PROVIDENCE, RI — Movement Mortgage, a national top 10 retail mortgage lender, is proud to announce Market Leader Tess Leighton is a 2021 HousingWire Women of Influence honoree. The Women of Influence program recognizes the outstanding efforts of women in driving the U.S. housing economy forward.

Leighton (NMLS #6595) has spent the past two decades building her knowledge base in the mortgage industry. Having worked in all fields of the business, from underwriting to management, she has a well-rounded view of the needs of borrowers and associates. This experience, coupled with her passion for home financing innovation, helped Leighton be recognized as one of the top market leaders in the country despite leading the smallest state. In 2019 and 2020, she led a diverse group to become the No. 1 purchase mortgage lender in Rhode Island with over $700m in production last year. 

Colleagues and staff have recognized Leighton's leadership, professionalism, hard work, and unyielding dedication through a multitude of accolades and "raving fans." Since joining Movement in 2015, she has become one of the top leaders in the company and a respected voice in her local industry. Her attention to detail has created an incredible customer experience, as has her passion for promoting women in business and women's issues.

“It is such an honor to receive this award. I am humbled and grateful to be in the company of such incredible female leaders. I hope to continue our growth trajectory and continue to make a significant difference in the communities we serve.” 

Leighton and her team have also made philanthropy and supporting local communities central in her/their success. Their philanthropic efforts over the years have included building Hope Centers and churches in El Salvador and raising money for multiple local charities, in conjunction with Movement Mortgage, the Movement Foundation, and the KM Foundation. When not working, Leighton spends time working with animal rescues and singing in an A Capella group. 

This is the first year that two women from Movement Mortgage have been recognized in the same year, with Kisha Weir, Divisional Leader of Movement's West Coast region, also being honored in 2021. Previous Movement leaders who have received the Women of Influence award include Senior Vice President for Capital Markets Caroline Payne in 2019, Chief Commercial Officer Michelle Donnelly in 2018, and Chief Financial Officer Laura Bowles in 2017.