Michigan Business Connection (MBC) is excited to welcome Jay Jylkka their newest senior portfolio manager, and two new loan servicers, Lauren Novak and Kari Foster. 

As senior portfolio manager, Jay Jylkka’s primary responsibilities are to monitor borrowers’ performance to loan terms, provide financial analysis, and perform annual reviews. Prior to joining MBC Jylkka held roles that included credit administration officer and senior commercial loan underwriter. He was also previously an examiner for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services for the State of Michigan (DIFS). Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a certification that he earned from the College of Financial Planning.

As loan servicers, Lauren Novak and Kari Foster are responsible for providing customer service support to both borrowers and credit unions. Specific responsibilities include researching and resolving questions and addressing other borrower and credit union needs. Duties also include supporting loan payment and payoff processing, plus other support functions for the servicing team. 

Lauren Novak’s prior experience includes several positions at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. Lauren first started as a customer service representative and ultimately was named a scheduling and systems analyst before joining MBC. Novak holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and marketing from Eastern Michigan University and an associate degree in applied science from Monroe County Community College.

Kari Foster began her financial services career as a member experience specialist for Monroe County Community Credit Union where she provided customer service for banking and call center members, performed teller audits, collected member information for loan and credit card applications, and handled cash management for the branch. Foster is completing her associate degree in applied science from Monroe County Community College.