Who is NOVA?

NOVA® Home Loans is Arizona’s largest privately owned mortgage lender and one of the most respected mortgage companies in each of the communities we serve. NOVA is licensed in 19 states with offices located in Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. We continue to focus on helping borrowers achieve their homeownership goals.

For over 40 years, through the leadership of our Chairman, Jon Volpe, and CEO, Ryan Vondrak, along with a corporate and branch management team that is second to none, we firmly believe it is the people who work at NOVA who ensure the success of the company. We employ the very best in the business and continue to search for the best and brightest to join our team. NOVA offers the efficiency of a bank and the flexibility of a broker, all under one roof. This quick, smart and local approach of taking a loan from start to finish gives our borrowers a refreshing experience superior to other lenders.

Owners

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Jon
Volpe

Chairman of the Board and Owner

Heather
Volpe

Owner

Executive Leadership Team

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Ryan
Vondrak

CEO

owner image
Jana
Gledhill

Chief Loan Operations Officer

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Joel
Herk

Chief Legal Officer

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Angela
D'Acquisto

Chief Administrative Officer

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Scott
Frommert

Chief Financial Officer

NOVA Home Loans Has Been Strengthening Communities for Over 40 Years

From humble beginnings putting borrowers' interests first so more people can become homeowners, to weathering and emerging even stronger from the 2008 financial crisis, here are some of our favorite milestones.

1980

    • 1980

      NOVA is founded by Ray Desmond.

      Ray Desmond pioneers the concept that homebuyers should be allowed to “shop” for the mortgage rates and terms that best fit their needs.

    • 1995

      Jon Volpe joins NOVA & develops the NOVA Playbook.

      Before taking a single loan application, Jon spends six months studying the mortgage process. Applying his background in industrial engineering and experience as a professional athlete, he develops the NOVA Playbook, which applies a flawless loan execution process with the mission of funding every possible loan.

      1999

      NOVA expands into Phoenix and Maricopa County.

      From 2008 through 2010, expansion into Maricopa County more than doubles the loans originated by NOVA.

      1999

      NOVA Insurance Services (NIS) is created.

      NIS is a full-line, independent insurance agency representing leading U.S. carriers to provide custom insurance programs. One of the top agencies in Arizona, NIS is also licensed in Nevada and Colorado.

    • 2002

      1st annual Miracle en el Barrio® presented by NOVA Home Loans

      This annual event provides toys for thousands of children every year during the holidays. It’s the largest private toy giveaway event in Tucson.

      2003

      Jon Volpe becomes NOVA CEO.

      Under Jon’s leadership, NOVA will become Arizona’s largest independently owned mortgage lender and a Top 100 lender nationally.

      2008

      NOVA successfully navigates the 2008 financial crisis.

      With a guiding philosophy of focusing on one loan at a time, and minimizing risk while providing borrowers superior service, pricing, and loan options, NOVA emerges from the 2008 crisis as strong as ever.

      2009

      Accurate Appraisal Management Services (AAMS) is formed.

      In response to Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) requirements, AAMS is formed to order appraisals exclusively for NOVA, only assigning local appraisers who have in-depth knowledge of local neighborhoods and communities.

      2009

      NOVA Financial Services is established.

      This full-service financial planning firm, and registered SEC Investment Advisor, provides a customized approach to financial planning. With offices in Arizona and Colorado, it serves clients across the U.S.

    • 2011

      NOVA opens branches in Colorado and Nevada

      NOVA expands its regional footprint opening branches in Colorado and Nevada.

      2015

      NOVA brings college football bowl games back to Tucson with the inaugural Arizona Bowl.

      2016

      NOVA expands into California.

      2020

      NOVA Home Loans turns 40.

      2022

      Ryan Vondrak becomes NOVA CEO. Jon Volpe remains Owner & Chairman of the Board.

      2022

      NOVA Miracle en el Barrio® toy giveaway turns 20.

1980

Present