important. As a communicator, he is motivated to understand and deliberate the various perspectives associated with each transaction. Armed with facts and viewpoints, Mark is determined to do what it takes to facilitate sound transactions, ensure customer satisfaction and promote a productive, positive environment.
When he's not adding value for First National borrowers, Mark spends time reading, learning, watching sports, bonding with his family and enjoying dinners out.
Ms. Irman serves on the board of directors of the Corporation, the TMX Group of Companies, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Plan International Canada. She also sits on the Board of St. Michael's Hospital Foundation and the Campaign Committee of MAP Centre For Urban Health Solutions, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board for Export Development Canada. Ms. Irman is a senior financial executive and brings over 30 years' experience in international banking, treasury, securities and trade and has spent 20 years sitting on both corporate and not-for-profit boards along with Executive Advisory Councils. She held several senior level positions over a 30 year period with TD including as Vice-Chair, TD Securities and Senior Vice President, TD Bank Group. She is also a Past Chair of the Board of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Ms. Irman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Financial Studies and has completed The Wharton Business School Advanced Management Executive Program. She is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management Institute of Corporate Directors and holds the ICD.D certification and the Global Competent Board International ESG Désignation, GCB.D.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Commercial Financing, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
Michael joined the First National Financial commercial team in 2018 as Vice President Quebec region. As of January 2020, Michael also took on leadership of the Atlantic team. His mandate is to lead and grow both teams and strengthen First National's presence in those markets.
Prior to joining First National, Michael spent more than 12 years working for TD Bank and National Bank, focused on commercial real estate lending. During that time, he developed a passion and proficiency for building teams and growing businesses that became authorities in the Quebec market. He relied on a relationship focus to fuel those successes.
Michael believes strongly that being available is a key ingredient for great relationships. What does that mean for him? Answering the phone after business hours. Visiting a property on a Saturday. Providing feedback and sharing insights based on what he's seen in the industry. Connecting people in his network. Once that foundation is in place, it is vital to build and maintain your reputation and brand by delivering consistently and executing with ease.
Michael has been successful in leading and growing the Quebec and Atlantic teams, impacting people's careers and sharing his expertise and contacts. He appreciates working within a structure that both promotes and enables quick execution, simplified process and heightened value for the client.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce Finance degree from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business and a MBA from McGill University.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Secretary
- Senior Executive Vice President
Mr. Tawse is Senior Executive Vice President and Secretary, as well as Co-founder of First National. Mr. Tawse directs the operations of all of the Corporation's commercial mortgage origination activities. With over 30 years of experience in the real estate finance industry, Mr. Tawse is one of Canada's leading experts on commercial real estate and is often called upon to deliver keynote addresses at national real estate symposiums.
Job Titles:
- Chairman and CEO of Smith Financial Corporation
Job Titles:
- Manager, Commercial Credit
Neeraj has been a part of the First National team since 2015 and has been a Manager in Commercial Credit since 2022. Prior to joining First National, he spent five years as a Commercial Funding Manager overseeing disbursement of mortgage funds. Neeraj prides himself on his positive outlook. When confronted with difficult situations, he stays focused on the solutions rather than the stress. Self-improvement motivates him. It's a value he upholds and aims to inspire in his team. In a busy and high-pressure industry, Neeraj emphasizes staying calm and composed, always focusing on the end goal.
When he's not adding value for First National borrowers, Neeraj treasures time with his family, stays current with the news, explores the globe, keeps fit and feeds his inner foodie.
One of First National's points of distinction is experience. Many members of our team have been with us for years - and in a few cases since we began operating in 1988. Today, we salute Rita Casinha, Manager, Commercial Servicing on her 25th work anniversary.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Audit Committee
- Executive Chair and Chair of the Investment Committee of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc
Mr. Mitchell was appointed Executive Chair and Chair of the Investment Committee of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc., a Vancouver-based investment management company, on January 1, 2021. From 2000 to 2020, he was President of Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. and although he retired from Dixon Mitchell in June, 2023, he still serves as a member of the board. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Investments at Seaboard Life Insurance Company and is a former board member of Equestrian Canada. Mr. Mitchell is also a member of the investment committee for the First Nations Child and Family Compensation Trust and holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Calgary; he is also a CFA charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Audit Committee
- Member of the Governance Committee
Mr. Pearce serves on the board of directors of Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company, CPI Card Group, Fairstone Bank of Canada and Home Trust Company. Mr. Pearce spent 26 years with BMO Bank of Montreal from 1980 to 2006, most recently holding the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Personal and Commercial Client Group. He also served on the board of directors of MasterCard International from 1998 to 2006 and as Chairman of the Canadian Bankers' Association from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Pearce holds a BA from the University of Victoria and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Pearce brings over 40 years of operational and leadership experience in the financial services industry to the Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Residential Mortgages
Job Titles:
- Director, Credit Adjudication
Stefan joined the First National team in July 2017, bringing six years of experience in land acquisition and development finance, which includes expert knowledge of development costs and project returns, sophisticated modeling and automation skills and a keen understanding of planning regulations and zoning applications. As part of his role in advising the origination teams, Stefan creates complex financial models to enable the comparison of conventional vs. CMHC financing. With this added insight, originators can add a layer of detail when presenting options to clients.
When he's not adding value for First National borrowers, Stefan gets his exercise through rollerblading and downhill skiing. His hobbies also include traveling and wine tasting.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Co - Founder
- Executive Chairman
- Chairman of Historica Canada
Mr. Stephen Smithis the Chairman and CEO of Smith Financial Corporation (SFC). Throughout his career, he has been an innovator in the development and utilization of various securitization techniques to finance mortgage assets and a leader in the development and application of information technology in the financial services industry. Through SFC, he has significant equity investments in a range of financial entities: First National Financial Corporation, Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance, Home Trust, Fairstone Bank of Canada and Peloton Capital Management.
Mr. Smith co-founded First National Financial Corporation in 1988, serving as CEO until 2022 at which time he was appointed Executive Chairman. He served as Chair of Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company from 2010-2023. He is the Chairman of Peloton Capital Management, a mid-market North American private equity firm, Glass, Lewis & Co., a leading global proxy advisory firm and Fairstone Bank of Canada, a 240 branch bank focused on consumer lending.
Mr. Smith is Chair of Historica Canada, the creator of the Heritage Minutes and publisher of The Canadian Encyclopedia. He is a member of the Boards of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Canada Infrastructure Bank and the C.D. Howe Institute and is an Honourary Governor of the Royal Ontario Museum.
In 2015, Queen's University announced the naming of The Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business at Queen's University in honour of Mr. Smith and his then historic $50-million donation to the school. In 2019, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2023, Mr. Smith pledged $100-million to the Queen's faculty of engineering, now named Smith Engineering, the largest gift ever made to an engineering faculty in Canada. Mr. Smith holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Queen's University and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics. In 2017, Queen's University awarded him an honourary LL.D.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Capital Markets
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Commercial Funding
Veronique's career at First National began in 2011, where she has held several operations roles. As Senior Manager, she emphasizes taking responsibility and being accountable. She believes that collaborating is the best way to improve, learn and grow as individuals and as a team. An honest communicator, Veronique ensures that everyone understands targets, vision and direction. For her, transparency and clear goals create a trusting team environment. She leads by example with her optimism, stressing the importance of a positive attitude and mindset.
When she's not adding value for First National borrowers, Veronique learns new languages, watches foreign films at TIFF and absorbs the culture and history of European museums and Renaissance cities.