Waterstone Mortgage Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Waterstone Mortgage has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational efficiency, legal compliance, and national sales growth.

Focused on delivering accessible home financing solutions, Waterstone Mortgage prioritizes customer-centric lending practices while maintaining robust fiscal health and regulatory integrity across the United States mortgage market.

Leadership Roles at Waterstone Mortgage

  • Chief Financial Officer - James Harper
  • Chief Operating Officer - Richard Tucker
  • Chief Legal Officer - Stephanie Ziebell
  • Chief Sales Officer - Rich H.
  • Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer - Richard Harkwell
  • James Harper - Chief Financial Officer

    James Harper, the Chief Financial Officer at Waterstone Mortgage, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and risk assessment protocols to ensure long-term stability. James Harper monitors liquidity requirements and capital structure to support the mortgage lending business model. By analyzing market trends and interest rate fluctuations, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights to the executive team for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous internal controls and financial reporting standards. Through precise management of corporate assets, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes profitability while navigating the complexities of the national housing finance sector. Harper ensures alignment between financial performance and the broader corporate objectives, ultimately securing the resources necessary for sustainable growth and operational excellence within the competitive mortgage industry.

    Richard Tucker - Chief Operating Officer

    Richard Tucker, the Chief Operating Officer at Waterstone Mortgage, manages the daily execution of mortgage lending operations and internal workflows. Overseeing the efficiency of loan processing and fulfillment, the Chief Operating Officer drives process improvements to enhance customer experience. Richard Tucker coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to streamline the transition from application to closing. By implementing scalable technology solutions, the Chief Operating Officer reduces turnaround times and increases throughput across regional operations. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other executives to align operational capacity with market demand. Through the optimization of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company mission of providing reliable mortgage loans. Tucker maintains high standards for service delivery and operational compliance, ensuring that every loan transaction meets the rigorous requirements of the finance industry while maintaining a focus on organizational productivity and growth.
    Stephanie Ziebell, the Chief Legal Officer at Waterstone Mortgage, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies. Protecting the organization from legal exposure, the Chief Legal Officer monitors evolving mortgage lending laws and federal regulations. Stephanie Ziebell oversees contract negotiations, litigation management, and corporate governance policies to ensure full adherence to industry standards. By providing counsel to the executive team, the Chief Legal Officer mitigates potential liabilities associated with complex financial transactions. This leadership role involves maintaining relationships with regulatory bodies and ensuring that all business practices align with legal requirements. Through the development of robust compliance frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the reputation and operational integrity of the company. Ziebell manages the legal department with a focus on proactive risk mitigation, ensuring that all strategic initiatives remain within the bounds of applicable law while supporting the overall business objectives.

    Rich H. - Chief Sales Officer

    Rich H., the Chief Sales Officer at Waterstone Mortgage, directs national sales strategies and business development initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of the mortgage loan portfolio, the Chief Sales Officer manages relationships with key partners and branch networks. Rich H. drives revenue growth by identifying new market opportunities and optimizing sales performance across diverse regions. By aligning sales tactics with the company mission, the Chief Sales Officer ensures consistent delivery of mortgage products to customers. This leadership role involves mentoring sales teams and fostering a culture of high performance and accountability. Through the implementation of effective lead generation and conversion strategies, the Chief Sales Officer increases market share and strengthens the competitive position of the organization. H. collaborates with other executives to ensure that sales efforts remain synchronized with operational capacity and financial goals, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of the mortgage brokerage business.
    Rich H.

    Richard Harkwell - Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer

    Richard Harkwell, the Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer at Waterstone Mortgage, directs the strategic growth of the sales division through innovative market penetration tactics. Overseeing the recruitment and development of top-tier loan originators, the Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer ensures the company maintains a strong presence in key housing markets. Richard Harkwell analyzes regional performance data to refine sales methodologies and improve customer acquisition rates. By fostering strong relationships with real estate professionals and community partners, the Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer expands the reach of mortgage lending services. This leadership role involves setting ambitious sales targets and providing the necessary tools for teams to achieve consistent results. Through the execution of targeted marketing and outreach programs, the Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer drives volume and enhances the brand reputation of the organization within the competitive finance sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Waterstone Mortgage Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Waterstone Mortgage?
    Waterstone Mortgage is led by James Harper (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Richard Tucker (Chief Operating Officer) and Stephanie Ziebell (Chief Legal Officer).
    Who is part of Waterstone Mortgage’s executive team?
    The executive team of Waterstone Mortgage includes leaders such as James Harper (Chief Financial Officer), Richard Tucker (Chief Operating Officer), Stephanie Ziebell (Chief Legal Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Waterstone Mortgage have?
    Waterstone Mortgage has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Waterstone Mortgage’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Waterstone Mortgage includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Sales Officer, Senior Vice President - Chief Sales Officer.