BankSouth Mortgage announced the appointment of Erin Dee as Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer, a newly established executive leadership role that reflects the company’s commitment to advancing innovation, modernizing operations, and driving its long-term growth strategy.

As Chief Innovation Officer, Dee will lead initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, workflow modernization, enterprise transformation, operational oversight, and customer experience. Her role will also support BankSouth Mortgage’s strategic objective of scaling annual production from $1 billion to more than $2 billion while strengthening the operational foundation needed to support that growth.

Dee brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the mortgage industry, spanning operations, strategy, compliance, technology implementation, organizational growth, and enterprise transformation. Throughout her career, she has led cross-functional teams, guided organizations through periods of change, and helped lead operational improvements and technology initiatives designed to improve efficiency and support long-term business objectives.

Beyond her executive leadership experience, Dee is a widely recognized mortgage industry leader. She most recently served as President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. She currently serves on the Mortgage Bankers Association's Residential/Single Family Board of Governors (RESBOG), is a Lender Board Member and AI Council Co-Chair for The Mortgage Collaborative, and serves as Lender Relations Chair for the American Valuation Society. Her leadership and contributions to the mortgage industry have also been recognized nationally with HousingWire's Woman of Influence award in both 2024 and 2026.

“Erin is the kind of leader who knows how to turn strategy into execution. She brings the operational experience, leadership, and forward-thinking mindset that will strengthen BankSouth Mortgage as we continue to grow,” said Kim Nelson, CEO of BankSouth Mortgage. “We’re building for the future, investing in innovation, expanding our capabilities, and staying focused on delivering an exceptional experience for our customers, referral partners, and employees. Erin’s leadership will help us bring that vision to life.”

In her new role, Dee will work across the organization to identify opportunities for innovation, strengthen collaboration, and support initiatives that improve operational effectiveness while enhancing the customer experience.

“Erin has a strong track record of improving how organizations operate and finding practical ways to scale,” said David Holmes, COO of BankSouth Mortgage. “As we continue strengthening our operational foundation, her experience and leadership will be invaluable.”

Dee’s appointment and the creation of the Chief Innovation Officer role reflect BankSouth Mortgage’s continued focus on building a scalable, forward-looking organization that combines operational excellence with thoughtful innovation in support of its long-term strategic goals.