Zettra Goodman Waters, Executive Vice President of Corporate Operations at Freedom Mortgage, is a transformative leader known for engineering enterprise strategies that have tripled operations through cross-functional pressure testing and workforce cross-training. Her ability to scale execution while investing in human capital drives agility, resilience, and performance across the organization and the broader housing ecosystem. By cultivating talent and building bridges through her industry network, Waters champions growth, innovation, and operational excellence that extend well beyond Freedom Mortgage.
Recognized with Freedom Mortgage’s Excellence in Leadership Award for multiple consecutive years, Waters was promoted to EVP in 2023, where she leads initiatives to expand capacity, strengthen compliance, and develop future leaders. Her commitment to service is equally profound. She serves as Vice President of Operations for Cathedral Kitchen, the largest soup kitchen in Camden, NJ, and actively contributes through Freedom Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm.
Waters’ influence extends nationally. As a Charter Member of the South Jersey Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), she helped establish the Audit Committee, furthering NCNW’s mission to empower women of African descent through education and economic initiatives. Her mentorship, which has included engaging with both a U.S. Presidential candidate and a former President, underscores her impact and reputation as a trusted advisor.
Blending strategic innovation with servant leadership, Waters is committed to building people, strengthening communities, and shaping a more inclusive housing industry.
What is one habit you swear by?
Staying relentlessly close to the customer and the front line.
Name:
Zettra Goodman Waters
Title:
Executive Vice President
Company Name:
Freedom Mortgage
