Microsoft Office Suite
Kerrie Crace
Banking
Saint Augustine,FL
Summary
Accomplished executive with over 20 years of expertise in Mortgage, Banking, and Default Servicing, encompassing real estate lending, underwriting, operational risk management, project management, and servicing. Skilled in effective communication, collaboration, talent acquisition, retention strategies, and compliance. A strategic leader is known for driving future-focused visions and influencing positive outcomes with business partners and recognized for professional excellence and active community engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Execution Consultant, VP
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
02.2022 - 07.2024
- Support implementation and project management for projects ranging from small deliverables to large-scale infrastructure
- Created reporting, procedures, and training material partnering with Second and Third-line auditing entities
- Managed robust risk management framework for the Servicing department within the Home Lending division, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall Risk
- Oversaw critical credit risk strategies including collections, loss mitigation, line management, delinquent flow programs, and adherence to credit risk guidelines
- Knowledgeable in federal and state fair lending regulations including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
- Collaborated with Internal/External Exam management partners while identifying potential fair lending impacts of business policies and practices
- Assisted in quality testing strategies and evaluating the effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, systems, and internal controls, analyze system changes to determine impacts to Operational Risk issues
- Facilitated training of more than ~700 staff to complete independent underwriting reviews including start-to-finish system access requests, scheduling, tracking attendance, and creating test cases while monitoring the results up to the release to production
- Monitored and provided regular updates on KPIs within the Servicing division to senior management and regulatory bodies
- Remained current with industry trends and regulatory changes impacting servicing risk management, proactively identifying improvement opportunities and implementing innovative solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
- Analyzed data sets to identify trends and opportunities for process improvements within client organizations.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Cultivated a high-performance culture within the organization by setting clear expectations for employees at all levels, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievement.
- Aligned organizational objectives with company mission to increase business growth and integrate work strategies.
Lending Administration Manager 5/ VP
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
11.2016 - 02.2022
- Served as Site leader for call center teams and managed the FHA Pre and Post Settlement teams
- Executed strategies and tactics to accomplish objectives and goals, while reducing risk along with a monetary loss to the company
- Balanced and optimized operational and financial goals to service investor requirements, guidelines, and agreements, including applicable local, state, and federal regulations
- Drove operational excellence, process improvements, research, and remediation of complaints and inquiries
- Drove project/change management, development of requirements and statements of work for vendors, and business requirements for system enhancements and management reporting
- Collaborated with upstream and downstream business partners to proactively eliminate risks by understanding each other’s responsibilities and the impact of one another
- Enhanced partnerships and relationships with various departments, resulting in process changes that strengthened quality
- Recruited, hired, and on-boarded managers along with individual contributors.
- Hired and managed 35 new managers to drive business growth.
- Supervised a team of administrative professionals, providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting, enabling effective allocation of resources and timely identification of potential cost savings.
- Collaborated with leaders from other departments to achieve consistent processes and maximize efficiency of resources.
- Conducted regular audits of internal processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures promptly.
- Streamlined office processes by implementing efficient administrative systems, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture by addressing employee concerns promptly and implementing initiatives aimed at boosting morale and job satisfaction.
- Implemented stringent data protection policies to safeguard sensitive company information from unauthorized access or loss.
- Facilitated the hiring process by working closely with HR in candidate screening, interviewing, and onboarding new administrative staff members.
- Liaised with external stakeholders including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to maintain strong working relationships beneficial to the organization''s success.
- Built excellent employee experience through culture of service and execution of employee assistance programs.
- Reduced employee turnover through employee development and other retention measures.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Delivered performance reviews to recommend additional training or advancements.
- Met department budgets by monitoring and reporting on office expenses.
- Trained employees in company and regulatory compliance requirements to promote conformance.
Lending Manager 4/VP Operations
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
08.2009 - 11.2016
- Worked with operations on talent swap to meet company needs
- Managed Quality Control, Credit Risk Management, and audits
- Assisted operations staff while developing their skills in resolving legal, compliance, and program-specific issues
- Managed relationships between Operations and Investors
- Led underwriting teams while decreasing audit findings month after month and improving quality
- Supported Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Loss Mitigation groups including Mediations, Bankruptcy, NACA, and CHA
- Created investor reporting and trending project which allowed aggregate key data points for quality teams for tracking & reporting material finding ratings and providing roll-up reporting for Senior Management, which enabled them to see a comparison of business units and trending
- Reviewed credit applications, credit bureau information, collateral valuation, tax returns, financial statements, appraisals, debt-to-income ratios, loan-to-value ratios, and or other supporting documentation necessary to make appropriate decisions based on guidelines
- Issued approval, counteroffer, or denial, assigned loan conditions, reviewed conditions, and loan transactions for accuracy/fraud prevention to determine final decision
- Had authority to withdraw and Worked with Project Manager to create and implement automated Underwriting system “accepts” and “refers” status loans
- Led support staff, including Default Decisioning, Title, and Delegation of Authority for all Retention, Liquidations, REO, and Wealth Management
- Led Business Continuity Plan for all Default decisions
- Partnered with finance and analytics to refine capacity planning and budget
- Managed operations of Underwriting team, charged with review of applicant creditworthiness and extensions of credit
- Responsible for ensuring employees followed company policy and managing Real Estate Title/Appraisal Review and Funding Departments.
