Ali Haralson Named Laurie Maggiano Executive of the Year Award Winner

In a year of challenges, it’s even more important to recognize excellence. This year, in Dallas at the in-person Five Star Conference 2021, the Five Star Institute recognized the women who are making a difference in the industry, and leaving their mark on their colleagues and peers.

Five Star’s Laurie Maggiano Executive of the Year Award recognizes the individual whose accomplishments have left an indelible impact on the industry, and have positively influenced homeownership within the past year. Candidates for the honor must have a minimum of 20 years of consecutive industry experience to be considered for this honor.

The Award is in memory of Laurie Anne Maggiano, Servicing and Secondary Markets Program Manager at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) who passed away three years ago. Maggiano served at the CFPB for more than four years, and was an authority on default management and foreclosure prevention. She was previously Director of Policy, Office of Homeownership Preservation at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Acting Director of Single-Family Asset Management at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was one of the original architects of the federal mortgage relief and foreclosure prevention programs.

Congratulations to Ali Haralson, President, Auction.com on taking home the award.

What others are saying …
“Since 2017, Ali Haralson’s exemplary leadership and accomplishments have helped Auction.com reach over $53 billion in sales. She has spearheaded the launch of innovative disposition solutions that produce better outcomes for mortgage servicers, distressed homeowners, distressed property buyers, and communities. She has also worked with Operation Homefront and is VFSAC’s Vice Chairperson.”

What does this nomination mean to you and what makes you a good pick for this category?
“I am honored to be nominated for the coveted Laurie Maggiano Executive of the Year Award. Laurie was an industry icon, a force for good, and a believer in making a difference in the lives of others. The past 18 months have tested my grit and determination while responding to change. At the pandemic's start, we created our Community Stabilization Pledge to help safeguard distressed homeowners and occupants. We also continued refining our platform and strategy to produce better outcomes that help stabilize neighborhoods by returning properties to market faster. Our pre-foreclosure Market Validation Program benefits include foreclosure prevention, transparency that allows equal access for buyers, a graceful exit for borrowers, better execution for sellers, and neighborhood stabilization. Launched in June 2020, the IDEA Council has created numerous educational events focused on a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Since becoming Auction.com's first female president, I have intensified the company's focus on innovative solutions to yield better outcomes for buyers, homeowners, communities, and employees. My competitive drive will keep me pushing for positive change for our company, industry, and communities, striving to stabilize neighborhoods and create a future of affordable housing."

What are your proudest career achievements thus far?
Haralson: Fortunately, I’ve had many outstanding moments during my career, but I can whittle it down to two. Starting and growing my company, SLS, to over $50 billion in servicing and 1,400 employees was a significant accomplishment. But working at Auction.com has transformed me into the leader I am today. It also gives me the unique opportunity to influence the industry and do what I love, which is optimizing programs that benefit our buyers and sellers, ensuring the preservation of homeownership, enhancing neighborhood stabilization, and guiding our people and amazing organization.

Are there any women who have served as career mentors for you, and what did you learn from them?
Haralson: I always say that a successful leader must have strength and grit, and I got much of mine from my grandmother, who was measured and disciplined. She came to the U.S. without being able to speak English. She worked hard, raised her family, and helped me build the work ethic I have today. Then, during my career, I’ve had many mentors who have helped shape who I am today. This includes my current team, which has the most impressive group of dedicated women I’ve ever worked with. They make me better every day.

What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to women beginning their career in this industry?
Haralson: A critical piece of advice to women beginning their career is to build a support system. This includes finding the right mentor and surrounding yourself with people who are determined, thoughtful, and willing to help you succeed. Life is a journey, so expect to have many mentors throughout your career.