Jessica Fister Named as 2026 Editor’s Choice Woman of Influence Award Winner by HousingWire

July 13, 2026

We're proud to share that Jessica Fister, Executive Vice President of Mortgage Operations at Luminate Bank®, has been named a 2026 Editor's Choice Woman of Influence Award Winner by HousingWire, an honor recognizing leaders who are shaping the future of housing through innovation and leadership within the industry.

"Jessica brings out the best in the people around her," said Taryn Reuter, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Luminate Bank. "She leads with humility, earns the trust of every team she works with, and never loses sight of the people behind the process. This recognition reflects the impact she's made across our organization, and we couldn't be more proud to see her honored." 

Leading Through Transformation 

Championing a collaborative leadership style and commitment to professional development, Jessica Fister oversees operational strategy, process management and cross-functional coordination across Luminate Bank’s mortgage platform.    Over the last year, Jessica helped facilitate one of the most significant milestones in our company's history: the complete integration of Luminate Home Loans into Luminate Bank.    Bringing these two organizations together meant much more than changing our name. It required aligning sales, technology, compliance, and operations, along with hundreds of moving pieces, all while continuing to deliver the level of service and consistency our customers and business partners expect from us.    With Jessica’s leadership, our organization was able to carefully coordinate dozens of systems and processes, including underwriting consistency, disclosure processes, and down payment assistance programs.    Her ability to balance large-scale strategic initiatives with everyday details has built a foundation for growth that will help sustain our future. 

Building Scalable Mortgage Operations  

While overseeing a major organizational transition, Jessica took the opportunity to improve the mortgage experience for both customers and team members. 
By creating more efficient processes and encouraging stronger cross-department collaboration, Jessica has helped create the groundwork that supports our long-term growth. These operational improvements benefit and create a smoother, more consistent lending experience for the families, homeowners, and referral partners we serve every day. 
For those who know Jessica, this recognition comes as no surprise. As one of the most effective leaders in our industry, she is among those who are the first to champion the success of others and the last to seek recognition for themselves, which is exactly why we’re so proud to celebrate her today.

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