Chrissy Zotzmann Brown Named a 2023 HousingWire Finance Leader

Chrissy Zotzmann Brown Named a 2023 HousingWire Finance Leader

Whether leading the Operations team, advocating on Capitol Hill, or serving as a role model for female mortgage professionals, Chrissy’s immense impact is felt across the industry.

It’s another honor for our own Chief Operations Officer, determined trailblazer, and mortgage industry advocate Chrissy Zotzmann Brown! Atlantic Bay is proud to announce that Chrissy has been named as a 2023 HousingWire Finance Leader!

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. This prestigious award honors the top finance executives who are driving financial performance, expanding margins, improving liquidity, and helping their businesses access the capital markets – especially now, as our industry has had to pivot and adapt to meet drastic changes over the last two years. Only senior executives who drive growth and move the housing economy forward are selected.

“I am beyond humbled to receive this award,” says Chrissy. “This honor came as a complete surprise and means a lot to me for multiple reasons. I was nominated by my peers from other mortgage companies, and I have worked very hard at learning the financial and markets side of the industry. I am honored to have such amazing mentors who answer all my questions.”

As COO, Chrissy is responsible for overseeing all Atlantic Bay’s loan manufacturing process, as well as the culture and development of some 200+ Ops team members. Not only does she lead her talented team in generating industry-leading ideas, but she also advocates on Capitol Hill for effective policy change to make housing more accessible and affordable for all Americans. Most of all, Chrissy sets the example in her proudest “job,” a mother, who is recognized as an outstanding role model for females in the male-oriented finance field.

“Being a working mother is challenging, as many of you know,” Chrissy says. “There are so many sacrifices that go into creating the space and the balance needed to do both. I truly hope that the most important person in my life, my son, grows up knowing that to truly excel it takes hard work, sacrifice, an unquenchable curiosity, and the confidence to know what he is and what he is not. I also hope that being a transparent leader in this industry, I pave the way for women to give themselves permission not to be perfect. All we can do is our best and at the end of the day, we are all human and imperfectly wonderful.” 

Chrissy has never accepted the status quo. Over a career of more than 25 years, she has powered her way up through the finance industry by always pursuing bigger, better, and more challenging opportunities that grow her skillset and leadership abilities.

While helping steer Atlantic Bay through the Covid-19 pandemic and market downturns, she also became a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) to better understand all aspects of the field. Chrissy also serves as on the Advisory Council for Freddie Mac, LendersOne and most recently accepted an advisory council role with Virginia Housing. She is also happy to lend her expertise through various groups and on the top national mortgage finance podcasts such as HousingWire and National Mortgage News. She also writes a monthly column in Mortgage Women’s Magazine.

Meanwhile, Chrissy was responsible for securing Atlantic Bay’s approval for Ginnie Mae eNotes to make eClosings a critical opportunity for clients and military buyers to achieve homeownership remotely in a fast-changing world. In early 2023 alone, Atlantic Bay has already implemented more than 2,600 eClosings!

In addition to her commitment to the industry and her peers, Chrissy also dedicates personal efforts through Atlantic Bay to help Samaritan House, Women Against Violence, Roc Solid Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Seton House Youth Shelters. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her family, doing Pilates, fishing and boating at Lake Gaston, and trying out new recipes.

“All I have ever wanted to do with my life is to be able to make a positive difference in people’s lives. My childhood dream was to be a missionary and bring clean water, resources, and love to the countries and communities that needed it. Although I am now a businesswoman and not a missionary, my hope is that I continue to share in any blessings that come my way with folks that need it. Giving back and making a difference is my ‘why.’” 

Congratulations, Chrissy, on being recognized once again for your incredible leadership and spirit!