"With the addition of these new hires, Cohen Financial now boasts one of the most tenured loan servicing and special servicing teams in the industry, positioning us to take advantage of the significant growth we envision in managing performing, sub- and non-performing CRE loans on behalf of both existing clients, as well as newly formed funds and investors who are acquiring or looking to acquire distressed assets in the next few years," Tim Mazzetti, EVP and partner, says. "Our entire loan services team combines a unique skill set with strong procedures and a high level of accountability."

Cohen plans to pursue the Standard & Poor's special servicer rating in coming months, in conjunction with its emphasis on managing defaulted loans.

Wagner is a commercial real estate finance veteran who brings more than 23 years of experience to his new role, overseeing a team of loan administrators. He comes from work as director of structured finance at Fitch Ratings, and previous to that, had spent more than 15 years in a variety of positions at Midland Loan Services.

The company has also brought on Sean Morris as senior asset manager to oversee performing and non-performing loans, mentor junior staff, and develop department procedures. Morris brings 12 years of commercial and residential real estate finance experience, having formerly worked at KeyBank Real Estate Capital and Midland Loan Services. He also previously served for 13 years in the US Marine Corps.

The remaining six hires consisted of Michael Kilderry, Joshua Cato, and Brad Tucker as asset managers; Venice Robinson as loan administrator; Jameson Sturdevant as credit analyst; and Kelli Shankle as portfolio reporting analyst.