CHRIS KENNEDY
SENIOR LOAN OFFICER
Sacramento native Chris Kennedy served in the Navy for four years as a Damage Control fireman on the USS Kitty Hawk after graduating from El Camino High School. He entered the mortgage industry in 2000, leveraging his military work ethic and discipline to become a top producer. With relationships established with over 20 banks, private investors, and local government, Chris and his team provide lending programs to meet the needs of all clients, from first-time homebuyers to experienced property investors. They offer on-the-spot qualifications, fast approvals, and timely closings to clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Yolo, and El Dorado counties.
Chris holds NMLS license #971546 and California DRE license #01326779, operating as a Senior Loan Officer at Reliant Lending (NMLS Branch #356310, DRE #01759672), headquartered at 2100 Northrop Avenue, Suite 900, Sacramento, CA 95825. With over 25 years in the mortgage industry, Chris specializes in VA home loans, FHA loans, conventional loans, jumbo loans, reverse mortgages, refinancing, and CalHFA down payment assistance programs — serving Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties throughout Northern California.
A proud Sacramento native, Chris is also the host of the “Our Town Sacramento” podcast, spotlighting local businesses, community leaders, and the stories that make Sacramento a great place to live and buy a home. He is known for his commitment to veteran homebuyers, first-time buyers, and families navigating complex real estate transactions with CalHFA and down payment assistance programs.
The Chris Kennedy Team has earned a 5.0-star rating from over 140 client reviews, reflecting their dedication to clear communication, timely closings, and a stress-free loan experience. Reach Chris directly at (916) 794-0777 or chris@thechriskennedyteam.com.
THE TEAM
GISSELL CARRILLO | Client Concierge
Hablo Español!
Gissell was born in Tabasco, Mexico, raised in the bay and now she lives in Sacramento. After your initial contact with one of our loan officers, Gissell will take the loan application over the phone with you, schedule appointments, and request all needed documents. Her day to day activities include support of both the LP1 (PQF/Loan Advisory) as well as LP2 (Loan Success/Processing). Including verification of employment requests, insurance policy updates, etc. Her hard work and organizational skills advances her within maintaining workflows for all departments of our team.
ELIZABETH ALLISON | Closing Coordinator
After moving from the Bay Area following the mortgage crash, Elizabeth has been a Sacramento resident since 2007. She rejoined the mortgage industry in 2015, after a stint as a Financial Aid Professional at two local vocational colleges and raising two children. Elizabeth's focus is on making the loan process easy for clients, submitting clean files to lenders for timely approval and ensuring timelines are met. She maintains constant communication with clients and takes pride in forming relationships and helping clients achieve their dream of homeownership.
BRIANNA HER | Administrative Assistant
Sacramento native Brianna is a UC Davis graduate and a valued member of the team for almost three years. As a meticulous file reviewer, Brianna ensures accuracy and compliance with guidelines and clients' needs. She maintains communication with clients, agents (if applicable), and Chris to ensure everyone is informed and issues pre-approval letters for purchases or pushes files for refinances to our Loan Processor. Throughout the loan process, Brianna stays connected to assist clients with questions and updates. Her top priority is to provide a smooth experience for clients.
KELLI CHAO | Marketing Director
Kelli is a Sacramento native with a degree in Fashion Merchandise and Management from Sacramento State University. She brings a dynamic skill set in creative marketing, social media management, and event planning. With a concentration in Marketing, Kelli has honed her skills through comprehensive coursework and hands-on projects. Having a background in both print, photoshop, video editing, social media presence, and web advertising, Kelli utilizes inventive approaches to enhance corporate branding, facilitate business development, and manage public relations. She is dedicated to delivering an outstanding client experience throughout the application process.