RUSSELL KERR
McKinney,TX
Summary
Strategic Operational Risk Executive with 26+ years in mortgage finance and over 19 years leading governance, risk, and compliance initiatives. Proven track record of designing enterprise-level risk frameworks, driving operational maturity across complex organizations, and delivering measurable improvements in compliance readiness and risk mitigation. Skilled in partnering with senior leadership to embed a culture of proactive risk management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operational Risk Principal (Director) – Single Family Strategy and Governance
FANNIE MAE
05.2022 - Current
- Led the development and implementation of the operational risk management strategy for Single-Family business to improve the overall risk framework.
- Spearheaded maturity initiatives for risk and control environments, impacting 1600+ employees across 136 processes.
- Designed and launched a key indicator framework tracking 80+ risk metrics, enabling faster identification of emerging issues and strengthening executive decision-making.
- Created and implemented an aggregated risk rating using a quantitative risk rating system adopted by executive leadership to embed a culture of proactive risk management.
- Built strong partnerships with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lines of defense to align risk efforts and promote a culture of risk awareness.
Operational Risk Manager (Single-Family Operational Risk)
FANNIE MAE
01.2017 - 05.2022
- Directed risk identification and control assessments across 900+ employees and 59 business processes.
- Delivered monthly risk reporting and trend analysis, driving early mitigation strategies.
- Managed regulatory engagement with FHFA, OIG, Internal Audit, and SOX teams, maintaining full compliance and readiness.
- Documented and monitored issues via the GRC platform, ensuring effective remediation through root cause analysis.
Governance Manager (Loan Quality Center FKA National Underwriting Center)
FANNIE MAE
06.2012 - 01.2017
- Developed and executed department-wide control testing identifying control gaps and recommending risk mitigation options.
- Drove successful audit outcomes with green/satisfactory ratings across all reviews from 2012–2016.
- Collaborated with audit, compliance, and enterprise risk groups to refine policies and implement corrective actions.
Governance Specialist III / Operational Risk Analyst II
FANNIE MAE
10.2008 - 06.2012
- Led operational reviews and staff training programs to standardize procedures and improve performance.
- Facilitated risk assessments and produced analytical reports aligned with regulatory expectations.
AVP, Compliance Risk Supervisor
RECONTRUST COMPANY, Richardson, TX | Countrywide Bank
06.2008 - 10.2008
- Conducted compliance self-assessments and regulatory reviews for foreclosure operations.
- Presented findings and remediation strategies to senior management, reducing compliance risk exposure.
Compliance Auditor (OTC Construction Lending)
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, Plano, TX
02.2006 - 06.2008
- Defined audit criteria and standards for OTC construction lending lifecycle.
- Authored executive reports highlighting audit findings and initiated control enhancements.
Closing Supervisor
PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE, Dallas, TX
10.2005 - 02.2006
Legal Assistant
BLACK, MANN & GRAHAM, Dallas, TX
05.2005 - 10.2005
Closing Loan Coordinator III
WASHINGTON MUTUAL, Dallas, TX
12.2002 - 05.2005
Audit Specialist (Contract work)
AURORA LOAN SERVICES, Addison, TX
10.2002 - 12.2002
Licensed Relationship Banker
BANK ONE CORPORATION, Highland Village, TX
03.2000 - 10.2002
Customer Service Representative
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, Plano, TX
09.1999 - 03.2000
Education
B.Sc. - Government, Public Administration
Evangel University
Springfield, MOSkills
- Risk & Compliance: Risk Management Frameworks, Regulatory Compliance, Audit Readiness, Issue Management
- Strategy & Operations: Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, Process Re-engineering, Change Management
- Data & Analytics: Data Analytics, Key Risk Indicators, Root Cause Analysis
- Leadership & Collaboration: Team Leadership, Relationship Management, Fostering Innovation
Certification
- Operational Risk Management Fundamentals – The Risk Management Association (RMA)
- Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) – Mortgage Bankers Association
Timeline
Operational Risk Principal (Director) – Single Family Strategy and Governance
FANNIE MAE
05.2022 - Current
Operational Risk Manager (Single-Family Operational Risk)
FANNIE MAE
01.2017 - 05.2022
Governance Manager (Loan Quality Center FKA National Underwriting Center)
FANNIE MAE
06.2012 - 01.2017
Governance Specialist III / Operational Risk Analyst II
FANNIE MAE
10.2008 - 06.2012
AVP, Compliance Risk Supervisor
RECONTRUST COMPANY, Richardson, TX | Countrywide Bank
06.2008 - 10.2008
Compliance Auditor (OTC Construction Lending)
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, Plano, TX
02.2006 - 06.2008
Closing Supervisor
PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE, Dallas, TX
10.2005 - 02.2006
Legal Assistant
BLACK, MANN & GRAHAM, Dallas, TX
05.2005 - 10.2005
Closing Loan Coordinator III
WASHINGTON MUTUAL, Dallas, TX
12.2002 - 05.2005
Audit Specialist (Contract work)
AURORA LOAN SERVICES, Addison, TX
10.2002 - 12.2002
Licensed Relationship Banker
BANK ONE CORPORATION, Highland Village, TX
03.2000 - 10.2002
Customer Service Representative
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, Plano, TX
09.1999 - 03.2000
B.Sc. - Government, Public Administration
Evangel University
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