As part of HousingWire’s Editor’s Choice awards spotlight series, we’re spotlighting past Women of Influence honorees whose careers, leadership and insights continue to influence the industry. This series offers a closer look at the experiences and decisions that have shaped their paths.
HousingWire reached out to Donna Schmidt, President and CEO of DLS Servicing and WaterfallCalc, for her perspective on leadership, industry focus and the lessons she’s learned over a 40-year career in mortgage servicing.
Schmidt was selected as a 2024 Woman of Influence honoree for her role in advancing mortgage servicing through innovative loss mitigation technology, her deep expertise in default servicing and her commitment to improving outcomes for both servicers and homeowners.
HousingWire: What’s one decision that changed the trajectory of your career?
Schmidt: Moving from the origination side of the business to servicing. My first job in mortgages was typing mortgage documents for a law firm, then I moved to processing. This was when interest rates climbed to nearly 20%. It was obvious that our firm would be looking to layoff since volume had cratered. I started looking for a job in servicing. I loved the diversity of processes and the challenges of cost management and efficiencies. I was hooked and have been here for 40 years.
HousingWire: Looking back, what experiences most prepared you for the leadership role you’re in today?
Schmidt: One of my first bosses in mortgage servicing would challenge all his young supervisors to “Bring him solutions, not just problems.” It shaped how I viewed what was within my control. Everything became an interesting challenge and made going to work each day fun and exciting.
HousingWire: What are you most focused on right now within your organization?
Schmidt: Our focus right now is improving our technology – not only to bring in the latest tech platforms, but to program in more efficient communications – focused on better compliance and reducing human error. We want to do more with less, so that our clients can focus on giving their borrowers the highest level of customer service.
HousingWire: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned that more people in this industry should understand?
Schmidt: A Servant leadership approach to dealing with staff and teammates will go a long way – especially when things get tough. When you treat people with dignity and respect, are willing to jump in the trenches when it feels like the wheels are falling off, you cannot underestimate the goodwill and value that is built in your team. They will sacrifice with you for the good of the team – they will go the extra mile – you cannot put a price on this when you need them to perform!
HousingWire: What advice would you give to the next generation of women working toward senior leadership roles in housing?
Schmidt: Stay focused on the tasks at hand; always anticipate what will be needed in the future, stay out of corporate politics, never make an enemy – at some point you may need to work with them again. If you view every challenge as an opportunity to solve a problem, work will be fun and rewarding!!!
Nominations for the 2026 Women of Influence awards are open now through May 31.