J.I. Kislak Mortgage, the lending branch of Miami-based firm Kislak Organization, appointed Edward Scott to lead the firm’s business expansion throughout Florida. Scott was named senior vice president and southeast divisional manager. Scott will oversee all the Florida branches of Kislak Mortgage, and report directly to managing director Thomas Wind. Scott most recently served as vice president for Wells Fargo Private Banking (WFC), formerly Wachovia Private Banking, and was responsible for business development and loan origination. He also managed mortgage production for more than 300 Washington Mutual bank branches. Last month, Kislak Mortgage announced plans to open a new origination office in Jacksonville, Fla. The firm re-entered the residential real estate market in May. “I am pleased to have attracted someone of Eddie’s caliber to help me expand our footprint in this important market,” said Wind. “His extensive experience in building and operating mortgage divisions in the Southeast, coupled with his stellar reputation and intimate knowledge of the regional marketplace, makes Eddie the perfect fit to execute the Kislak Mortgage strategy in Florida.” As a 25-year veteran of the industry, Scott spent 11 years as senior vice president and divisional manager at JPMorgan Chase (JPM), where he oversaw mortgage sales and operations in the Southeast. Write to Christine Ricciardi. The author holds no relevant investments.