Michael’s experience as a loan officer has allowed him to develop rapport and trust with his clients. He uses these traits to advocate for them through one of the largest purchases of their lifetime, plus as a passionate community leader and volunteer.
His dedication to community, coupled with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, has enabled him to succeed in endeavors beyond the financial services industry. These include volunteering at Church, and for both of his son’s activities and sports teams.
One particular passion of his is Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley, where he served on the Board of Directors for 25 years and was Chairman of the Board twice. Michael also served on the committees that helped expand the number of new clubs in Guadalupe, Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler.
These experiences lead to his desire to be involved as the President of Broker’s Care, our non-profit organization that supports children, veterans and housing. He looks forward to being a part of a Foundation that will help to improve the lives of those in our communities.
Michael’s extensive knowledge along with having a passion for helping others, drives him to be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Owen Anderson is passionate about building community and helping people see brighter possibilities in their lives. His journey began as a commercial tradesman, but his heart for service led him to study nonprofit management at the University of Washington Tacoma.
While there, he worked at a Seattle-based adult shelter agency and supported two nonprofits by writing grant applications, all experiences that deepened his commitment to uplifting others. Eventually, Owen’s path led him into real estate and mortgage lending, where he quickly became licensed as a loan officer.
Since 2021, he has served with NEXA Mortgage, where he deeply values the mission of the NEXA Cares Foundation to restore hope and stability for families, children, and individuals.
Owen seeks to align his professional work in real estate and lending with his personal calling to coach and encourage people toward better outcomes in their lives. He counsels his clients to have faith that meaningful change is only three steps away and believes that even small, intentional choices can open the door to new beginnings.
His greatest joy is inspiring people to believe in restoration and to see themselves in a future where they are more confident, joyful, and full of hope for the future.
Beyond his work, Owen volunteers with local nonprofits and community groups, always looking for ways to give back. And when he’s not serving others, you might find him taking an invigorating cold plunge in the Puget Sound — a practice that reflects his adventurous spirit and belief in resilience.
Amy O’Connell is a producing Loan Officer and Loan Officer Support Coach at NEXA Lending, where she also proudly serves on the Grants Committee for NEXA Cares. Armed with a recently earned MBA in Finance from Grand Canyon University, Amy brings strong financial acumen and strategic thinking to her roles. Prior to her career in loan origination, she dedicated her time to working with and volunteering for various nonprofits—supporting incarcerated individuals, aiding teenagers, and assisting mothers in need with housing and employment. A proud mother of four, Amy has a deep-rooted heart for service and is thrilled to continue making a community impact through NEXA Cares.
Alicia’s life has been marked by a profound commitment to service, leadership, and community development. Her journey began as a Girl Scout, which led to becoming a troop leader where she cultivated a deep-seated passion for helping others, honed her skills in team building, and mentored youth scouts to inspire the next generation of community-minded individuals.
Transitioning from those early days to build on those skills, she attended Northern Arizona University where she focused her studies in interior design, advertising and business management, allowing her to have a unique perspective in the real estate industry.
With her true entrepreneurial spirit, she thrives in organizing and managing successful initiatives. Her experience spans project management, interior and exterior design, real estate development and mortgage operations, equipping her with the strategic vision and practical skills needed to drive impactful projects.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alicia is very family oriented and is a dog mom to Hazel. She is dedicated to volunteering for numerous causes close to her heart and she actively participates in walks for needed causes, including veteran events that she has a personal connection to with family ties.
Through her work, Alicia continually exemplifies the core values of perseverance, empathy, and innovation, qualities that resonate deeply with the mission of the nonprofit organization she supports, NEXA Cares. Her contributions and active participation in community-driven actions embody her belief that collective efforts can bring about meaningful change.
As the Executive Director of NEXA Mortgage, I strive to be a force multiplier, eagerly taking on any challenge, and supporting all departments. I oversee day-to-day operations and collaborate closely with our managers and directors to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
I am privileged to work alongside our CEO, Mike Kortas, in envisioning and executing the company’s strategic plans for the future. I am the proud founder of our “Women of NEXA” group (WON), created to recognize, support, and empower women within our organization and throughout the industry.
