Her Story
About May
She is a seasoned real estate and mortgage lending executive with over two decades of experience leading commercial and residential real estate lending, mortgage operations, and business strategy across major financial institutions. Currently serving as SVP of Real Estate at Tinker Federal Credit Union, she leads real estate strategy, acquisitions, and operations. Prior to this role, she served as VP of Mortgage Operations at TTCU Federal Credit Union, SVP of Mortgage Lending, Servicing, Retention & Branch Ops Sales at Wells Fargo, Senior Vice President of Private Client Real Estate Lending at JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Senior Vice President of Real Estate Commercial and Small Business Lending at Citibank, N.A. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix, where she graduated Cum Laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, also Cum Laude. She is recognized as a strategic, results-driven, and collaborative leader who combines deep expertise in real estate lending, mortgage operations, and executive management with a commitment to driving growth and delivering exceptional client service.
May's career has been defined by a simple truth: "true leadership is measured by the leaders you create". She had the privilege of mentoring hundreds of emerging professionals, guiding them to unlock their maximum potential and, crucially, equipping them to become impactful mentors to the next generation. Her professional growth and the resilience required to navigate the fast-paced world of banking are anchored in two non-negotiable foundations: a solid foundation of faith that served as her compass, guiding her decisions, ethical standards and commitment to serving others. And daily discipline. She believes that excellence isn't an accident; it's a result of intentional, daily habits. She believes that how we do anything is how we do everything.
Her ultimate vision as a dedicated community servant, expands beyond corporate success. It is threefold: she is committed to overcoming the home lending affordability crisis, advocating for sustainable, realistic pathways to homeownership. Crushing predatory lending protecting vulnerable communities by championing transparent, ethical and fair banking practices. And scaling high mindset leaders, in which she cultivates a new standard of leadership where industry professionals become role models of discipline, love and success- not just in the office, but to their families, friends and communities. Her slogan is: " We are called to be leaders of impact. When we elevate our mindset, we become an inspiration to everyone around us, proving that success and integrity can go hand in hand."
Her Interview
Ten minutes with May
01What do you attribute your success to?
My primary focus is establishing clear, measurable financial metrics and developing a vision to serve as our guiding compass. I emphasize effective communication with clarity and transparency to leadership and teams regarding this vision and the execution plan. This approach has fostered a dynamic and adaptable culture of continuous improvement, aligned with expectations for growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Remain grounded in your faith and values, as they serve as your foundation. Establish daily disciplines that will uphold and enhance your success in all your endeavors.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When you enter this industry, people will tell you it’s all about the numbers. It’s not. It’s about trust, discipline, and impact. Master the numbers, yes—but never lose sight of your values. Build a daily routine that protects your peace, seek out leaders who possess the character you want to emulate, and remember that your ultimate goal is to leave this industry better, fairer, and more accessible than you found it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Today, the biggest challenges and opportunities are leveraging operational efficiency, redefining legacy lending cultures, and capturing a massive market of buyers who have historically been underserved.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It's important to lead with calculated risk and integrity. To continue building sound and trustworthy relationships where I can lean on for guidance and support. And the ability to maintain sharp intuition to make quick, confident under pressure decisions remaining agile when market conditions pivot, which happens often. On the personal side, is to maintain that life-work balance, to enjoy my family and myself and to recharge my faith. To find self-worth outside of the corporate leadership space by transferring knowledge to others about all areas of life.
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