Fondly known as “MO,” a nickname derived when she was a child as Mo-Mo and evolved into her initials MO; Mo exemplifies what makes the Core Bank team so special. Her dedication to mortgage services, collaboration with Core Bank Mortgage Originators, Underwriters, and Title Companies, and passion for her work make her an invaluable asset to our organization.
A Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Mo has been with Core Bank for an impressive 30+ years and was honored with the Core Code Ambassador Award in 2018. Her journey in banking began in 1989 as a part-time teller at our predecessor organization. Over the years, Mo has worked in various capacities, witnessing milestones like the opening of the 168th and Q Street location in 1992—where she fondly recalls working from a trailer during construction.
She served as an Assistant Branch Manager at the Maple location until 2005, when she briefly left Core Bank to work alongside a customer, Brian Dryak (now our Senior Vice President of Residential Mortgage), at another financial institution. Mo returned to Core Bank in 2008 to Loan Admin and Brian returned simultaneously to the mortgage department, further cementing their professional partnership.
The Final Touch in the Mortgage Process
In her current role as Mortgage Loan Closer, Mo thrives in ensuring a smooth conclusion to the mortgage process. Partnering with her teammate, Courtney Blecker, Mo manages diverse loan types, including NIFA and VA mortgages.
“I enjoy seeing the mortgage come together—balancing numbers, crunching data, and putting the final seal on it for the customer to get to the closing table,” she shared. “It’s most rewarding to seal the deal and help customers achieve their dreams of homeownership.”
Reflecting on her transition from retail banking to the back-end mortgage process, Mo acknowledged the challenges but also emphasized the collaborative spirit across departments. “We’re all working toward the same goal: providing customers with a positive experience. It’s like we’re driving on the same highway, just in different cars.”
Motivation, Milestones, and Wisdom
Mo finds motivation in seeing how her work impacts the entire mortgage journey. She takes pride in being a piece of the puzzle that helps customers achieve their goals. Her long-standing career with Core Bank and recognition as a Core Code Ambassador are among her proudest achievements.
Her advice to those starting a career in banking or mortgage lending? “Think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Ask questions—learn, learn, and learn some more. Never hesitate to ask, even if you think it might make you look silly. That’s how you grow.”
Life Outside of Work
When she’s not helping clients, Mo enjoys spending time with her husband, adult sons, and friends. She’s a big fan of popcorn—especially Vick’s Popcorn—and loves visiting breweries with her husband. She cherishes the simple joys of being present with loved ones, saying, “I truly believe in the present of our presence—being with people we enjoy, and love is a gift.”
Known for her on-the-go lifestyle, Mo rarely lets her car sit idle. She’s always out and about, and next month, she’s heading to Colombia with a family friend and his sisters to explore their home country.
Thanks to Mo, Core Bank—and our customers—get to experience her kernel of joy every day. We’re so grateful for her years of dedication and the heart she brings to her work. Thank you, Mo, for all you do!
