Honoring the Stories of Women

March is Women's History Month, a chance to reflect on the stories of women whose lives have impacted the world for the better. Women who have made a difference through their activism and influence, as well as their contributions to the arts and sciences. Because of their courage and commitment, my daughter Maggie is growing up in a world where she will have the opportunity to achieve any dream she aspires to, and I am grateful for their example for men and women alike.

I want to recognize the women at Academy Mortgage whose stories have impacted our company for the better. Women whose roles and responsibilities make a difference every day. Some may work behind the scenes, but their contributions are no less important. I’d like to talk about a few, but I know there are many more women at Academy that deserve recognition. I look forward to sharing more of their stories in the future.

Chief Operations Officer Kristi Pickering has only been with Academy for a year, but she has thoughtfully and efficiently worked to make our company better with each new role she has taken on. She is a 26-year veteran of the mortgage industry and has been instrumental in helping Academy develop new and innovative automation and processes. She is an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, teammate, and friend—not to mention she has a beautiful singing voice.

Director of Corporate Marketing Dennill Tolbert spends most of her time crafting Academy’s story. Her crucial responsibilities with internal communications and attention to detail help ensure that our team members across the organization are kept informed. Dennill has been with Academy for 10+ years, moving up the ranks from her first role as an executive assistant. With her experience, Dennill knows Academy inside and out. Much of her work is done quietly behind the scenes and is often credited to others, but it does not go unnoticed. She is a dog lover, a shoe lover, and an all-around great person. 

Underwriter III Kristin Zimmerman in Colorado has also quietly worked her way up over her 8+ years with our company. She began her career a Processor and promoted through underwriting. She is a favorite among her sales partners because she is a proficient communicator and works diligently to find ways to make their jobs easier. Our Operations Team is stronger because of all that Kristin brings to Academy. She enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her husband and their two dogs as well as DIY projects and crafting. 

Last but certainly not least, I want to recognize Senior Vice President and Branch Manager Kelle Smart. Kelle has been with Academy for more than 23 years and has helped elevate our company from a small, regional lender to a national lending leader. She has set a standard for our Sales Team on how to build trust and represent our customers’ best interests; how to connect with our business partners on a personal level; and how to mentor new recruits to the industry. Beyond her numerous contributions, Kelle is a true example of loyalty.

This month I encourage you to think about the women whose stories have had a positive impact on your life—whether they are already written in history books or are still being written to this day. Let’s honor them by striving to make a difference of our own.