Julie Watson is a 2026 HousingWire Insider Award Winner

Every minute a mortgage banker spends fighting a process is a minute they aren't helping a borrower.

For nearly two decades, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® Vice President of Operations Strategy Julie Watson has worked to change that. By simplifying workflows, improving technology, and solving operational challenges before they reach the front lines, Julie helps give Atlantic Bay's Mortgage Bankers more time to do what they do best: guide borrowers home with peace of mind. That commitment earned her recognition as a 2026 HousingWire Insider, an award honoring the operational leaders driving innovation and business growth across the housing industry.

About the Award

Now in its 11th year, the HousingWire Insiders Award recognizes the people working behind the scenes to improve the way mortgage companies operate. Julie's impact can be seen across Atlantic Bay, where she has spent 18 years building more efficient processes that support teammates, strengthen operations, and create a better experience for borrowers.

Over the past 12 months, she’s led or contributed to nearly every major operational initiative across the company. Her work has helped reduce Atlantic Bay's cost per loan by eliminating unnecessary steps, standardizing workflows across departments, and creating practical solutions that help teams work more efficiently.

Every new operational process that reaches Atlantic Bay's loan officers passes through Julie first. She partners with teams across the company to identify pain points, understand the root cause of a challenge, and build solutions that are practical, scalable, and built to last. She also works closely with technology partners and vendors, making sure every solution supports Atlantic Bay's long-term commitment to quality and efficiency.

"Julie is one of the most valuable leaders at Atlantic Bay because she understands the entire mortgage process from both an operational and technical perspective," said Chrissy Zotzmann Brown, Atlantic Bay’s Chief Operations Officer.

Even after 18 years, nothing is beneath her. She asks the right questions, does the work herself when it matters, and has helped us turn some of our toughest operational challenges into real, lasting improvements.

"Julie never looks for recognition. She looks for better ways to serve our teammates and borrowers," Chrissy said. "This award reflects the impact she has made across Atlantic Bay and throughout every loan our teams help close."

For a complete list of the 2026 Insiders, visit HousingWire.