Folsom, Calif. – (Oct. 24, 2025) – For the second year running, the nonprofit North State Building Industry Association named SAFE Credit Union Senior Mortgage Officer Damian Azimi “Mortgage Professional of the Year,” during its 49th annual awards gala.
The far-reaching recognition comes from the association that represents more than 500 companies from throughout the Sacramento region. It is the seventh year the association has acknowledged members of SAFE Credit Union’s real estate team as either an award winner or finalist since 2018.
“It is such a competitive market that I'm truly honored to receive this award,” says Azimi, adding his professional goals this year included staying focused on consistency, exceptional customer service and being readily available for his clients and partners.
SAFE Credit Union Senior Mortgage Officer Damian Azimi receives his “Mortgage Professional of the Year” award at the North State Building Industry Association’s awards gala.
“SAFE's mortgage team empowers us to consistently deliver outstanding service and help our members to prepare for what's next in their homebuying journey," he says.
Azimi, who works with new-home builders in the Greater Sacramento area to provide financing for homebuyers in new communities, received the same award last year from the association. The association also recognized him as a finalist for the award both in 2022 and 2023.
“Damian is an extension and example of the exceptional service that SAFE is known for providing to our members and our partners during the home buying process,” says SAFE Credit Union Senior Vice President Michael Popp. “Our goal is to not only support our communities through our expertise and products but to meet the expectations of the builders and Realtors we partner with to bring the dream of owning a home to more people.”
SAFE Credit Union Senior Vice President Real Estate Lending Michael Popp
Azimi joined SAFE in 2017 and has more than 25 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industry.
This year, Azimi received the accolades at the industry building association’s Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence Gala held at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento on Oct. 10 with emcee Homes.com National Director of New Homes Rick Baldonado.
SAFE Credit Union Senior Manager Real Estate Lending Sales Jason Cruce says Azimi’s award and the seven years of recognition not only highlight Azimi’s professionalism but the credit union’s high quality of expertise among its mortgage team.
“Our loan officers compete among some of the largest lenders in the industry. This achievement is a clear reflection of the outstanding service Damian and our entire real estate lending team provide to our members,” says Cruce. “It’s a well-earned mark of distinction for our organization.”
Each year, the North State Building Industry Association awards winners based on demonstrating outstanding outreach efforts with home builders, home buyers and community members. According to North State Building Industry Association Vice President of Member Services Angela Tsukiji, those who receive awards also excel at cultivating a strong record of buyer satisfaction, excellent communication with builders and industry involvement.
SAFE Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution, holds $4.3 billion in assets, and serves more than 240,000 members in 13 Sacramento region and Northern California counties, providing savings to its members through no-cost financial education, as well as through lower loan interest rates and fees.
For more information email [email protected].
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About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.3 billion in assets and about 244,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org