Our motto, “Stepping Forward Together as WON,” embodies our commitment to inspiring and elevating women in the mortgage industry. As a leader, I am dedicated to upholding honesty, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of success for NEXA Mortgage and our valued partners. My every decision is guided by this unwavering commitment to excellence.
Outside of work, I am a devoted wife of nearly 24 years, mother of four outstanding individuals, a passionate chicken tender, animal lover, and a true country girl at heart.
Embracing life’s simple pleasures keeps me grounded, enabling me to maintain a clear perspective and motivating me to consistently strive for greater heights.
“In the dynamic world of finance and real estate, exceptional leadership makes all the difference. One such leader making waves in the industry is Mike Kortas, the owner and CEO of NEXA Mortgage. With a career marked by innovation, dedication, and unparalleled expertise, Mike has transformed NEXA Mortgage into a powerhouse within the mortgage sector. Delve into the journey, leadership style, and visionary strategies that define Mike Kortas’s remarkable career.”
David has worked in the mortgage industry for 20 years, and has been a top producing loan officer, branch manager, and call center manager, and currently assists thousands of loan officers with any questions they might have as a Loan Officer Support Coach with NEXA Mortgage over the last 4 1/2 years.
David is a 3 time high school state championship wrestling team member and team captain, as well as being a USMC veteran. He has worked in many different roles over the last 35 years with non-profit organizations and is currently the treasurer and a board member of the Brokers Care Foundation, the TJCII North America NOW Generation Coordinator, and the Welcome Team Leader at BHS.
He enjoys sharing life with his beautiful wife Kelsey and their 4 children. David has 7 children altogether with 3 grandchildren and counting!
In his free time David enjoys racquetball, going to the range, and anything that drives at a high rate of speed.
Jason duPont has carved out a remarkable career in the mortgage industry, spanning almost three decades since 1996. Throughout this journey, he has consistently raised the bar, becoming a leader known for his deep expertise and unwavering commitment to those he works with. Recognized repeatedly as a top producer, Jason has successfully led high-performing teams and sparked innovation as a consultant, helping mortgage companies thrive and grow. His entrepreneurial drive was evident when he built and sold a mortgage marketing company, demonstrating his ability to deliver game-changing solutions.
Jason’s approach goes far beyond merely closing loans. He is driven by a strong sense of integrity, focusing on providing personalized service and fostering lasting relationships. After joining NEXA Mortgage, Jason and his brother Jeff launched the duPont Lending Team, a mission-driven venture dedicated to empowering veterans to achieve their dream of homeownership.
At NEXA Mortgage, Jason is the top recruiter, bringing hundreds of Retail loan officers into the broker channel, helping them unlock their highest potential.
Teaming up with DJ Christofferson and Chris Laverdure, Jason co-founded Fast Mortgage Closings (FMC), powered by NEXA Mortgage. Together, they harness their collective experience to deliver a mortgage process that stands out for its exceptional client-first focus. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, the FMC team ensures every borrower feels supported and empowered throughout their journey.
A champion of personal growth and mindset development, Jason believes that true success stems from mental resilience and a forward-looking perspective. His passion for cycling and fitness mirrors the discipline and endurance he applies in every aspect of his life. Jason’s philosophy that a positive mindset can conquer any obstacle is at the heart of everything he does, continually inspiring him to push boundaries and set new standards of excellence.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Jason is a devoted family man, bringing the same passion, energy, and dedication to his personal life that have been the cornerstone of his professional success.
As a long-time advocate for Troubled Youth and our nation’s Veteran community I have had the opportunity to become a board member for Broker’s Care. NEXA Mortgage and their partners with Broker’s Care aligns with my passions for youth and Veteran assistance.
As a New York native I had worked with at-risk youth for several years. This work gave me the opportunity to not only counsel but to make our communities aware. Over the course of several years these children became extended members of my family. A rewarding personal goal was to learn their story and help develop a future they may have just thought was out of reach.
As the mother of a Veteran I served as a Key Volunteer for the 152nd Airlift Wing, Security Forces unit where I acted as a liaison to our military members serving in war zones and their families. This included close connections with the Salvation Army and joint forces in the Reno/Sparks area of Nevada. I can tell you there is nothing more comforting than to hear your family member is safe and reachable while serving in these zones.
I have developed a passion to be the voice of those who feel they have none.
