STEVEN PORTER II
West Des Moines
Summary
Commercial credit and underwriting professional with 18+ years of experience in credit risk management, complex financial analysis, loss mitigation, workout strategies, foreclosure mediation, and customer rehabilitation. Extensive experience partnering with legal counsel and cross-functional teams to mitigate losses, manage risk, and deliver effective customer solutions. Recognized for strong analytical abilities, sound judgment, regulatory compliance, and leadership within fast-paced financial environments.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Underwriting Specialist
MERCHANTS BONDING COMPANY
West Des Moines, Iowa
05.2025 - Current
- Evaluate bond applications, credit reports, and financial documentation to assess risk exposure and determine appropriate bond premiums.
- Perform underwriting analysis and provide recommendations supporting sound credit decisions.
- Review existing accounts and manage annual renewals while ensuring timely and accurate completion of underwriting documentation.
- Process contracts, billing transactions, and legal document changes while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with underwriting, operations, and transaction teams to improve workflow efficiency and client service.
- Maintain detailed records and serve as a key point of contact for agents, clients, and internal business partners.
Credit Risk Underwriter II (Part-Time)
WATERCRESS FINANCIAL
Remote
11.2025 - Current
- Analyze consumer credit applications and financial information to evaluate risk and support sound lending decisions.
- Review complex credit profiles while ensuring adherence to underwriting policies and portfolio objectives.
- Identify emerging risks and recommend actions to mitigate potential losses.
- Maintain accurate documentation while ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support efficient loan processing and customer service.
Consumer Loan Underwriter III / Credit Risk Specialist
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE
West Des Moines, Iowa
2018 - 2024
- Reviewed and underwrote complex retention and workout solutions within FHA and GSE investor guidelines.
- Analyzed personal and business financial statements to evaluate repayment capacity and credit risk.
- Obtained Level C underwriting authority for FHA, FNMA and FHLMC products.
- Mentored and coached less experienced underwriters while promoting risk awareness and compliance.
- Partnered with multiple business units to deliver timely and effective customer resolutions.
- Participated in peer reviews, quality assurance initiatives, credit risk management, and compliance activities.
Loss Mitigation Underwriter
FREEDOM MORTGAGE
San Dimas, California
2016 - 2018
- Underwrote complex loss mitigation solutions for VA, FNMA and FHLMC portfolios.
- Reviewed title documentation to ensure lien protection and investor compliance.
- Evaluated escalated cases and complex borrower financial situations.
- Served as CFPB compliance lead for VA products.
- Ensured adherence to investor and regulatory requirements.
Mediation Underwriter / Foreclosure Mediations
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE
San Bernardino, California
2008 - 2015
- Represented Wells Fargo in foreclosure mediation hearings with full settlement authority.
- Partnered with internal and external legal counsel to resolve litigation and borrower disputes.
- Developed and implemented workout strategies designed to mitigate losses and rehabilitate borrowers where appropriate.
- Performed detailed analysis of complex financial statements, tax returns, and supporting documentation.
- Evaluated operational risk and recommended solutions to maximize recovery opportunities.
- Maintained Level C underwriting authority across multiple investor and government programs.
- Additional experience includes construction lending, bankruptcy proceedings, foreclosure processes, legal coordination, management, and customer service leadership.
Education
Economics and Business
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CaliforniaSkills
- Commercial Credit Analysis
- Credit Risk Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Loss Mitigation
- Workout Strategies
- Portfolio Risk Management
- Foreclosure Mediation
- Bankruptcy Exposure
- Regulatory Compliance
- Relationship Management
- Settlement Negotiation
- Legal Coordination
- Collateral Review
- Process Improvement
- Leadership & Mentoring
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Timeline
Credit Risk Underwriter II (Part-Time)
WATERCRESS FINANCIAL
11.2025 - Current
Underwriting Specialist
MERCHANTS BONDING COMPANY
05.2025 - Current
Consumer Loan Underwriter III / Credit Risk Specialist
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE
2018 - 2024
Loss Mitigation Underwriter
FREEDOM MORTGAGE
2016 - 2018
Mediation Underwriter / Foreclosure Mediations
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE
2008 - 2015
Economics and Business
Victor Valley College
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
- Leadership Development Program
- Selected for advanced leadership training focused on coaching, communication, employee development, and organizational effectiveness.