Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Darlene Mendez

Denver,CO

Summary

Professional underwriter with over 10 years of experience in risk assessment, policy development, and client relationship management. Demonstrated expertise in delivering high-quality results by working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and adapting to changing market conditions. Known for strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a strategic approach to decision-making, which has driven impactful decisions and fostered team success.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Underwriter

Fitzsimons Credit Union
06.2022 - Current
  • Underwrite complex consumer and real estate loan products, including personal, auto, credit card, mortgage, commercial real estate, and syndicated loans.
  • Evaluate creditworthiness by analyzing credit reports, income statements, and debt obligations to determine repayment capacity and risk exposure.
  • Apply federal and institutional lending guidelines (TILA, RESPA, Dodd-Frank, ECOA, FCRA) to ensure compliant, sound lending decisions.
  • Identify and mitigate risk through thorough assessment of DTI ratios, credit scores, collateral, and credit histories.
  • Make final loan decisions within authority; escalate and resolve borderline or complex cases in alignment with risk policy.
  • Conduct annual portfolio audits and compliance reviews for commercial loans, ensuring regulatory alignment.
  • Mentor junior underwriters; provide training on policies, underwriting techniques, and risk tolerance.
  • Collaborate with processors, originators, and internal departments to streamline operations and expedite escalated files.
  • Contribute to underwriting policy development and continuous risk management improvements based on market and performance trends.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of all underwriting actions and generate risk and performance reports for executive leadership.
  • Communicate loan decisions clearly to internal stakeholders; handle escalated borrower inquiries with professionalism.
  • Manage subordination agreements, loan modifications, and compliance documentation.
  • Underwrite indirect auto loans submitted via CUDC platform, ensuring prompt review and stipulation clearance.
  • Partner with marketing and sales teams to align lending strategies with member needs and business goals.

Mortgage Loan Originator / Team Supervisor

American Financing Corporation
08.2017 - 06.2022
  • Managed and coached a team of 8–10 mortgage consultants to exceed production goals while maintaining high compliance standards.
  • Served as escalation point for underwriting issues, second voice calls, and approval overrides.
  • Reviewed complex file structures using AUS/DU to ensure qualification under various lending guidelines.
  • Originated and closed an average of 6–8 loans monthly across FHA, VA, and Conventional channels.
  • Delivered team trainings focused on regulatory compliance, structuring, and pipeline management.

Loan Officer II

Fitzsimons Credit Union
04.2016 - 06.2017
  • Originated and processed consumer loans, auto loans, and mortgage products.
  • Conducted credit reviews and financial analysis for income, liabilities, and collateral.
  • Ensured loan compliance with federal and institutional regulations including Reg Z, ECOA, and OFAC.
  • Provided financial education and cross-sold credit union products tailored to member needs.

Operations Specialist / Assistant Branch Manager

JPMorgan Chase
06.2014 - 04.2016
  • Oversaw branch operations, regulatory compliance, audits, and teller performance.
  • Delivered daily branch scheduling, cash control, and audit readiness protocols.
  • Mentored tellers and bankers to enhance member service, accuracy, and compliance.

Education

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

Community College of Aurora
Aurora, CO
12.2015

Skills

  • Data integration management
  • Mortgage & Commercial Underwriting (FHA, VA, Conventional)
  • Regulatory Compliance: RESPA, TILA, ECOA, SAFE Act, Dodd-Frank
  • Credit Risk Analysis Portfolio Management Income & Asset Review
  • Team Leadership & Training Pipeline Management Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) Publisher

Certification

  • Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS)



Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Senior Underwriter

Fitzsimons Credit Union
06.2022 - Current

Mortgage Loan Originator / Team Supervisor

American Financing Corporation
08.2017 - 06.2022

Loan Officer II

Fitzsimons Credit Union
04.2016 - 06.2017

Operations Specialist / Assistant Branch Manager

JPMorgan Chase
06.2014 - 04.2016

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

Community College of Aurora

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Darlene Mendez