Nicole R. Bernier
Nashua,NH
Summary
Results-driven underwriting leader with expertise in loan structuring and credit analysis. Skilled in managing and underwriting FHA, USDA, VA, conventional, and jumbo loans, with a proven track record in enhancing team collaboration and optimizing processes. Achievements include significant improvements in performance metrics and operational success recognized through multiple awards. Licensed in DE, SAR/LAPP, and NMLS, demonstrating commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Underwriting
Go Mortgage
Columbus, Ohio
04.2026 - Current
- Leads strategic initiatives to enhance mortgage processes and improve client experiences.
- Cultivates collaboration among departments to optimize operational efficiency and service quality.
- Participates in developing corporate initiatives and executing key business decisions.
- Drives sales and profitability through effective management aligned with company vision.
- Ensures staffing of qualified, motivated employees fostering interdepartmental collaboration.
- Assesses potential risks to the company and implemented proactive mitigation strategies.
- Monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring management accountability.
Underwriting Team Lead
UHM-SPM transition
Strongsville, Ohio-remote
10.2025 - 04.2026
- Led underwriters through SPM and UHM transition while fulfilling Sierra TL duties.
- Resolved internal and external client escalations promptly to achieve high satisfaction rates.
- Collaborated with Executive Team on vendor maintenance and updates for operational continuity.
- Trained and provided second reviews to elevate underwriter certifications and align loan structures with investor requirements.
- Maintained staff retention and performance through transparency techniques and motivation.
- Facilitated ongoing one-on-one coaching sessions for individual development.
Team Lead
Sierra Pacific
Remote, NH
05.2024 - 04.2026
- Served as sole Team Lead and Subject Matter Expert for conventional and government loans in Wholesale Channel.
- Resolved operational and sales inquiries promptly as first-tier manager, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Evaluated loan restructuring cases to approve or deny pre and post-closing issues according to established guidelines.
- Oversaw Scenario and Underwriting Support Desks while managing daily pipelines to ensure operational efficiency.
- Maintained certifications to assist junior staff by clearing conditions and underwriting complex loans during peak workloads.
- Contributed to routine sales and operational meetings to gain a comprehensive market understanding.
- Provided coverage for executive staff during PTO, ensuring seamless operations in their absence.
Underwriting/Regional Ops Manager
Plaza Home Mortgage
Remote, NH
01.2019 - 04.2024
- Co-chaired corporate rollout project, enhancing loan salability across operations.
- Reviewed over 30 escalations weekly, achieving lowest deficiency rates in division.
- Trained new underwriters and audited more than 20 loans monthly, identifying credit efficiency trends.
- Managed underwriting and site operations for N/E business channel prior to COVID remote transition.
- Facilitated annual reviews and one-on-ones to address challenges and motivate advancement.
- Oversaw staff schedules to ensure optimal coverage and improve workflow efficiency.
- Collaborated as subject matter expert on executive projects to align credit guidelines and enhance production.
- Implemented process improvements that boosted team productivity and overall performance.
Underwriting Team Lead/ Manager-Wholesale Division
Finance of America
Chino, CA
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Managed underwriting team, delegating loans and overseeing personal pipeline efficiently.
- Reviewed loan decisions and project evaluations, supplying critical insights to underwriting department.
- Conducted underwriting and sales calls regularly, expediting complex scenario processing.
- Oversaw national Scenario Desk, evaluating approximately 400 scenarios each month.
- Reviewed pre-funding and post-funding QC deficiencies while training new associates nationwide.
- Monitored team performance, delivering constructive feedback and effectively motivating staff.
- Collaborated across departments to develop solutions that addressed customer needs.
- Traveled to national business sites as needed for operational needs.
Education
Worked Towards Masters - Counseling Psychology
Rivier College
Nashua, NH01-2003
B.A. - Psychology and English
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA01.1997
Skills
- Loan structuring and credit analysis
- Risk assessment and underwriting
- Customer relationship engagement
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Workflow optimization enhancement
- Effective communication and coaching
- Cross-department collaboration
- Project and pipeline management
- Team development and training
- LOS systems proficiency
Timeline
VP of Underwriting
Go Mortgage
04.2026 - Current
Underwriting Team Lead
UHM-SPM transition
10.2025 - 04.2026
Team Lead
Sierra Pacific
05.2024 - 04.2026
Underwriting/Regional Ops Manager
Plaza Home Mortgage
01.2019 - 04.2024
Underwriting Team Lead/ Manager-Wholesale Division
Finance of America
08.2016 - 08.2019
Worked Towards Masters - Counseling Psychology
Rivier College
B.A. - Psychology and English
University of Massachusetts