Donna Garvey
Donna Garvey is a mortgage servicing operations leader based in West Des Moines, Iowa, with more than a decade of experience at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. She currently serves as a Lead Loan Servicing Representative, where she oversees a team of 13 and supports high-volume, high-risk financial processes including reconciliation, bankruptcy payment processing, and escalated account research. Known for her accuracy and steady leadership, she plays a key role in strengthening internal controls and ensuring the integrity of mortgage servicing operations.
Throughout her career at Wells Fargo, Donna has advanced through multiple roles in loan servicing, building deep expertise in financial reconciliation, account management, and process improvement. She has led initiatives that improved operational efficiency, including redesigning workflows that reduced processing time and supporting large-scale efforts such as CARES Act reconciliation. Her work is centered on problem-solving, continuous improvement, and maintaining consistency in complex financial environments.
Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Iowa State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she is active in volunteer service supporting community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and local food security initiatives. Her career reflects a combination of analytical skill, operational leadership, and a commitment to service and long-term professional growth.
• Data Analytics Core Concepts Certificate
• Microsoft Excel© for Accounting
• Iowa State University - B.A.
• Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
• Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
• Habitat for Humanity South Africa
• Wells Fargo
• Meals from the Heartland
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continuous learning, a strategic and disciplined approach to problem-solving, and a strong commitment to excellence in my field. My expertise in loan documentation, escrow analysis, and system monitoring allows me to resolve complex issues independently while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. I also take pride in upholding high standards, consistently delivering strong audit results, and supporting team performance by sharing knowledge and serving as a trusted subject matter expert.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to maintain an always-learning mindset and stay open to new opportunities. I believe growth comes from curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously evolve. This perspective has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and view challenges as learning experiences. I also follow the principle that “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” which reminds me to take action even when outcomes are uncertain. Together, these lessons have shaped how I approach growth, resilience, and leadership in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to remain open-minded, as some of the most meaningful opportunities often come in unexpected forms. I encourage them to approach each experience with curiosity and a willingness to explore, even when the path is not immediately clear. I also believe in the importance of taking action and embracing risk, because “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” By staying open to opportunities and having the courage to act, they can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and reach their full potential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field include rapidly evolving technology, increasing system complexity, and the need to continuously adapt to ongoing change. At the same time, these shifts create significant opportunities for innovation, improved efficiency, and professional growth for those who are willing to learn and evolve. I believe success comes from staying curious, embracing change, and being able to turn disruption into meaningful advancement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and my children are at the center of everything I do and serve as my greatest motivation. I am guided by core values of integrity, trust, empathy, accountability, collaboration, and authenticity in both my personal and professional life. I also value giving back, which is reflected in my volunteer work with organizations such as the Fort Des Moines Museum, Habitat for Humanity in South Africa and South India, and Meals from the Heartland. In addition, I prioritize self-care through comedy, exercise, and art to maintain balance and continue showing up as my best self.
Locations
Wells Fargo
West Des Moines, IA