THOMAS R. THERRELL
Houston
Summary
Executive mortgage risk and operations leader with 20+ years of experience strengthening credit quality, operational risk controls, and regulatory compliance across large-scale underwriting environments. Proven track record developing risk frameworks, leading audits, improving portfolio quality, and driving enterprise-wide process improvements. Adept at analyzing complex credit scenarios, implementing data-driven risk strategies, and partnering with senior leadership to ensure alignment with risk appetite. Recognized for building high-performing teams, elevating service levels, and delivering measurable improvements in production, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Underwriter
PRMG
07.2024 - Current
- Underwrite complex Non-QM loans across multiple investor guidelines, ensuring alignment with credit policy and risk thresholds.
- Maintain quality initiatives across investor requirements and support continuous improvement of underwriting practices.
- Partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver transparent communication and high service levels.
Vice President of Underwriting
Interfirst Mortgage Company
06.2020 - 01.2023
- Led a 50+ person underwriting organization, overseeing credit quality, operational risk controls, and regulatory compliance.
- Increased production by 15% and reduced turn times to half the industry average through workflow optimization.
- Achieved 100% audit scores in the final quarter by strengthening quality controls and implementing feedback loops.
- Developed and updated underwriting guidelines based on evolving risk appetite, investor changes, and portfolio trends.
- Delivered executive-level reporting on production, recruiting, quality, and risk indicators.
- Resolved complex credit scenarios and coached team members on risk-appropriate solutions.
- Managed and underwrote Non-QM loans while improving customer satisfaction and reducing escalations.
Underwriting Manager / Vice President
Affiliated Bank
06.2018 - 06.2020
- Facilitated daily risk-focused standups to assign tasks, monitor progress, and remove operational impediments.
- Increased productivity by 33% in Q1 and 50% in Q2 by coaching teams to adopt technology and streamline processes.
- Improved audit scores by 10% through consistent guideline application and enhanced quality controls.
- Provided transparent reporting to sales and leadership to support accurate customer expectations and risk-aligned decisions.
- Led conflict resolution efforts that improved customer satisfaction and production.
- Managed and underwrote Non-QM loans, identifying risk trends and resolving complex credit challenges.
Underwriting Supervisor
loanDepot
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Strengthened cross-department communication to reduce operational risk and improve workflow transparency.
- Improved quality by 8% through targeted coaching and performance management.
- Managed high-volume USDA pipeline, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and risk controls.
Operations Manager
Zip Lending, Inc
08.2016 - 09.2017
- Led Agile-based implementation of LOS, POS, and website integrations, completing the project three months early.
- Enabled early company launch through effective vendor oversight, system customization, and operational readiness.
- Conducted retrospectives to evaluate operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Transition Manager
AmeriPro Funding
06.2011 - 08.2016
- Led cross-functional initiatives to resolve processing and underwriting bottlenecks, improving customer satisfaction.
- Monitored milestones and deliverables daily to identify risks early and prevent delays, increasing production by 28%.
- Facilitated conflict resolution with newly onboarded sales teams, improving retention and on-time closings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
The University of Texas at Austin
Skills
- Credit Risk Management
- Operational Risk and Process Controls
- Regulatory and Investor Compliance (Agency and Non-QM)
- Portfolio Analytics, KPIs, and KRIs
- CECL, Delinquency, and Trend Analysis
- Enterprise Risk Frameworks
- Audit Leadership and Quality Assurance
- Executive Communication and Reporting
- Agile Methodology and Continuous Improvement
- Vendor Oversight and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Risk evaluations
Certification
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- HUD Direct Endorsement (Former)
- VA LAPP/SAR (Former)
Timeline
Senior Underwriter
PRMG
07.2024 - Current
Vice President of Underwriting
Interfirst Mortgage Company
06.2020 - 01.2023
Underwriting Manager / Vice President
Affiliated Bank
06.2018 - 06.2020
Underwriting Supervisor
loanDepot
09.2017 - 06.2018
Operations Manager
Zip Lending, Inc
08.2016 - 09.2017
Transition Manager
AmeriPro Funding
06.2011 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
The University of Texas at Austin