Her Story
About Ligia
Ligia Tanney is a highly experienced mortgage banking and asset resolution professional with over 20 years of expertise in residential and commercial mortgage servicing, default servicing, and financial operations. She specializes in loan workouts, settlements, process improvement, valuation, forensic analysis, and regulatory compliance within complex state and federal banking environments. She holds multiple professional credentials, including CMCP, CMMU, FHA/VA Underwriting, and NMLS SAFE MLO National & UST certifications, as well as an active Public Trust Security Clearance, reflecting her strong foundation in compliance, risk management, and lending operations.
Her career has evolved in response to major shifts in the financial industry. She began as a licensed real estate agent and later became a licensed mortgage broker before transitioning into mortgage servicing during the global financial crisis, where she worked in loss mitigation supporting borrowers facing foreclosure. As regulatory and legal demands increased, she developed specialized expertise in default servicing and expanded into expert witness testimony, representing servicers and investors in court proceedings by explaining servicing practices and business records in post-crisis litigation environments.
Ligia currently serves in federal contracting and asset resolution roles, including work with the FDIC Division of Resolutions and Receiverships. As part of Ready Team A, she is deployed during bank failures to conduct on-site forensic investigations of bank assets and servicing operations, often under urgent timelines and extended field assignments. Her work supports the stabilization of financial institutions and has contributed to high-level investigative outcomes. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she pursues entrepreneurial ventures in commissioned artwork and pet care services, and she remains committed to mentoring emerging professionals, particularly women, by helping them build career pathways and advance within the industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ligia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to navigating significant life challenges that, at times, felt overwhelming. I have faced periods of significant financial uncertainty, I became a widow at a young age, leaving me a single mother with three young children and responsibilities I had not previously managed. Prior to my husband's passing, he managed our finances and I managed our home and took care of our children, I had to quickly step into his role and figure out how to support my family on my own. That experience became a turning point, where giving up was not an option, and I had to find a way forward for my children. Through that process, I developed resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to take action even in uncertain situations. Over time, I created personal systems to manage stress and stay focused, which has allowed me to remain grounded, less concerned with perception, and more committed to progress and solutions while keeping a peaceful and positive mental outlook.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is never stop learning. Never get so comfortable that you feel you have arrived, because the world is fluid, everything keeps moving and changing, if you don't continue to educate and improve yourself you will be left behind.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There are many entry-level roles in the mortgage servicing industry, and motivated individuals can grow by consistently doing their best, no matter how small the task, since every role contributes to the overall goals of the organization. In managing teams of 40 plus people, I looked for those who stood out and encouraged them to pursue cross-training, shadowing, and opportunities in other departments. My advice, especially to young women, is to be proactive in seeking growth ask to shadow others, pursue mentorship, and learn about different roles directly. Even if you hear “no,” continue asking, as advancement often comes from initiative, persistence, and visibility, and the key is to advocate for yourself and not let fear of judgment hold you back.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges and opportunities in my field rely heavily on the overall economy and geographic market conditions. Interest rates, regulatory policies, tax incentives and subsities, zoning laws and regulations, are all key drivers in my industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At work I always show respect to everyone and always add value through the work I do. In my personal life, my home and the people I surround myself with are peaceful, insightful and value the importance of a healthy body and mind.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Florida
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.