In a move that underscores its evolution from a broker-first shop into a full-fledged mortgage lender, NEXA Lending has appointed veteran executive Tammy Richards as its new chief strategy officer. A leader in mortgage operations and technology, Richards brings over 35 years of experience at major institutions including Kind Lending, loanDepot, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.
Richards joins the company just weeks after NEXA formally rebranded from NEXA Mortgage to NEXA Lending, a transition detailed in NMP’s exclusive coverage of the company’s strategic shift. The move signals a broader identity change as NEXA moves beyond its origins as a brokerage and fully embraces its role as a national lender operating primarily through its own correspondent lines.
Leading Strategy Through Growth
In her new role, Richards will lead NEXA’s long-term strategic planning, national expansion efforts, and talent recruitment initiatives. She will also guide the company’s approach to strategic mergers and acquisitions while overseeing the continued evolution of its Non-Delegated correspondent channel to ensure operational excellence and scalability.
“We are thrilled to have Tammy join our executive team,” said Mike Kortas, CEO of NEXA Lending. “Her proven track record of developing and implementing transformative strategies is exactly what we need as we enter our next phase of growth. Tammy’s leadership will be invaluable in helping us innovate and solidify our position as a market leader.”
Jason DuPont, NEXA’s Chief Operating Officer, added, “We are excited and honored to have Tammy Richards join the growth team at NEXA Lending. Huge things ahead … ”
Geri Farr, who recently joined NEXA as chief growth officer, previously worked alongside Richards at Kind Lending, didn’t hold back: “Hiring Tammy is a monumental win. She is a t-rex in the mortgage industry — a powerful, influential leader who will be unstoppable in driving our strategic initiatives forward.”
Richards was named a 2024 Legend of Lending by National Mortgage Professional, an honor that reflects her long-standing impact on mortgage innovation and operational leadership. The award celebrates professionals who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to the growth and progress of the mortgage industry.
“I am incredibly excited to join the talented team at NEXA Lending,” Richards said. “This company has a fantastic reputation for innovation and customer service. I look forward to building on that strong foundation and helping to steer our strategic direction for a future of continued success and groundbreaking achievements.”
From Traditional Lending To Hybrid Infrastructure
Richards joins NEXA at a crucial moment. The company’s shift to a lender-first approach was highlighted by the recent sunsetting of the use of the phrase “brokers are better” — a message CEO Mike Kortas told NMP was no longer in line with the company's direction. As detailed in the October announcement, NEXA now funds most of its loans through its own warehouse lines, maintains a strong Non-Delegated channel, and is no longer “just a broker shop.”
Her background makes Richards uniquely positioned to guide this hybrid model. At Kind Lending, she served as president of retail lending, leading national expansion, streamlining workflows, and implementing technology to support scale. At loanDepot, she oversaw the development of the lender’s digital mortgage platform, and she has held senior leadership roles across servicing, fulfillment, and tech at Caliber Home Loans, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.
What’s Ahead
Richards joins a leadership team that has rapidly expanded in recent months, with NEXA adding strategic roles to support its growth across wholesale and correspondent lending. With Richards driving long-term strategy, NEXA aims to offer a platform that gives originators the autonomy of broker models with the pricing and infrastructure of a full-scale lender.
As the company continues attracting top-tier talent and launching new capabilities, Richards’ leadership is expected to accelerate innovation and reinforce NEXA’s message: the future of lending lies not in choosing between broker or banker — but in building something that combines the best of both.
