West Gate Bank® (westgate.bank) is pleased to announce Laura Burford, senior vice president and correspondent lending manager, has received the 2025 Mortgage Professional of the Year Award from the Nebraska Mortgage Association (NMA). The award was presented at NMA’s 2025 Annual Conference on Oct. 2 in Omaha. It honors a member who, in the opinion of peers and the selection committee, has brought honor not only to themselves but also to the mortgage industry.
As senior vice president and correspondent lending manager, Burford leads and develops the correspondent and broker sales team, identifies and builds new correspondent and broker relationships, and maintains and expands existing client relationships. In addition, she aids the department in achieving sales and customer service goals, oversees product development and assists in the development of client policies.
Burford is an alumna of the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Class of 2016, earned the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2019, and served as president of the Nebraska Mortgage Association in 2021. She is a board member for the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation and a mentor and volunteer with the TeamMates Mentoring Program.
About the Nebraska Mortgage Association
The Nebraska Mortgage Association is a nonprofit trade association representing the mortgage lending interests of banks, mortgage bankers and brokers, credit unions and commercial lenders. Visit nebraskamortgageassociation.com for more information.
About West Gate Bank
West Gate Bank is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. Offering consumer, business and mortgage lending services, West Gate Bank focuses on putting its customers first. Visit westgate.bank for more information.