Big news! We are beyond excited to announce the promotion of Stephanie Ziebell to the role of Chief Legal Officer. Stephanie’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of inspiring, and her journey showcases both dedication and passion — qualities that have fueled her success at our company and beyond.
“I am truly honored to take on the role of Chief Legal Officer at Waterstone Mortgage,” Stephanie says. “When I joined the company over a decade ago, I could never have imagined how much we would grow and evolve, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of the journey. I owe so much to the incredible leaders and colleagues who have guided and supported me along the way — they have all been instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. As the mortgage industry continues to change, I look forward to contributing to Waterstone Mortgage’s evolution while staying grounded in the values that have always defined who we are.”
From Law School to Mortgage Maven
Stephanie’s career began in a familiar place for many: a brief stint at Chase Bank. But it was Waterstone Mortgage that she truly considers her first home in the financial services industry. After graduating from law school in 2012, she jumped in headfirst, helping to shape the company’s legal landscape from the very beginning. Little did she know, her first "real job" in the mortgage world would become the place where she’d grow, expand, and leave a lasting mark.
Stephanie initially joined Waterstone Mortgage as our Assistant General Counsel. Her primary focus was guiding the company through the complex process of expanding its lending footprint from just a handful of states to a full national presence, covering 48 states and the District of Columbia. And that is no small feat! It meant navigating a labyrinth of state-specific laws, ensuring compliance with various regulations, and working tirelessly with our Operations team to put the right processes in place.
A Steady Climb to the Top
As our company continued to grow, so did Stephanie’s career. After a well-earned promotion to VP – Corporate Counsel, and later SVP – General Counsel, Stephanie found herself overseeing some of the most important areas of Waterstone Mortgage: Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Vendor Management, Risk and Audit, and Quality Control/Repurchase Defense. These are some of the company’s most critical functions, and Stephanie’s leadership ensures we continue to operate efficiently, ethically, and strategically as we serve customers across the country.
Her work has had an immeasurable impact on our organization, and her ability to juggle complex legal matters while providing strategic input on our company's plans has been key to our ongoing success.
More Than Just a Lawyer
Of course, Stephanie’s talents go well beyond her work at Waterstone Mortgage. With a degree in Spanish and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law, Stephanie’s academic background has certainly set her up for success. She’s been recognized as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by the Wisconsin Law Journal and was awarded “Top Corporate Counsel” by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2021.
But Stephanie’s impact extends far beyond her legal achievements. When asked about her passion for homeownership, she says, “I have so many childhood memories in my home. I enjoy knowing that my work somehow contributes to the creation of memories for others as they embark upon the coveted journey of homeownership. The mortgage industry can feel small and simple, but it’s also vast and complex in other ways. I enjoy having a balance of the comfort and the challenge.”
Her perspective is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do — helping families make memories in their homes.
A Life of Balance and Service
When Stephanie isn’t working hard for Waterstone Mortgage, she’s focusing on what matters most — her family and her community. Stephanie and her husband are the proud parents of four children, and while their family loves to travel (especially to Disney World), their time lately has been devoted to coaching and encouraging their kids in all of their activities, including baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, and dance. When she’s not spending time with her family, Stephanie enjoys journaling, exercising, and sharing sober motivation and encouragement on Instagram through her growing account @radiantinbattle.
Beyond her family, Stephanie also dedicates time to serving her community. She recently wrapped up a four-year term as the President of the Board of Directors for Park’s Edge Preschool in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Stephanie currently serves as the Secretary of the Board for Ridge Community Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin and the Secretary of Cub Scout Pack 598. She’s also involved with CareNet Pregnancy Center in Milwaukee, where she volunteers her time to support those in need.
Looking Ahead
As Stephanie takes on the role of Chief Legal Officer, we’re excited to see how her leadership will continue to shape the future of Waterstone Mortgage. Her combination of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and personal dedication makes her the perfect person to lead us forward.
We congratulate Stephanie on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to all the amazing things she’ll continue to accomplish — not only for Waterstone Mortgage but for the communities she serves. Here's to many more years of growth, success, and memories!
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