James Hecht to Lead Strategic Production Channels at Stearns Lending

Stearns Lending Inc. has announced the appointment of James Hecht to the role of executive vice president-strategic development. Hecht brings 20-plus years of mortgage banking sales, operations and strategic partnership leadership expertise to Stearns. Prior to joining Stearns, Hecht most recently served as EVP of national retail and builder production for Nationstar Mortgage. Previously, Hecht held executive roles with MetLife Home Loans, Bank of America and Countrywide Home Loans, serving as national head of consumer direct production, divisional retail sales executive, national retail fulfillment executive and national head of home builder production. He began his career as an intern at MGIC and later a commissioned originator. He has a proven track record of building high performing teams and growing production through traditional and emerging channels. He is widely considered one of the top strategic alliance executives in the industry as he developed and operated multiple builder and Realtor alliances including the largest builder joint venture in the industry which was owned by Bank of America and KB Home. “We are extremely pleased and fortunate that James Hecht recognized the vast opportunities at Stearns Lending. His arrival is indicative of Stearns’ broadening strength and increasing credibility as a leader in the mortgage space,” said Brian S. Hale, Stearns Lending’s CEO. “As a member of the Stearns Executive Management Team, James will be responsible for leading and growing strategic production channels such as Consumer Direct, Builder, Credit Union Partners, and our Marketing and Recruitment teams. He will be based in Dallas, TX and will provide oversight to our growing operations in the DFW market.”