Category: Press

A Shared Mission of Hope: Assurance Financial’s Partnership with St. Jude Continues to Grow, Surpassing $100,000 Raised in 2024

Baton Rouge, LA | October 9, 2025

What began in 2018 as a simple desire to make a difference has grown into one of Assurance Financial’s proudest and most impactful partnerships. For seven years, the company has stood alongside St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping fund research, treatment, and hope for children and families facing the unimaginable.

Since joining St. Jude as a corporate partner, Assurance Financial has raised more than $690,000 to support the hospital’s mission to advance cures and prevention for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This year, the company’s collective effort to give back reached new heights, with an additional $100,000 raised through employee initiatives, community events, and a shared passion for the cause.

For Assurance Financial, the partnership is personal. It is about people coming together, loan officers, corporate staff, partners, and clients, to stand for something beyond business. It is about ensuring that families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, because, as Assurance often says, all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

That purpose was felt deeply this fall at the Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social, held at Court to Table in Baton Rouge. The event was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community, compassion, and hope. Employees and partners filled the courts for a day of friendly competition, while local supporters joined in the fun through a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and games designed to keep the energy high and the donations flowing.

By the end of the day, more than $50,000 had been raised, tripling the amount from the previous year and setting a new record for the event. The Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social has quickly become a cornerstone of Assurance Financial’s annual fundraising, with plans already underway to make it an even larger tradition in the years to come.

“We’re thrilled to see the incredible turnout and the generosity of everyone who contributed to this cause,” said Kenny Hodges, CEO of Assurance Financial. “At Assurance, we believe our company’s success goes hand in hand with giving back. Supporting St. Jude means helping children and families in their greatest time of need, and we are honored to play a role in ensuring no family has to face this journey alone.”

“The Pickleball Event was more than just a day of fun,” added Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial. “It was a reflection of our culture at Assurance. Our team, our partners, and our community came together for something bigger than ourselves. The funds raised will help provide critical care and support for families while advancing medical research that has the power to save lives. That’s something we can all be proud of.”

Katie Cummings, Senior Account Manager, Territory, ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, shared, “We’re incredibly grateful to Assurance Financial for being a true champion for St. Jude. Their continued partnership and commitment to hosting unique and fun events like the Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social are making a real impact, raising awareness and vital funds for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. Their leadership is inspiring others in the communities they serve, and we’re honored to celebrate the difference they’re making.”

Beyond the event, Assurance Financial’s “Apps for Kids” campaign continues to be one of its most impactful initiatives. Each September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the company donates $50 to St. Jude for every loan application completed. It is a simple act with powerful results. Hundreds of families have benefited, and every loan represents more than a financial transaction; it is a contribution toward saving lives.

Since 2018, Assurance Financial’s employees, clients, and partners have united under one shared belief: that every child deserves the chance to go home. What started as a partnership has evolved into a defining part of the company’s culture, a reflection of what is possible when compassion meets commitment.

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About Assurance Financial

Founded in 2001, Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With licensed loan officers across the country, Assurance offers a wide range of loan products to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. The company is guided by a commitment to exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a culture of giving back to the communities it serves.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To learn more, visit www.stjude.org.

Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com
859-539-5953

Assurance Financial Names Scott Alexander as Chief Operating Officer

BATON ROUGE, LA | September 3, 2025

Assurance Financial promotes Scott Alexander to COO, bringing 30+ years of lending expertise to lead operations, growth, and client-focused service.

EINPresswire.com/ — Assurance Financial, a leading full-service residential mortgage lender, announces the promotion of Scott Alexander to Chief Operating Officer (COO). With more than three decades of experience in the lending industry, Alexander will oversee operations, compliance, and risk management while driving strategic growth across Assurance Financial’s expanding national footprint.

For the past 13 years, Alexander has been a key leader at Assurance Financial, most recently serving as Chief Risk Officer. In this role, he guided the company’s compliance and risk management framework, ensuring regulatory strength while balancing growth opportunities. His ability to combine operational expertise with a deep understanding of sales uniquely positions him to lead the organization’s next chapter as COO.

