Crystal Bennett
Cheyenne,WY
Summary
Managerial professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the industry, recognized for a strategic leadership style prioritizing effective communication, problem-solving, and organizational excellence. Proven track record in driving process improvements and making sound underwriting decisions that enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Forward-thinking professional dedicated to cultivating a collaborative team environment and implementing innovative solutions to address complex challenges. Committed to leveraging expertise to elevate underwriting teams and foster success and efficiency in every endeavor.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Underwriter Manager
Orion Lending
09.2025 - Current
- Manage and direct daily activities of Underwriters and provide support to staff
- Ensure quality and service standards are maintained for all facets of the department.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency in application review workflows.
- Conducted regular audits of underwriting files to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency in decision-making processes.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent monitoring of industry changes and updating internal policies accordingly.
- Scrutinized underwriting performance to identify weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Monitored underwriting teams' performance and provided mentoring to achieve personal and department production goals.
Underwriting Manager, Wholesale TPO
V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Ensure efficient workflow management by establishing clear priorities and monitoring progress regularly.
- Implement technology solutions to automate various underwriting tasks, increasing efficiency and reducing manual errors.
- Establish robust internal controls to minimize operational risks while maximizing profitability.
- Review policy applications thoroughly, ensuring accurate evaluation of risks in alignment with established guidelines.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements by staying updated on industry changes and adjusting policies accordingly.
Vice President Underwriting Operations, and Underwriter
Wallick and Volk Mortgage Company
09.2006 - 10.2024
- Proactively stay current with government regulations, real estate laws, and company-specific policies, ensuring that all underwriting practices are compliant and up-to-date. Spearheaded the integration of new systems and operational procedures, enhancing efficiency across the department.
- Designed and led comprehensive training programs for underwriters, focusing on industry updates and new company products. Regularly facilitate staff meetings to disseminate critical information, fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring full comprehension of changes and best practices.
- Effectively manage a diverse underwriting team, leveraging strong communication and active listening skills to cultivate a supportive and productive work culture. Implemented strategic initiatives that improved team performance and cohesion.
- Delivered exceptional support to loan originators and their teams, addressing complex inquiries and ensuring smooth processing of mortgage loans. Recognized for consistently enhancing client satisfaction through personalized service and efficient problem-solving.
- Collaborated closely with the QC Compliance department to conduct thorough audits of loan files, ensuring adherence to underwriting standards and regulatory requirements. Identified and addressed areas for improvement, contributing to higher audit success rates.
- Implement best practices to streamline underwriting processes and enhance efficiency, contributing to overall departmental productivity
Underwriter Manager/ Underwriter
Major Mortgage Corporation
1996 - 2005
- Play a critical role in the establishment of the company as a non-supervised lender with FHA and VA, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with investors in the secondary market, acting as a correspondent lender.
- Manage and train a team of underwriters across all company branches, focusing on FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional loans, as well as secondary market products.
- Lead underwriting efforts across multiple branches, ensuring consistency and adherence to company policies and market standards.
- Support company growth by implementing effective underwriting processes and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the underwriting department.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and offering comprehensive explanations of underwriting decisions.
- Analyzed credit, income, compliance, title documents, and appraisals during underwriting process.
Education
High School Diploma -
East High School
Coursces / Certifications
Skills
- Effective team leadership
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strategic decision-making
- Analytical reasoning
- Advanced problem-solving
- Team skill enhancement
- Policy development
- Employee training
Timeline
Regional Underwriter Manager
Orion Lending
09.2025 - Current
Underwriting Manager, Wholesale TPO
V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.
10.2024 - 09.2025
Vice President Underwriting Operations, and Underwriter
Wallick and Volk Mortgage Company
09.2006 - 10.2024
Coursces / Certifications
Underwriter Manager/ Underwriter
Major Mortgage Corporation
1996 - 2005
High School Diploma -
East High School