Sara Avery

Sara Avery has extensive experience in risk management and financial services. Sara currently holds the position of Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Cenlar FSB since 2021.

Prior to that, Sara worked at Common Securitization Solutions from 2014 to 2021, where they served as the Chief Risk Officer. In this role, they developed and implemented an Enterprise Risk Management organization to support the successful market implementation of the Uniform Mortgage Back Security (UMBS). Sara also established core operational risk tools and practices, partnered with business operations to develop a robust control structure, and implemented risk monitoring and reporting practices.

Before joining Common Securitization Solutions, Sara worked at Freddie Mac from 2005 to 2014. Sara held various positions, including Sr. Director - Enterprise Credit Risk and Enterprise Valuation Risk & Control Director. In these roles, they spearheaded major business transformation initiatives, produced key performance analytics, led the risk and controls function, and evaluated risks and designed controls to ensure adequate controls were in place.

Sara began their career at E*TRADE Bank as the Manager of Finance/Acctg & Capital Markets Implementations from 2001 to 2005.

Sara Avery earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania from 1993 to 1997. Sara then pursued a Master of Science (MS) degree in Finance at American University from 2010 to 2012. In 2011, they also had a brief study in Leadership & Strategic Execution at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Additionally, Sara attended Tel Aviv University in 1995-1996 and completed their secondary education at Choate Rosemary Hall from 1989 to 1993.