Sarah Donelson
Camarillo,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented business analyst with expertise in default servicing analytics, financial decision-making, and cross-functional project leadership. Proven success managing high-priority initiatives and translating complex data into actionable executive decks, while leveraging AI tools to enhance data validation and overall operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Analyst, Business Systems
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, California
11.2025 - Current
- Coordinate high-priority FNMA initiatives (Escrow and Delinquency Reclass) by tracking project timelines in Jira, facilitating weekly cross-functional syncs with DTO and business teams, and proactively addressing delays to ensure seamless alignment across all stakeholders.
- Manage the execution of recurring operational surveys (including servicing transfer, loss drafts, and modifications) to gather critical performance feedback and build insights decks for key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with system SMEs on the Garage application to assist with user guide updates, perform on-demand system testing, and actively participate in requirements-gathering sessions to support future project rollouts.
Business Analyst III PLS Finance
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, USA
12.2021 - 10.2025
- Supported review of Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBAs) prepared by LOB and PMO teams, validating accuracy for project certification.
- Assessed projected benefits-including revenue growth, efficiency gains, and risk reduction-against associated costs, delivering actionable feedback to guide sound financial decisions.
- Assisted in developing capacity plans to equip each Servicing line of business with the tools necessary for effective staffing, budget planning, and ongoing efficiency improvements through process optimization and automation.
- Produced accurate, timely reporting for the annual Servicing Operations Study and Forum (SOSF) survey, serving as a trusted partner in the MBA process. Contributions have been critical to enabling strategic planning and strengthening our understanding of industry positioning.
Default Reporting Sr Analyst
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, USA
04.2018 - 12.2021
- Ensure the accuracy of delinquent loan status reporting to FHA.
- Provide analytical support through monitoring of trial and exception reports in preparation for monthly transmission, as well as the post-transmission validation process where corrections are made, when necessary.
- Achieving several months in a row with zero fatal errors.
- Provide additional analytical support to the lines of business within default servicing division.
- Work to resolve loan level issues to ensure accurate default reporting and engage with partners in default lines of business to resolve process-level impediments to accurate reporting.
Senior Claims Processor, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, USA
12.2015 - 04.2018
- Maintain and prioritize a large portfolio count of 150 - 200 FHA files to meet interest cutoff deadlines.
- Monitored eviction proceedings with the eviction attorney and Property Preservation vendors.
- Filed FHA Part A conveyances and CWCOT claims with HUD timely and accurately.
- Handled the HUD Notice of Demand process.
- Transitioned from Part A Conveyance process to CWCOT process in September 2017.
- Train new hires in Part A Conveyances and CWCOT claims.
Claims Processor, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, USA
02.2014 - 11.2015
- Handled review and filing of FHA Part A conveyances, Partial Claims, Modification, and Special Forbearance Incentive claims assisting with a backlog.
- Worked with management to resolve arising issues in order for PennyMac to stay in compliance with the investor guidelines.
Claims Coordinator, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
Moorpark, USA
12.2012 - 01.2014
- Handled the intake process for the Claims Team.
- Complete posting instructions for claims proceeds.
- Prepared and gathered documentation to perfect MI claims.
- Filed FNMA and FHLMC claims timely and accurately.
Collections Specialist
NATIONWIDE MEDICAL INC
Agoura Hills, USA
05.2008 - 12.2012
- Responsible for gathering and processing information needed to complete medical insurance claims, taking inbound customer-service calls and making calls to patients and health care providers.
- Additionally, responsible for processing routine claims and investigating pending claims to resolve discrepancies.
- Familiar with Outlook Mail, Excel, HIPPA guidelines, ensuring procedures comply with federal, state, local and JCAHO requirements.
Education
High School Diploma -
Rio Mesa High School
Oxnard, CA01-2001
Associate in Arts Degree -
Ventura College
Ventura, CA01-2005
Skills
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Project certification
- Operational forecasting
- Data analysis and reporting
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Capacity planning
- Cross-Functional Project Management
- Operational Feedback & Insights Reporting
Career Achievements
- PennyMac - Top Performer / People's Award / Spotlight Award
- Nationwide Medical - Employee of the Year Awarded 2010
- Streamlined the process of accepting claims to avoid unnecessary rejections, lower denial rates, and expedite accounts receivables.
- Developed more efficient processes to lower 'clean claims' turn-around time.
TECHNICAL & AI ENABLEMENT
• Leverage Gemini AI as an intelligent assistant to draft professional communications, summarize meeting takeaways, and brainstorm strategic project workflows.
• Utilize Google Docs and Sheets to structure project tracking, monitor key performance metrics (including tech burn and logged hours), and refine rough-draft project documentation into polished, executive-ready project updates.
• Design high-impact Google Slides and NotebookLM presentations to deliver clear, data-driven progress reports during 'Weekly Project Touch Base' meetings with leadership and the team.
• Build automated triggers in Workspace Studio (Gmail/Studio Flows) to streamline workflow notifications, track incoming Drive files in real-time, and automate calendar and meeting reminders.
Timeline
Sr Analyst, Business Systems
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
11.2025 - Current
Business Analyst III PLS Finance
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
12.2021 - 10.2025
Default Reporting Sr Analyst
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
04.2018 - 12.2021
Senior Claims Processor, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
12.2015 - 04.2018
Claims Processor, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
02.2014 - 11.2015
Claims Coordinator, Claims Administration Team
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
12.2012 - 01.2014
Collections Specialist
NATIONWIDE MEDICAL INC
05.2008 - 12.2012
High School Diploma -
Rio Mesa High School
Associate in Arts Degree -
Ventura College