Accolade spotlights leaders driving the mortgage, real estate and fintech industries forward

loanDepot, Inc. ("LDI" or "Company") (NYSE: LDI), a leading provider of home lending solutions that enables customers to achieve the dream of homeownership, announced that Senior Vice President of Accounting Systems Jennifer Edwards has received HousingWire’s Rising Star award, which spotlights leaders 40 years and younger who demonstrate leadership and innovation that inspires not only those within their organizations but in their communities and the industry at large.

“Jennifer is passionate about making a difference for loanDepot, our communities, and the industry,” said loanDepot Chief Financial Officer David Hayes. “Her contributions have helped streamline and optimize the Company’s financial systems as part of our Vision 2025 strategy. It’s wonderful to see her receive this recognition as a go-to member of our finance team who is looked up to as a mentor and leader who embodies the company’s purpose-driven DNA.”

Edwards is a forward-thinking accounting technologist who continuously works to enhance and improve loanDepot’s finance and accounting operations, creating efficiencies that streamline work across all departments and contribute to data-driven decisions. She led the implementation of Workday’s Financial Management system and is a frequent contributor to strategic initiatives including the launch of the company’s digital HELOC and transition to the new cloud-based Empower LOS.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Jennifer who is a true servant leader within loanDepot,” said loanDepot Chief Accounting Officer Darren Graeler. “She’s a team player who takes a collaborative approach that goes beyond the finance department as she actively mentors rising stars and builds connections across the company to promote innovation and support career growth for members of Team loanDepot.”

“My father and godfather worked in the business, so as a second-generation mortgage pro, I am carrying forward their legacy and ushering in the next generation,” said Edwards. “I see accounting as the language of business, and understanding that language allows me to tell a story and add back value that goes beyond just numbers. While our role is behind the scenes, our work streamlines operations and creates efficiencies for the company which has implications for the industry by benefiting originators and homebuyers, especially in today’s challenging market.”

Edwards is first in line when presented with opportunities to serve others in her Southern California community. She recently joined colleagues to build homes for Habitat for Humanity in Santa Ana and Los Angeles and she regularly volunteers for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Girl Scouts of Orange County, the American Youth Soccer Organization, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. Additionally, she mentors young women from Anaheim High Schools, supporting their career exploration through the American Heart Association's STEM Goes Red initiative.

The Rising Star award marks loanDepot’s second HousingWire accolade of 2024, having earned the Tech100 Mortgage award in February.

About loanDepot

loanDepot (NYSE: LDI) is a leading provider of lending solutions that make the American dream of homeownership more accessible and achievable for all, especially the increasingly diverse communities of first-time homebuyers, through a broad suite of lending and real estate services that simplify one of life's most complex transactions. Since its launch in 2010, the company has been recognized as an innovator, using its industry-leading technology to deliver a superior customer experience. Our digital-first approach makes it easier, faster and less stressful to purchase or refinance a home. Today, as one of the largest non-bank lenders in the country, loanDepot and its mellohome operating unit offer an integrated platform of lending, loan servicing, real estate and home services that support customers along their entire homeownership journey. Headquartered in Southern California and with hundreds of local market offices nationwide, loanDepot’s passionate team is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of their customers every day.

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“Jennifer is passionate about making a difference for loanDepot, our communities, and the industry.”