Danielle Pela
Fountain Hills,AZ
Summary
Higher Education Professional turned Mortgage Specialist with over 24 years of combined experience in training and development, and mortgage and finance. My unique professional background blends extensive expertise in instructional design and educational strategies with a deep understanding of the mortgage industry. I am skilled in partnering with Subject Matter Experts to assess and enhance training programs, identify and address skills gaps, and optimize content for efficiency. Proficient in developing interactive SharePoint sites to facilitate targeted learning and project management, including schedule, risk, and issue management. My broad experience equips me to drive impactful training solutions and support the evolving needs of the Multifamily Underwriting & Credit department.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Producing Branch Manager/VP of Mortgage Lending
GUARANTEED RATE
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee branch operations, ensuring compliance and optimizing performance for measurable success
- Spearhead community outreach efforts to boost brand visibility and foster local partnerships
- Develop innovative marketing strategies to enhance brand recognition and customer engagement
- Monitor financial performance, identifying trends and implementing improvements to meet revenue targets
- Analyze market trends to identify opportunities, optimizing pricing strategies and increasing profitability.
- Develop and maintain healthy pipeline of business by consistently prospecting for new clients and referral sources.
Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator
NFM LENDING
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Analyzed applicant financial data to determine eligibility for various loan products, tailoring recommendations based on individual needs.
- Collaborated with underwriters, processors, and other team members to resolve issues, ensuring smooth transactions for all parties involved.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations, changes, and trends to provide accurate advice to clients.
- Increased loan application approvals by efficiently processing and reviewing documents for accuracy and compliance.
- Provided exceptional customer service, fostering client trust and long-term relationships
- Built strong client, realtor and builder relationships, boosting referral business and enhancing satisfaction
- Achieved top producer status and was recognized in Scotsman's Guide for for Top Loan Origination production.
Mortgage Banker
GATEWAY FIRST BANK
05.2018 - 12.2020
- Assisted clients in understanding the mortgage process, addressing concerns, and making informed decisions.
- Conducted thorough pre-qualification assessments before initiating the loan application process saving time for both clients and colleagues alike.
- Reviewed complex financial documents to accurately determine borrower eligibility for mortgage loans, minimizing default risks.
- Developed strong relationships with realtors, and other referral sources to grow business opportunities and expand clientele.
Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator
PEOPLES MORTGAGE COMPANY
03.2017 - 04.2018
- Conducted thorough pre-qualification assessments before initiating the loan application process saving time for both clients and colleagues alike.
- Reviewed complex financial documents to accurately determine borrower eligibility for mortgage loans, minimizing default risks.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations, ensuring accurate documentation and preventing potential legal issues.
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire loan process, earning positive reviews from both clients and partners alike.
Faculty Member
University of Phoenix
01.2006 - 04.2017
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Contributed to the development of departmental goals and objectives, aligning instructional efforts with institutional priorities.
- Created assignments to encourage student learning and develop communication skills and higher-order thinking.
- Mentored new faculty members, contributing to a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education, applying new knowledge to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lessons, enriching students'' educational experiences.
Campus College Chair
University of Phoenix
03.2003 - 04.2017
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities.
- Conducted thorough reviews of organizational policies to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented feedback system to gather insights from members and improve organizational offerings.
- Supported strategic planning efforts to align with long-term organizational goals.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to executive leadership.
Instructional Designer
SmartForce
12.2000 - 02.2003
- Enhanced e-learning experience by designing interactive and engaging instructional materials.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate, relevant, and effective learning content.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality deliverables under tight deadlines.
- Designed web-based instructional products that incorporated audio, video, and graphics for engaging online courses.
- Implemented successful instructional design projects from concept to completion within budget and time constraints.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate tools and technologies for effective course development and delivery.
- Conducted comprehensive needs analysis to identify areas for instructional improvement and targeted training solutions.
- Conducted post-training evaluations to measure effectiveness of instruction and identify areas for continuous improvement.
- Applied adult learning principles to ensure optimal engagement levels among diverse groups of learners.
Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ08.2005
BIS - Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Business Marketing and Communications
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ01.2000
Skills
- Project Management
- Detail-oriented
- Communication and Relationship Management
- Microsoft Office
- Sharepoint
- Operations Management
Websites
Additional Information
Licensed to originate mortgage loans in AZ, FL and CO
Timeline
Producing Branch Manager/VP of Mortgage Lending
GUARANTEED RATE
01.2023 - Current
Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator
NFM LENDING
01.2020 - 10.2022
Mortgage Banker
GATEWAY FIRST BANK
05.2018 - 12.2020
Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator
PEOPLES MORTGAGE COMPANY
03.2017 - 04.2018
Faculty Member
University of Phoenix
01.2006 - 04.2017
Campus College Chair
University of Phoenix
03.2003 - 04.2017
Instructional Designer
SmartForce
12.2000 - 02.2003
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Phoenix-Arizona
BIS - Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Business Marketing and Communications
Arizona State University