“Scott’s expertise and leadership have shaped Assurance Financial’s success. As COO, he’ll strengthen our operations and help us deliver unmatched service and innovation.” — Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO

During his tenure, Alexander has held leadership roles in both operations and sales. He helped establish the Operations Division and has served as Underwriting Manager, Director of Operations, and Sales Manager at the Baton Rouge branch. He also played a key role in helping the company obtain its FHA and VA underwriting authority and continues to hold both certifications. His broad experience enables him to understand challenges from multiple perspectives, making him a leader who connects strategy with execution.

“Scott has been instrumental in shaping Assurance Financial’s success over the past decade,” said Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO of Assurance Financial. “What sets Scott apart is not only his deep expertise in lending and operations but also his ability to lead with clarity and integrity. He understands the heartbeat of our organization — from the branch level to the corporate office — and brings a perspective that connects people, processes, and strategy. As COO, Scott will build upon our strong operational framework, helping us deliver the innovation, service, and reliability our clients, partners, and employees expect.”

Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial, added:

“Scott’s leadership has been a driving force behind many of our achievements. His operational expertise, combined with his strong character and dedication to our team, make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under his guidance, Assurance Financial will continue to thrive while staying true to our mission of putting people first.”

Alexander is also active in the mortgage industry, holding membership in the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association, the Greater New Orleans Lenders Association, and the Greater Baton Rouge Lending Association. Through these affiliations, he advocates for responsible lending practices and stays ahead of industry trends that influence both consumers and lenders.Colleagues describe Alexander as a steady leader who balances operational excellence with a people-first mindset.

“Our industry is about people,” Alexander said. “From the families we serve to the professionals who make up our teams, success is built on trust, transparency, and commitment. I am honored to step into this new role and to continue building on the strong foundation of Assurance Financial.”

Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com

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EIN Presswire

Assurance Financial Welcomes Mac Cregger as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth

BATON ROUGE, LA, | August 27, 2025

Assurance Financial is proud to announce the addition of Mac Cregger as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth. With more than two decades of leadership experience in the mortgage industry, Cregger is widely recognized for his ability to drive purposeful growth, inspire teams, and strengthen organizational cultures that deliver long-term success.

“His leadership will be instrumental in guiding our next phase of growth, while also reinforcing our commitment to a culture where people come first.”
— Steve Ward, President & COO at Assurance Financial

Over the course of his 20-year career, Cregger has earned a reputation for cultivating high-performance teams that operate with both accountability and heart. His leadership philosophy blends operational discipline with a people-first approach, ensuring that organizations not only achieve growth but do so in a way that is sustainable and rooted in shared values. He is known for guiding teams through times of change, bringing clarity to complex challenges, and unlocking opportunities for expansion through a balanced focus on innovation, culture, and client impact.

“Mac’s track record of cultivating strong teams and delivering results makes him the perfect fit for Assurance Financial as we continue to expand,” said Kenny Hodges, Founder & CEO of Assurance Financial. “His ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence will play a critical role in strengthening our foundation for growth while staying true to the culture and values that define who we are as a company.”

As Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth, Cregger will focus on developing and executing Assurance Financial’s expansion strategies—including deepening relationships with existing partners, identifying new market opportunities, and supporting loan originators and branch managers across the company. His leadership will help Assurance Financial build on its reputation as a trusted, boutique-style lender with the backing of enterprise-level tools, resources, and support.

Steve Ward, President & COO of Assurance Financial, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mac to Assurance Financial. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding our next phase of growth, while also reinforcing our commitment to a culture where people come first. We are confident that his influence will extend beyond our business metrics, impacting the way our teams collaborate, innovate, and serve our clients.”

Beyond his professional expertise, Cregger is deeply committed to his family and community. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Allison, for 25 years, and together they are the proud parents of three children—McKinley, Lillie, and Etta. A devoted family man, he often credits his wife and children as his greatest source of inspiration and motivation.