- Supervised a team of 15 loan officers, promoting a positive environment and instilling a model of hard work and dedication.
- Hired and managed 10 new managers to drive business growth.
VP Credit Manager
KeyCorp/Key Bank
05.1999 - 08.2009
- Managed operations of the underwriting team charged with review of applicant creditworthiness and extension of credit
- Responsible for ensuring employees complied with company policy and for managing the Real Estate Title/Appraisal Review and Funding Departments
- Performed second-level loan reviews encompassing traditional risk-based underwriting standards with emphasis on credit reports, appraisals LTV & CLTV, while adhering to secondary market & portfolio guidelines
- Responsible for reviewing, analyzing, approving, and underwriting routine individual consumer requests and products with few deviations and within company policy and procedures
- Review credit applications, credit bureau information, collateral valuation, tax returns, financial statements, appraisals, debt-to-income ratios, and loan to value ratios and or other supporting documentation necessary to make appropriate decisions based on guidelines
- Issued approval, counteroffer, or denial, assigned loan conditions, and reviewed conditions and loan transactions for accuracy/fraud prevention to determine the final decision
- Had the authority to withdraw and decline loans
- Performed second review loan audits to ensure Underwriting staff was making minimal errors and in compliance with internal and regulatory guidelines
- Assisted in identifying, recommending, and/or negotiating alternative loan requirements, funding and /or loan-structuring solutions
- Provided new and existing Underwriting processes, procedures, and approaches to staff members
- Worked with the Project Manager to create and implement the automated Underwriting system “accepts” and “refer” status loans
- Directed the implementation of a paperless environment resulting in increased operating efficiency
- Created process flow charts and wrote departmental procedures
- Ensured the business was kept current and effective changes were communicated to all employees and departments
- Continuously deliver improved efficiencies to the line of business through processing effectiveness
- Trained and promoted more than 10 staff members resulting in upward mobility of employees throughout the company
- Made effective and appropriate employment decisions, hiring, promotions, and terminations designed to build and develop team members and attain maximum productivity.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives across departments to achieve business goals for bottom-line profits.
- Aligned organizational objectives with company mission to increase business growth and integrate work strategies.
Skills
- Real Estate Lending
- Operational Risk Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Delegation of Authority
- Correspondent Lending
- Process Improvement
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership & Development
- Client Relationships
Accomplishments
- Process Improvement Initiatives: Implemented new underwriting processes or streamlined existing processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy, resulting in reduced turnaround times and improved customer satisfaction.
- Quality Assurance Programs: Developed and implemented comprehensive quality assurance programs for underwriting operations, leading to a decrease in error rates and improved underwriting Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Training and Development: Designed and conducted training programs for underwriters on quality standards, policies, and best practices, resulting in improved underwriter performance and adherence to guidelines.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Implemented risk assessment frameworks to identify and mitigate potential risks in underwriting decisions, resulting in reduced exposure to risk and improved portfolio quality.
- Audit Compliance: Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies through rigorous auditing processes, resulting in successful audits and maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Customer Feedback and Improvement Initiatives: Gathered customer feedback and initiated improvement initiatives based on insights, resulting in enhanced service delivery and increased customer satisfaction scores.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilized data analytics tools to analyze underwriting data, identify trends, and generate reports for management, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Fostered effective collaboration between underwriting teams, claims departments, sales, and risk management teams to improve communication and alignment on quality objectives.
- Recognition and Awards: Received recognition or awards for outstanding performance in maintaining high underwriting quality standards or for achieving specific quality-related milestones.
- Continuous Improvement Culture: Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the underwriting department, encouraging feedback from team members and implementing suggestions for process enhancement.
Software
Visio
Tableau
CRM Software
Financial Software
Accounting Software:
Risk Management Tools
Data Analytics Tools
Microsoft Project (MSP)
SharePoint
Workview
Certification
- CPM - Certified Professional Manager
- CM - Certified Manager Certification
- Level E Lending Authority in FHA, VA, USDA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Bank and Private
- Harvard Manage Mentor Classes- Preparing a Business Plan, Making a Presentation, Persuading Others, Difficult Interactions, Selecting Top Talent, Communicating Effectively, Self-Assessment, Time Management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Business Execution Consultant, VP
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
02.2022 - 07.2024
Lending Administration Manager 5/ VP
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
11.2016 - 02.2022
Lending Manager 4/VP Operations
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
08.2009 - 11.2016
VP Credit Manager
KeyCorp/Key Bank
05.1999 - 08.2009
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingWork from home optionPaid time offHealthcare benefits401k matchTeam Building / Company RetreatsSimilar Profiles
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