Longbridge Financial's Melissa Macerato Named a 2026 HousingWire Woman of Influence

Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer recognized among 100 top female leaders driving the housing industry forward

PARAMUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Longbridge Financial, LLC, a leading national mortgage lender and servicer specializing in home equity solutions for older Americans, today announced that Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Melissa Macerato has been named a 2026 HousingWire Woman of Influence. Now in its second decade, the annual recognition highlights female leaders making outstanding contributions to the mortgage and real estate industries, with an emphasis on achievements over the past 12 months.

Macerato leads Longbridge's extensive sales, marketing, communications, and human resources functions and has been a driving force behind the company's most significant product and business milestones. Over the past year, she guided the company’s expansion, with more than 40% annualized growth in the last year and half despite rising rates, along with the launch and expansion of HELOC For Seniors®, the nation’s first-ever home equity line of credit designed specifically for homeowners 62 and older. She also continued to spearhead the sales and marketing strategy behind Longbridge's proprietary Platinum reverse mortgage line, which contributed to record earnings in the first quarter in 2026, with reverse mortgage originations reaching more than $500 million, an increase of more than 50 percent year over year.

"Melissa has a remarkable ability to take a bold vision and build the organization needed to make it a reality," said Christopher Mayer, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Longbridge Financial. "She leads with accountability, invests in the people and infrastructure that drive success, and gives her teams the support and trust they need to do their best work. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing HELOC For Seniors^® to market and helping deliver a record first quarter to start 2026. I am proud to work alongside her every day."

"Melissa sets a high standard and inspires those around her to rise to it," said Bill Packer, Chief Operations Officer of Longbridge Financial. "She has built a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose, and her teams are deeply committed to delivering for the people we serve. Seeing her recognized this way is a clear recognition of her talents."

Macerato was a key partner to CEO Chris Mayer in helping bring products like HELOC For Seniors^® and Platinum Peak from concept to market. She played a central role in building the organizational structure, recruiting key talent, and developing the operational infrastructure needed to launch and scale the product. The offering addresses a longstanding gap in the market: homeowners age 62 and older with substantial home equity have historically had limited access to traditional home equity lines of credit due to income-based underwriting requirements.

"I'm grateful to HousingWire for this recognition, and I share it with the teams at Longbridge who make this work possible every day," said Macerato. "We have a long way to go in terms of what this industry can do for older homeowners, and that's what keeps me focused. I’m excited about what’s to come."

The HousingWire Women of Influence program was the first national effort of its kind and has recognized hundreds of leaders across mortgage banking and real estate since its launch. Honorees are selected by a committee and evaluated on their contributions to both their organizations and the broader industry.

About Longbridge Financial

Longbridge Financial, LLC (NMLS #957935), is a nationally recognized mortgage lender and servicer focused on helping older homeowners access their home equity through flexible, responsible lending solutions designed to support a more secure retirement. Founded in 2012 and led by a respected Ivy League professor, the company combines deep industry expertise with a strong commitment to education, innovation, and transparency. Guided by a mission to empower aging Americans, Longbridge Financial provides the tools and insights they need to help make confident financial decisions in or near retirement.

For more information about Longbridge Financial or interview requests, visit longbridge-financial.com/newsroom.