As part of HousingWire’s Editor’s Choice awards spotlight series, we’re spotlighting past Women of Influence honorees whose careers, leadership and insights continue to influence the industry. This series offers a closer look at the experiences and decisions that have shaped their paths.
HousingWire spoke with Felicia Grumet, Chief Financial Officer at Newrez, about leadership, navigating change and the experiences that shaped her career across operations, servicing and financial management.
Grumet was recognized as a 2025 Women of Influence honoree for her leadership in advancing Newrez’s technology and operational strategy, including driving digital initiatives that improved both customer and employee experiences. She also played a key role in expanding the company’s AI capabilities and aligning technology investments with long-term growth and performance goals.
Women of Influence recognizes the leaders making a meaningful impact across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding. Nominations for the 2026 Women of Influence awards are open now through May 31.
HousingWire: What’s one decision that changed the trajectory of your career?
Felicia Grumet: Earlier in my career, after spending many years in the mortgage space, I made the decision to step into a much broader role that was well outside my comfort zone. It required me to build something from scratch in an area where I had a lot to learn, but I was able to lean on my core skills — organization, curiosity and a willingness to figure things out — while stretching into unfamiliar territory.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that decision would set a pattern. Every few years since, I’ve taken on roles that looked very different from anything I’d done before, and each one broadened my expertise and opened new doors. That first leap taught me that growth lives on the other side of comfort, and it’s a lesson that has defined my career ever since.
HW: Looking back, what experiences most prepared you for the leadership role you’re in today?
Felicia Grumet: Having held so many different roles over the course of my career — each one requiring a steep learning curve — has been the single greatest preparation for leadership. I’ve gotten used to the uncomfortable feeling of starting something new, knowing that I bring a set of skills but also have a lot to learn.
At Newrez, I joined as COO, then took over as Chief Information Officer, and then transitioned into the CFO role. Each of those experiences gave me a different vantage point of the company, and that breadth of understanding only strengthens how I lead today.
Along the way, each new role also meant building relationships and trust with new teams and stakeholders, and those connections have been just as valuable as the technical knowledge. The key is trusting your own process: you learn, you adapt, you earn the trust of the people around you, and eventually you reach a place where you can truly have an impact.
HW: What are you most focused on right now?
Felicia Grumet: We’re focused on growth, operational efficiencies and delivering the best possible experience for our customers, including better digital tools and service.
In my role as CFO, that translates to identifying opportunities for revenue growth and expense savings, which really are the two key levers. It’s about making sure every decision we make supports both the financial health of the organization and the experience of the homeowners we serve.
HW: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned that more people in this industry should understand?
Felicia Grumet: I’ve never regretted making a change or pushing myself out of my comfort zone. As hard as it can be, the more we learn and the more exposure we get, the more impactful we become.
Click here to nominate a 2026 Woman of Influence.
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