LeaderOne Financial, a Kansas City area-based mortgage banking company licensed in 38 states, announced the promotion of Steven Light to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief strategy officer. 

In this role, Light’s responsibilities include production support, marketing, corporate communication, process improvement and strategic growth. 

Light joined LeaderOne in 2014 and previously served as vice president, director of corporate services for the company.

Light brings more than 20 years of mortgage experience to his new role at LeaderOne. Earlier in his career, Light held executive positions with Countrywide, Saxon Capital and Household International. 

Prior to LeaderOne, he was senior vice president for retail sales for American Equity Mortgage, where he managed three regional vice presidents and their retail branch networks.

“Steven is an organized, optimistic leader who sees the big picture and knows how to recruit individuals to the mission,” said A.W. Pickel III, founder, president and CEO of LeaderOne Financial. “He has the ability to see the issues with a laser-like focus. I count on Steven for his candid opinions and his gifted leadership.”

Light said he is excited by the new opportunity.

“I’m excited to be joining the senior leadership team here at LeaderOne Financial, an employee-centric company that has always focused on quality and organic growth,” Light said. "I look forward to helping guide the company’s expansion into new areas and increasing our share in the markets we currently serve, leveraging our trademark high service levels with borrowers and referral partners.”