Meet Our Team of Commercial And Residential
Hard Money Lenders

Jim Emerson: President

Prior to opening AMI Lenders in 1990, Jim Emerson had a very successful career in banking. From his early days with Ford Motor Credit Company in the 60’s, he managed to move up the ranks and serve for 17 years as President /CEO of several Houston area banks. After a successful career in banking and identifying the need for specialty real estate financing, he opened AMI in 1990, and has grown it to become one of the largest private real estate lenders in the region.

Joe Emerson: Sr. Vice President

(1980 - 2022) Our beloved Joe passed away. Joe’s work with a broad spectrum of clients helped AMI Lenders achieve and surpass many of our goals. He will be dearly missed.  

Jeff Emerson: Vice President

Jeff Emerson has been a REALTOR since 1997 and graduated from the University of Houston.  Jeff has been a RMLO (loan officer) with AMI Lenders since 2004 for Residential Hard Money Loans.

I cordially invite you to join our next Real Estate Indusrty Mixer! 

Leah Chavarría: Vice President and Lending Officer

Leah Chavarria NMLS 224658, has over a decade of experience in the broker and retail channels. Leah’s background includes contract loan processing, originating, and mortgage quality control. Leah is bilingual and has counseled thousands of borrowers in her career and is an expert in residential lending. Her extensive knowledge has helped her consistently advance to higher positions, and most recently she obtained her mortgage company license and originates FHA/VA/USDA & Conventional loans. Contract Processor NMLS# 1587364

Kim Lam: Office Manager

A highly trained Office/Tax/Insurance Manager with 15+ years of experience, Kim is responsible for the overall daily operations and ensuring that our work adheres to quality standards, deadlines and proper procedures

Kim Lam has been at AMI Lenders since 2003.

Ana Wakefield: Communications

A highly dedicated and bilingual communicator, Ana's enthusiasm, communications skills and unbeatable work-ethic make for a great new  addition to the AMI Lenders team.