Mr. Meris is one of the original architects of our structure and oversees the relationships with broker-dealers and major investors. Mr. Meris has been a member of our board since our inception in 2003 and also serves on the Investment Committee. Prior to IMH, Mr. Meris opened and operated three branches of Pacific Coast Mortgage from 2002 to 2003, a residential mortgage company. Prior to that, from 1996 to 2001, Mr. Meris managed private equity funds. During that time Mr. Meris served as chairman of the board and president of several small growth companies, both privately held and publicly-traded on Nasdaq. Mr. Meris is a member of Leadership 100 and the Urban Land Institute. Mr. Meris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. Mr. Meris has been appointed to our board of directors based on the business leadership, corporate strategy, industry relationships and operating expertise he brings to the board of directors, including his extensive experience in building, managing and raising capital through an extensive network of financial advisors and other relationships.