SAN DIEGO — National loan servicer First Associates recently tapped a veteran with more than 20 years of industry experience to be its executive vice president and equity partner.

Taking on this role is Laurence Chiavaro, who has been charged by First Associates to direct development of business relationships. The company is looking to Chiavaro to bring its comprehensive servicing capabilities to financial institutions, private equity groups, government agencies and other consumer finance entities.

Most recently, Chiavaro served as regional vice president with CSC Financial Services Group. Officials highlighted that he increased new business loan servicing contracts by 300 percent despite a challenging economic climate.

Chiavaro's other career stops include time as vice president at Systems and Services Technology and at Novastar Mortgage. Furthermore, Chiavaro has also served as senior vice president at Interstate Net Bank and as a key sales and business development leader at HSBC Auto Finance and GE Capital Corp.

Most notably, officials recounted Chiavaro's performance while at GE Capital earned him the right to present his successful in-house financing program to Jack Welch, former chief executive officer of General Electric.

"With his depth of experience, industry knowledge, and long-standing commitment to integrity, we're proud to welcome Larry to our management team," explained Doug Henkel, CEO of First Associates.

"Larry's proven ability to create win-win solutions throughout his career makes him a natural fit for our organization, and we look forward to his great success," Henkel added.

First Associates indicated Chiavaro will maintain an East Coast presence in New York but will support clients nationally. He can be reached at lchiavaro@1stassociates.com.