Last Call To Nominate A 2025 Vanguard: Honoring The Visionaries Leading Housing Forward

With the July 31 deadline just hours away, HousingWire is celebrating the leaders who exemplify the spirit of the Vanguard Award — executives who don’t just react to change, but drive it.

The Vanguard Award honors C-level executives and business unit leaders who are shaping the housing economy through strategic vision, operational excellence, and transformative leadership. From mortgage and real estate to fintech and data, these professionals are setting a new standard of innovation and impact.

Here are five standout past Vanguard honorees who reflect the caliber of leadership this award was designed to recognize:

Chris Anderson, Chief Administrative Officer, Mortgage Capital Trading: Chris has transformed MCT’s operations, particularly the Lock Desk division, and has been instrumental in launching tools like the Base Rate Generator. He is widely respected for his leadership in tech integrations, data security, and operational efficiency.

Rob Barber, CEO, ATTOM: Rob has positioned ATTOM as a data powerhouse in real estate through bold acquisitions and strategic expansion. His focus on transparency and innovation has strengthened the industry’s understanding of property trends and set a benchmark for data excellence.

Michele Bodda, President of Experian Mortgage, Employer Services and Verification Solutions, Experian: Michele is a data-driven innovator committed to financial inclusion. She leads Experian’s mortgage division with a focus on unlocking homeownership opportunities for underserved communities, using analytics to expand access to credit and reshape lending practices.

Sean Faries, CEO, Land Gorilla: Sean transformed construction lending through innovative tech that reduces draw times and increases loan capacity. He also champions education as host of The Construction Lending Podcast and founder of the State Compliance Library, working to solve both industry pain points and the national housing shortage.

Agnes Standowicz, SVP, Head of Underwriting, United Wholesale Mortgage: Agnes leads with vision and heart—streamlining underwriting operations while empowering team members to reach new heights. Her strategic insight and people-first approach elevate client service and drive UWM’s continued growth.

Nominations close tomorrow, July 31 — don’t miss your chance to recognize a leader who’s shaping the future of housing. Click here to nominate and view past winners.