Growing up in River Ridge, Louisiana, Lauren Ruppel never imagined that her journey through banking and real estate would lead her to become a key figure in expanding homeownership across Jefferson Parish. But today, as Executive Director of the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA), Lauren is doing just that — leading a team that helps local residents turn the dream of owning a home into a reality.

“Helping individuals and families become homeowners is our mission,” Lauren says. “The best part of working with the JPFA is that I get to work with a great team, partner with lenders and local realtors, and help the members of our community realize the dream of owning their own home.”

A longtime banker and licensed real estate agent, Lauren stepped into her role at the JPFA three years ago, bringing with her more than a decade of experience and a commitment to the people she serves. “This role allows me to work with the lenders and realtors I already enjoyed working with over the years,” she shares.

That line — “Making Dreams of Homeownership Come True” — isn’t just a motto. It’s the guiding principle behind everything the JPFA does.

The organization specializes in mortgage down payment assistance for first-time and repeat homebuyers in Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas. Through a network of participating lenders, the JPFA offers competitive interest rates and financial assistance that helps buyers cross the threshold into homeownership. “The JPFA has programs for first-time and repeat homebuyers as well as grants that can be layered on top of the assistance programs,” Lauren explains.

What makes the JPFA stand out, Lauren says, is its local focus. “The JPFA is a local agency which allows us to leverage the relationships with local lenders and realtors to create competitive programs for their buyers,” she says. It’s a strategic advantage that allows the team to stay nimble and responsive to the unique needs of the community.

Lauren is quick to highlight the importance of the relationships that fuel the program’s success. “Top producers do business and refer to partners they know, like, and trust,” she notes. “My goal has always been to create a great experience for the homeowners, realtors, and lenders who use our program by always being accessible and accountable.”

Feedback plays a key role in Lauren’s leadership style. She regularly solicits input from realtors and lenders to improve and enhance the JPFA’s offerings. “I always ask for feedback from the realtors and lenders who use our programs, so I can bring that information back to our team,” she explains.

Behind Lauren is a small but effective team. John Singletary serves as Executive Assistant, handling accounting and program administration, and an eight-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Jefferson Parish Council and Parish President provides oversight.

Outside of work, Lauren and her husband Brett are busy raising three kids, ages 11, 9, and 7. Between sports for the boys and cheer competitions for her daughter, life is full — but Lauren embraces the chaos. “Time management is key, but I try to avoid procrastination,” she says. “If I make a list for what I need to accomplish at home and at work, I focus to make it happen.”

That sense of balance and structure informs her professional goals as well. Looking ahead, Lauren wants to expand the JPFA’s impact by introducing a program that helps new homeowners renovate older properties and truly make them their own.

Lauren is proud to be part of the Real Producers platform because it brings like-minded professionals together. “The community of partners who come together to help each other — it allows me to connect with existing and new partners as well as to leverage their experience,” she says.

But at the end of the day, her focus never wavers from the mission. “We rely on the realtors in our community to share and recommend our programs,” she says. And with Lauren leading the charge, the dream of homeownership is becoming a reality for more families than ever.

To know more about Lauren Ruppel and the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority, contact (504) 736-6311 or visit www.jpfinanceauthority.com