Her Story
About Kristi
Kristi Mullarkey serves as the Vice President, Risk and Control Manager at WSFS Bank, where she leads compliance initiatives for the bank's mortgage division, a role she has held for approximately five years. She is responsible for overseeing audits to ensure regulatory compliance, managing relationships with external auditors, and directing the annual Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) reporting process, which involves comprehensive loan data verification to support fair lending practices and regulatory accuracy. Her expertise in risk management, compliance, and operational governance has made her a trusted leader in the financial services industry. Kristi began her career in the mortgage and finance industry immediately after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in nearly every aspect of mortgage operations, beginning with a finance company where she quickly advanced into management and relocated to Bristol, Virginia. After returning to Pennsylvania, she joined a mortgage company as a processor and rapidly progressed to processing manager. She later expanded her leadership experience by serving as a closing manager, post-closing manager, quality assurance executive, senior operations manager, and ultimately a compliance and risk leader. Her broad operational background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the mortgage lifecycle and the regulatory environment that governs it. Kristi attributes her professional success to believing in herself, maintaining a commitment to continuous learning, embracing change, and approaching challenges with creativity and an open mind. She has built a career by consistently stepping into unfamiliar roles, mastering new responsibilities, and driving operational excellence through innovation and accountability. Known for her adaptability, strategic thinking, and dedication to regulatory integrity, Kristi continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening compliance programs, mitigating risk, and supporting sound governance within the banking industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having confidence in myself and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning. I've never been someone who settles for the status quo. Instead, I constantly look for new perspectives and opportunities to grow. I've also learned to embrace change rather than resist it. Since change is inevitable, being open to it and seeing it as an opportunity rather than a challenge has played a significant role in both my personal and professional development.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Throughout your career, you'll encounter people who may doubt you or discourage you, but their opinions don't define your potential. If you believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and remain determined, you can accomplish far more than you might imagine. Trusting in your own capabilities is often the key to achieving success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Dive in and learn everything you can about the industry. Don't be afraid to give it a try, even if it's something you've never done before. Success often starts with simply taking the initiative and being open to learning. Having a mentor you trust can make a huge difference, so seek out someone who can offer guidance and advice. Ask questions whenever you need clarification, and use online resources to expand your knowledge of the mortgage industry as much as possible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The mortgage industry faces several challenges, particularly when interest rates rise and loan volume declines. Another significant concern is the aging workforce, as relatively few younger professionals are entering the field and the average age of industry participants is around 50. In addition, staying current with constantly evolving regulations requires ongoing attention and adaptability.
At the same time, these challenges create tremendous opportunities. Mortgage lending, especially as a loan officer, offers a promising career path for younger professionals. As many experienced industry veterans retire, there is a growing need for new talent. This presents an excellent opportunity for the next generation to make a meaningful impact, build successful careers, and help individuals and families achieve homeownership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values in both my work and personal life is courage. I believe growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on challenges that may seem intimidating at first. Having the confidence to try something new, even when success isn't guaranteed, is essential. Courage means believing in yourself, embracing opportunities to learn, and pushing forward despite uncertainty.
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