Birchwood Credit Services names Michael Lord CEO and elevates Larry Avery to vice chairman

Birchwood Credit Services said Aug. 17 that Michael Lord has become CEO and Larry Avery has moved into a new vice chairman and executive managing director role. The leadership shuffle is meant to support the Fort Lauderdale company’s growth, preserve its client-first culture and guide its next phase in mortgage and lending technology.

Why it matters: - Birchwood Credit Services is changing top leadership while keeping institutional knowledge in the business. - The move is designed to support continued growth, long-term strategy and new product and service innovation. - The company serves lenders and financial institutions that rely on credit reporting, verification and mortgage technology to speed workflows and manage risk.

What happened: - Birchwood Credit Services announced executive leadership changes effective immediately on Aug. 17, 2026. - Michael Lord was appointed chief executive officer. - Larry Avery transitioned to the newly created role of vice chairman and executive managing director. - Scott Cooper will remain chief operating officer and continue working with the leadership team. - The company is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The details: - Lord brings 30 years of leadership experience in credit reporting, mortgage and data verification. - Lord has led teams across sales, operations, technology, product development, compliance and client strategy. - As CEO, Lord will lead Birchwood’s strategic direction. - Birchwood said Lord will focus on service, partnerships and innovative solutions for clients in a changing mortgage and lending market. - Avery has spent more than 24 years with Birchwood. - Avery has held multiple roles during his tenure and helped shape Birchwood into a credit and verification partner for the industry. - In his new role, Avery will focus on strategic initiatives, major client relationships, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term opportunities. - Birchwood describes itself as a provider of credit reporting, verification and mortgage technology solutions for lenders and financial institutions across the United States. - Birchwood says its services help clients streamline workflows, improve efficiency, reduce risk and better serve borrowers.

Between the lines: - The structure keeps Avery involved while handing day-to-day leadership to Lord. - Keeping Cooper in place suggests Birchwood wants continuity in operations during the transition. - The company is signaling that culture and client relationships will remain central even as it pushes for expansion.

What's next: - Lord will set Birchwood’s strategic priorities and oversee execution with Avery and Cooper. - Avery is expected to stay active in high-level business development and deal-related initiatives. - Birchwood’s next phase will likely center on technology, client service and growth in the mortgage and lending ecosystem. - The company said the transition positions Birchwood for its next phase of innovation and growth.