Debbie Knotts joined NewRez in September 2019 as part of the Ditech acquisition.
She had been at Ditech for over 14 years, and she has maintained tremendous loyalty and retention among employees while also facilitating enormous growth for NewRez. Knotts successfully transitioned over 80 licensed loan officers who contributed more than 25% of the company’s total funded production. Her staff increased funded volume by 74% in six months. Through targeted changes in sales management, Knotts led the improvement of locked productivity by qualified to produce loan officers by 100%. Knotts championed a 10-week program known as The Lab that trains individuals looking to break into the mortgage industry into productive licensed loan officers. Thus far, 39 licensed loan officers have been hired this year, coming from varying industries. Additionally, 90% of The Lab participants passed their licensing test, a pass rate 30% higher than the industry average. During her time at Ditech, the organization went through four CEOs, causing several major phases of transitions and adjustments for all senior leadership. During these times, Knotts demonstrated an exemplary attitude, presenting to her team as transparent, communicative, and thus managed to maintain employees and even increase productivity.