Walker & Dunlop Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Walker & Dunlop has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, capital markets, risk management, human resources, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Walker & Dunlop is dedicated to providing comprehensive real estate financing solutions, fostering strong client relationships, and achieving significant market impact through expert advisory and execution.

Leadership Roles at Walker & Dunlop

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Willy Walker
  • Chief Financial Officer - Arielle Dahlgren
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Greg Florkowski
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Capital Markets Debt & Equity Advisory, Gse Lending & Investment Sales - Susan Mello
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Howard Smith
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Steve Theobald
  • Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Hasiba Stukes
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Scott Spencer
  • Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Paula Pryor
  • Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer - Carol McNerney
  • Willy Walker - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Willy Walker, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Walker & Dunlop, directs the overarching strategy and corporate vision for the United States' leading multifamily and commercial real estate finance provider. Walker guides the firm's expansion across diverse real estate sectors, including multifamily, manufactured housing, student housing, and affordable housing properties. His leadership ensures the company's robust offerings, encompassing first mortgage, second trust, construction, and mezzanine loans, align with market demands and client needs. Overseeing the integration of capital markets, servicing, and asset management functions, Walker drives operational synergy and financial performance. This executive role involves cultivating key stakeholder relationships and positioning Walker & Dunlop for sustained growth and market leadership. By championing innovation in financing products and services, Willy Walker solidifies the company's reputation for excellence and its significant impact on the real estate finance landscape.
    Willy Walker

    Arielle Dahlgren - Chief Financial Officer

    Arielle Dahlgren, the Chief Financial Officer at Walker & Dunlop, manages the company's comprehensive financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Dahlgren oversees all aspects of financial reporting, capital allocation, and investor relations, ensuring fiscal integrity and driving profitability. This executive role involves developing and executing financial strategies that support the company's growth objectives across its diverse real estate financing products and services. Collaborating with other C-suite leaders, Dahlgren ensures financial resources are effectively deployed to originate, sell, and service multifamily and commercial real estate loans. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing risk, optimizing capital structure, and identifying opportunities for financial innovation within the United States market. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Arielle Dahlgren directly contributes to Walker & Dunlop's stability and its capacity to serve owners and developers nationwide.

    Greg Florkowski - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Greg Florkowski, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Walker & Dunlop, directs the company's financial strategy and oversees its fiscal operations, ensuring robust financial health and strategic resource allocation. Florkowski manages financial planning, analysis, accounting, and treasury functions, providing critical insights to support executive decision-making across the United States. This executive role involves optimizing the company's capital structure, managing financial risks, and driving initiatives that enhance profitability and shareholder value. Collaborating closely with other C-suite leaders, Florkowski ensures financial strategies align with Walker & Dunlop's objectives in originating, selling, and servicing commercial real estate financing products. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline and strategic foresight, Greg Florkowski plays an essential part in the company's sustained growth and market leadership. Florkowski's financial acumen guides Walker & Dunlop's economic performance.
    Greg Florkowski

    Susan Mello - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Capital Markets Debt & Equity Advisory, Gse Lending & Investment Sales

    Susan Mello, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Capital Markets Debt & Equity Advisory, GSE Lending & Investment Sales at Walker & Dunlop, spearheads critical operational functions within the firm's capital markets division. Mello directs the strategic execution of debt and equity advisory services, ensuring seamless client solutions for multifamily and commercial real estate owners and developers across the United States. Her oversight encompasses the critical GSE lending programs and investment sales, driving significant transaction volume and market penetration. This executive role involves optimizing operational workflows, enhancing service delivery, and fostering collaboration between advisory teams and lending partners. By focusing on efficiency and strategic alignment, Susan Mello ensures the capital markets division effectively supports the company's mission to provide a full spectrum of real estate financing products. Mello's leadership directly impacts Walker & Dunlop's ability to secure optimal financing outcomes for its clients.

    Howard Smith - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Howard Smith, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Walker & Dunlop, directs the company's extensive operational infrastructure and day-to-day business activities across the United States. Smith oversees the seamless integration of Walker & Dunlop's diverse business segments, including Capital Markets, Servicing & Asset Management, and Corporate functions, ensuring cohesive execution of the firm's strategic objectives. His leadership focuses on optimizing operational efficiency, driving productivity, and enhancing the client experience throughout the real estate financing lifecycle. This executive role involves managing cross-functional teams to deliver a comprehensive suite of products and services, from loan origination to asset management. By streamlining processes and fostering a culture of operational excellence, Howard Smith ensures Walker & Dunlop effectively serves owners and developers with innovative financing solutions. Smith's strategic direction underpins the company's sustained growth and market leadership.

