After 23 years as founder and CEO, Dave Schaefer has decided to transition into the role of chairman of Orion First, where he will focus on providing strategic guidance to the company. Mark Johnson, a seasoned executive and current member of Orion’s advisory board, has assumed the role of CEO.
“This decision has been in the making for some time,” Schaefer said. “I’ve been preparing to transition from day-to-day operations to a more strategic role while positioning Orion for continued success. Mark is the ideal leader to take Orion into its next phase of growth. His background, leadership philosophy and deep industry expertise make him a perfect fit to help Orion become a firmly established and highly respected middle-market company.”
Johnson brings extensive experience in building high-performing teams and leading companies through middle-market growth stages. His career includes leadership roles such as CEO of Concord Servicing, president of Wyndham Consumer Finance and vice president of global operations at GE Capital.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Mark through working with him on Orion’s board. His leadership philosophy aligns well with our company culture, and his experience is uniquely valuable” Quentin Cote, president of Orion First, said. “We are excited to collaborate with Mark to advance Orion’s capabilities and take our business to the next level.”
Orion First also promoted Jenny Wood to the role of chief client experience officer (CXO). Having been with Orion for over twenty-two years, Wood has been a cornerstone of its team, helping to shape the way it serves and supports its clients.
“Jenny’s been at the heart of so many of Orion’s successes, always focused on making things better for our clients and our team,” Cote said. “This move will only put Jenny in a better position to do what’s best for our clients. Jenny’s promotion is a natural step in building out our leadership team.”
In her previous role as SVP, client services, Wood played a critical role in building critical client service infrastructure to serve clients better. In her new role as CXO, she will oversee all aspects of client experience.
Both leadership appointments are effective immediately and mark a significant stride towards Orion’s commitment to industry leadership and strategic growth. Cote and Paul Marcoe (chief operating officer) will continue to serve as senior leaders of Orion, working alongside Wood and Johnson to drive Orion’s vision and ensure its continued success.
