Andrew Gissinger
Andrew Gissinger III | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 4, 1959 |
| Died | December 3, 2019 (aged 60) |
| Occupation(s) | Professional American football player, Business executive |
| Known for | Offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers; President and COO of Countrywide Home Loans |
Andrew Gissinger III (July 4, 1959 – December 3, 2019) was a professional American football athlete who played as an offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). He competed at the collegiate level with the Syracuse Orange. Following his football career, Gissinger transitioned into business, becoming president and chief operating officer of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc and later managing his own private equity firm.
Education
At Syracuse University, Gissinger was recognized as an academic All-American and earned varsity letters for four consecutive years. He pursued a business major and was honored with the Joseph Alexander Award in recognition of his combined athletic and scholarly excellence. Prior to college, he attended Valley Forge High School located in Parma Heights, Ohio.
Football
Measuring 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, Gissinger was chosen as the first selection in the sixth round of the 1981 NFL draft. His entire professional playing tenure, spanning from 1982 to 1984, was spent with the San Diego Chargers. In 1984, he temporarily took on the role of tight end due to injuries among key team members. His playing days concluded after sustaining two ruptured discs in his back.
Banking
Gissinger held leadership roles at Countrywide Home Loans during two periods: from 1994 to 1996 and again between 2000 and 2008, until the firm's acquisition by Bank of America. Serving as president and executive managing director of the Home Loans division, he spearheaded the 2007 initiative titled "Protect Our House," which encouraged employees to perceive external criticism of the company as a collective challenge.
Following Bank of America's takeover, Gissinger remained briefly as the third-ranking executive within Bank of America Home Loans, managing several mortgage sales teams. Subsequently, Craig Buffie, a veteran Bank of America leader, succeeded him. Prior to rejoining Countrywide in 2000, Gissinger owned enterprises involved in real estate development and mortgage banking.
Personal life & death
Gissinger was a father to five sons.
He passed away in California on December 3, 2019, after battling cancer.