Cregger’s commitment to service extends beyond the workplace. He is actively involved in his church, serves on multiple community boards, and dedicates time to leadership and mentorship initiatives. Outside of his professional and community commitments, he enjoys playing golf, exploring leadership development opportunities, and cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs.

The addition of Cregger marks an exciting moment in Assurance Financial’s history as the company continues to scale its operations and strengthen its reputation within the mortgage industry. His arrival underscores the company’s focus on strategic, sustainable growth—prioritizing relationships, community impact, and client experience alongside business expansion.

With Cregger on board, Assurance Financial is positioned to not only enhance its operational strategies but also further differentiate itself in an industry that is increasingly competitive and fast-moving. His leadership will support the company’s mission of delivering personalized mortgage solutions while upholding a culture where integrity, service, and people come first.

About Assurance Financial

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Assurance Financial is an independent, full-service residential mortgage lender licensed in 40+ states. The company has built its reputation on providing a boutique-style lending experience supported by enterprise-level technology, resources, and expertise. Assurance Financial offers a wide range of mortgage products and is committed to helping families and individuals achieve the dream of homeownership with personalized service, integrity, and care.

For more information, visit www.assurancemortgage.com.

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Jessica Thames
Assurance Financial
jthames@assurancemortgage.com

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EIN Presswire

Assurance Financial CEO Kenny Hodges Named to Capital Region 500 List of Influential Leaders

BATON ROUGE, LA (June 5, 2025) — Assurance Financial is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO, Kenny Hodges, has been named to Baton Rouge Business Report’s 2025 Capital Region 500, a prestigious list recognizing the most influential leaders shaping the future of the Capital Region across business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

The Capital Region 500 honors individuals who are not only leaders within their organizations but also active contributors to the broader Baton Rouge community. Selected by the editorial staff of Business Report, honorees were chosen for their vision, integrity, and impact.

About Kenny Hodges

With over 27 years of experience in mortgage lending, Kenny Hodges founded Assurance Financial in 2001 after an early career at Wells Fargo. Under his leadership, the company has grown to more than 20 branch offices supported by two operations centers, serving clients across the country.

A licensed mortgage banker and respected industry leader, Hodges is an active member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and a past Board President of the Louisiana Mortgage Lenders Association. He also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business, where he earned his degree in Entrepreneurship Management.

“We are thrilled to see Kenny recognized for his leadership, both within our company and throughout the Capital Region,” said a spokesperson for Assurance Financial. “His vision continues to drive our growth and commitment to helping families achieve their homeownership goals.”

For more about the Capital Region 500, visit: https://try.businessreport.com/capitalregion500

About Assurance Financial
Assurance Financial is a trusted mortgage lender offering a full range of loan products, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and construction loans. Known for exceptional service, competitive rates, and the latest mortgage technology, Assurance Financial’s mission is to make buying or refinancing a home as easy and rewarding as possible, from coast to coast.

For media inquiries, please contact Marketing at marketing@assurancemortgage.com

Jim Clapp, Chief Lending Officer at Assurance Financial, was recently quoted in National Mortgage News discussing the challenges of mortgage recruiting and the importance of ethical hiring practices.

As mortgage recruiters ramp up efforts, many loan officers are tuning them out. Clapp believes the most effective way to recruit talent is through authenticity and long-term relationship-building.

“You can have the best sales guy recruiting for you, and he could do this or say that, but if he doesn’t have [ethics, morals, and genuineness], you’re just not going to be successful,” Clapp explains. He stresses that strong company culture and leadership—not aggressive recruiting tactics—are what truly attract top talent.

Clapp also cautions against relying too heavily on sign-on bonuses. “If a sign-on bonus is the biggest lever you have to pull, you’re going to have a revolving door,” he says. Instead, Assurance Financial rewards loan officers based on production and long-term success.

With recruiter cold calls at an all-time high, Clapp believes the key to attracting great talent is creating an environment where employees want to stay. “The good recruits are very thoughtful, but they take a while to be recruited,” he adds, reinforcing that sustainable hiring is a long game built on trust and value.

Read the full article on National Mortgage News: Mortgage recruiters are calling—but LOs aren’t picking up.