    Steve Theobald - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Steve Theobald, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Walker & Dunlop, drives operational excellence and strategic execution across key business units. Theobald oversees the company's extensive servicing and asset management portfolio, ensuring optimal performance and client satisfaction for a wide range of commercial real estate loans. His responsibilities include enhancing operational efficiencies, implementing best practices, and managing the complex workflows associated with loan servicing and asset management. This executive role involves close collaboration with capital markets and lending teams to ensure a unified approach to client service and financial product delivery throughout the United States. By focusing on robust operational frameworks, Steve Theobald strengthens Walker & Dunlop's capacity to manage its growing loan portfolio and deliver consistent value to owners and developers. Theobald's leadership ensures the integrity and effectiveness of the company's post-origination services.
    Steve Theobald

    Hasiba Stukes - Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Hasiba Stukes, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Walker & Dunlop, provides critical administrative and operational support to the human resources leadership. Stukes facilitates the smooth functioning of the HR department, managing schedules, coordinating communications, and supporting initiatives aimed at employee development and engagement across the United States. This role involves ensuring efficient workflow and seamless execution of HR strategies designed to attract, retain, and develop talent within the organization. By managing key administrative tasks, Hasiba Stukes enables the Chief Human Resources Officer to focus on strategic human capital management, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Stukes's diligent support is integral to the effective operation of Walker & Dunlop's human resources functions.

    Scott Spencer - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Scott Spencer, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Walker & Dunlop, holds dual responsibility for safeguarding the company's financial health and driving revenue growth across its diverse real estate finance operations. Spencer implements robust risk management frameworks to mitigate potential financial exposures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards throughout the United States. Concurrently, this executive directs revenue-generating strategies, optimizing sales processes and identifying new market opportunities to expand the company's reach in multifamily and commercial real estate financing. This dual role requires a strategic balance between prudent risk assessment and aggressive business development. By overseeing both risk mitigation and revenue enhancement, Scott Spencer plays a pivotal role in ensuring Walker & Dunlop's sustained profitability and market competitiveness. Spencer's leadership ensures the company navigates market complexities while pursuing ambitious growth targets.

    Paula Pryor - Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Paula Pryor, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Walker & Dunlop, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives across the organization. Pryor oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and organizational development, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and values throughout the United States. Her leadership focuses on cultivating a high-performance culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent within the competitive real estate finance industry. This executive role involves designing and implementing programs that enhance employee engagement, foster diversity and inclusion, and support professional growth. By championing employee well-being and career advancement, Paula Pryor ensures Walker & Dunlop remains an employer of choice, directly contributing to the company's operational strength and long-term success. Pryor's strategic HR vision underpins the firm's ability to execute its business objectives.
    Paula Pryor

    Carol McNerney - Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer

    Carol McNerney, the Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer at Walker & Dunlop, leads the strategic development and execution of the company's marketing and brand initiatives across the United States. McNerney oversees all aspects of corporate communications, public relations, digital marketing, and brand management, enhancing Walker & Dunlop's market presence and client engagement. Her leadership focuses on communicating the company's value proposition and fostering strong relationships with owners, developers, and industry stakeholders. This executive role involves developing integrated marketing campaigns that support business development objectives and highlight the firm's expertise in multifamily and commercial real estate finance. By driving innovative marketing strategies, Carol McNerney ensures Walker & Dunlop maintains a competitive edge and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in the industry. McNerney's efforts amplify the company's market impact and brand recognition.
    Carol McNerney

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Walker & Dunlop Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Walker & Dunlop?
    Walker & Dunlop is led by Willy Walker (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Arielle Dahlgren (Chief Financial Officer) and Greg Florkowski (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Walker & Dunlop’s executive team?
    The executive team of Walker & Dunlop includes leaders such as Willy Walker (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Arielle Dahlgren (Chief Financial Officer), Greg Florkowski (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Walker & Dunlop have?
    Walker & Dunlop has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Walker & Dunlop’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Walker & Dunlop includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Capital Markets Debt & Equity Advisory, Gse Lending & Investment Sales, President & Chief Operating Officer.