Mortgage Connect Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mortgage Connect has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology architecture, information security, legal operations, and origination services.

Focused on delivering comprehensive national mortgage solutions, Mortgage Connect drives excellence across the origination, default, valuation, and capital markets sectors to ensure superior client outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Mortgage Connect

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Apel
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Charles Sanders
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mert Cogan
  • Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Servicing & Capital Markets - Meghan Jones-Rolla
  • President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect - Robert Franco
  • Chief Technology Officer - Craig Kaley
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Gabe Minton
  • Thomas Apel - Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Apel, the Chief Executive Officer at Mortgage Connect, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national mortgage service provider. Apel manages the alignment of corporate objectives across the origination, default, and valuation sectors. By prioritizing operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that Mortgage Connect maintains a competitive edge in the complex finance landscape. Apel oversees the integration of critical communications and capital markets initiatives to bolster market presence. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of industry trends to refine service delivery models. Thomas Apel drives growth by fostering high-level partnerships and ensuring that the organization meets rigorous regulatory standards. Through the implementation of scalable business processes, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term stability for the firm. Apel maintains a focus on delivering value to clients while navigating the evolving demands of the national mortgage market.

    Charles Sanders - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Sanders, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Mortgage Connect, architects the foundational mission and long-term growth trajectory for the organization. Sanders defines the strategic direction for the firm, focusing on the expansion of services within the origination and default sectors. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Sanders ensures that the company culture remains centered on innovation and client-focused solutions. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team through complex market shifts and identifying new opportunities for operational excellence. Charles Sanders drives the development of robust frameworks that support the company's national footprint. By maintaining a clear vision for the future, Sanders secures the firm's position as a leader in the mortgage services industry. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees the execution of high-impact initiatives that enhance service quality and operational performance across all business lines.

    Mert Cogan - Chief Financial Officer

    Mert Cogan, the Chief Financial Officer at Mortgage Connect, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the national mortgage service provider. Cogan oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management to ensure the sustainability of the firm's operations. As the Chief Financial Officer, Cogan directs the budgeting processes that support the origination, valuation, and capital markets divisions. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to optimize resource distribution and improve profitability. Mert Cogan drives financial transparency and accountability across the organization. By analyzing market data and economic indicators, Cogan provides the insights necessary for informed decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing strategic growth opportunities. Through rigorous financial oversight, Cogan supports the long-term objectives of the firm and maintains the integrity of all fiscal operations.
    Meghan Jones-Rolla, the Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Servicing & Capital Markets at Mortgage Connect, directs the legal compliance and operational execution for the servicing and capital markets divisions. Jones-Rolla manages the regulatory landscape to ensure that all business activities adhere to national standards. As the Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Servicing & Capital Markets, Jones-Rolla oversees the daily operations of the servicing department to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal teams to resolve complex legal challenges and streamline operational workflows. Meghan Jones-Rolla drives the implementation of policies that support the firm's growth in the capital markets sector. By balancing legal rigor with operational agility, Jones-Rolla ensures that the company maintains a strong market position. The Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Servicing & Capital Markets provides the oversight necessary to maintain high performance across all servicing initiatives.

    Robert Franco - President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect

    Robert Franco, the President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect at Mortgage Connect, directs the strategic growth and operational performance of the origination and valuation business units. Franco manages the teams responsible for delivering high-quality mortgage services to clients across the nation. As the President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect, Franco oversees the expansion of service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the finance industry. This leadership role involves driving sales initiatives and ensuring that the valuation processes remain accurate and timely. Robert Franco drives the development of client relationships that strengthen the firm's market presence. By focusing on operational excellence, Franco ensures that the origination and valuation divisions contribute significantly to the company's overall success. The President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect maintains a commitment to delivering superior service quality while navigating the complexities of the national mortgage market.

    Craig Kaley - Chief Technology Officer

    Craig Kaley, the Chief Technology Officer at Mortgage Connect, architects the digital infrastructure and software solutions that power the firm's national mortgage services. Kaley directs the development of proprietary platforms designed to streamline origination and valuation workflows. As the Chief Technology Officer, Kaley ensures that the company's technological capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of advanced tools that enhance efficiency and data accuracy. Craig Kaley drives the modernization of systems to support the firm's critical communications and capital markets sectors. By fostering a culture of technical innovation, Kaley enables the organization to adapt quickly to changing market demands. The Chief Technology Officer manages the engineering teams responsible for maintaining secure and scalable digital environments. Through strategic technology investments, Kaley supports the overall growth and operational success of the company.
    Craig Kaley

    Gabe Minton - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Gabe Minton, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Mortgage Connect, manages the information security and data governance frameworks essential to the firm's national operations. Minton directs the protection of sensitive client information while ensuring seamless data flow across the origination and default service lines. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Minton oversees the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols to mitigate risks in the finance sector. This leadership role involves aligning information technology strategies with the broader business goals of the organization. Gabe Minton drives the adoption of secure data management practices that enhance operational reliability. By maintaining high standards for information integrity, Minton supports the firm's reputation for excellence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital assets remain protected while facilitating efficient service delivery across the company's diverse market sectors.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mortgage Connect Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mortgage Connect?
    Mortgage Connect is led by Thomas Apel (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Charles Sanders (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Mert Cogan (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Mortgage Connect’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mortgage Connect includes leaders such as Thomas Apel (Chief Executive Officer), Charles Sanders (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Mert Cogan (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mortgage Connect have?
    Mortgage Connect has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mortgage Connect’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mortgage Connect includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Servicing & Capital Markets, President, Mortgage Originations and Valuation Connect.