Leadership, growth and lifting up the next generation: A fireside chat with New American Funding’s Patty Arvielo and NFM Lending’s LaTasha Waddy
 | Patty Arvielo CEO and Co-Founder New American Funding |
 | LaTasha Waddy President NFM Lending |
Overview
Patty Arvielo built one of the top IMBs in the country. LaTasha Waddy came up through her Thrive and Lead mentorship program and now leads NFM Lending as president, another top IMB.
This year, the mentee flips the script and sits down with her mentor on stage as they dig in on the strategic ways they’re staying ahead given market changes and trends. As one of the last few privately held, top lenders, they’ll talk about what it takes for New American Funding to build the people, culture, and leadership pipeline that creates lasting power in this industry.
Session Notes
Key takeaway
Mortgage leadership is shifting as lenders face rising pressure to plan for succession, build a stronger pipeline of women leaders and manage AI-driven change. Annie Arvielo and Renee Waddy said executives will need more grit, more intentional talent development and a clear strategy for how AI affects jobs and workflows.
What leaders need to know:
- Women need more seats at the top. Arvielo said her mission is to see more women become CEOs, founders and presidents in the industry.
- Succession planning has to be intentional. Both leaders talked about building companies that can live beyond one founder or CEO.
- AI is now a people issue, not just a tech issue. Arvielo said employees are already asking what AI means for their future roles.
- Efficiency will separate lenders. AI can reduce repetitive work and lower the cost to originate, but leaders need to help teams adapt.
- Borrower needs are changing. Waddy pointed to gig work, self-employment and multiple income streams as reasons lenders will need more flexible products.
HousingWire perspective
The session made clear that mortgage leadership is entering a new era. The strongest companies will be those that can adopt AI, improve efficiency and develop the next generation of leaders without losing the human trust that drives the business.
Presentation Materials
Leadership, growth and lifting up the next generation: A fireside chat with New American Funding’s Patty Arvielo and NFM Lending’s LaTasha Waddy
Download the full presentation from the session including charts, data visualizations, and key takeaways.
