Debra Still to step down in 2025 after 42 years; Leslie Gillin joins Newrez to lead commercial strategy
In today’s mortgage industry moves, a trailblazing executive prepares to close out a decades-long career at a top US homebuilder, while a new leader joins a fast-growing mortgage servicer to drive its commercial strategy forward.
PulteGroup has announced the upcoming retirement of one of its most senior leaders. Debra Still (pictured left), vice chair of Pulte Financial Services, will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a 42-year tenure at PulteGroup.
Still began her career with the company in 1983 as a branch manager and held numerous senior roles, including President of Pulte Mortgage starting in 2004, and CEO of Pulte Financial Services from 2010 to 2023, before assuming her current role.
“Deb has never shied away from difficult assignments, bringing fresh thinking to every challenge and always prioritizing our customers and colleagues above all else,” Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of PulteGroup, said in a statement.
Outside of the company, Still served as chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) in 2013, becoming only the second woman in over a century to hold that position. She also testified before Congress on housing finance issues and currently chairs the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, which provides housing assistance to families with critically ill children.
She will remain active in the housing sector through her board positions at Chimera Investment Corporation and Enact Holdings, Inc., as well as her involvement in housing-related organizations. Eric Hart, who became president and CEO of Pulte Financial Services in 2023, will continue to lead the business.
Newrez chief commercial officer
Meanwhile, Newrez has brought on Leslie Gillin (pictured right) as chief commercial officer (CCO). In this role, she will lead the company’s commercial strategy across marketing, product expansion, customer experience, brand development, and strategic partnerships.
Gillin brings experience from prior roles at Bank of America, Citi, and JPMorgan Chase, where she served as President of Chase Cobrand Cards and chief marketing officer. Most recently, she was chief growth officer at fintech firm Pagaya.
“Her deep expertise across lending products, marketing, and partnerships will be instrumental as we continue to scale our platform and deliver value to homeowners and partners alike,” said Newrez president Baron Silverstein.
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