Chad Duerkop
Lonsdale
Summary
Underwriting leader with 20+ years of experience improving portfolio performance, reducing risk, and scaling high‑impact credit teams. Skilled in cross‑functional collaboration, coaching managers, and implementing systems that enhance loan quality and operational efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
01.2022 - Current
- Oversaw team of 50+ underwriters and managers across multiple product lines and sites, annually processing 1.2 million applications and $2+ billion in booked loan volume while maintaining 95% employee retention.
- Led strategic initiatives partnering with senior leadership that increased application transfer volume by 200%.
- Minimized service times by 20% and lowered defects from over 10% to under 5% through implementing various technology enhancements.
- Partner with risk analytics to maximize product profitability through continuous data-based product refinement.
- Partnered with branch operations team to architect and launch new loan origination system for 10,000 users.
- Recruited and hired 50+ underwriters and lending managers to support sustained business growth and departmental expansion.
Lending Manager, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
03.2015 - 01.2022
- Led a high-performing team of 15 underwriters, achieving 95% employee retention and above-average performance results.
- Led recruitment, hiring, training, and motivation for a team of Auto Underwriters while helping launch the Direct Auto product.
- Led the Central Underwriting Technology Committee, contributing to key initiatives including Multiple Approvals, Routing Rules, and Application 2.0 to create improved customer experiences.
- Built strong cross-functional partnerships to influence technology roadmaps and drive operational improvements.
- Collaborated with Regional Directors and Central Sales Supervisors to streamline workflows and enhance customer experience.
- Supported implementation of DealerTrack, DealerCenter, and RouteOne expanding indirect lending capabilities.
Senior Underwriter, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
09.2014 - 03.2015
- Consistently led in volume, quality, and leadership metrics across underwriting performance.
- Underwrote complex consumer loan requests and reviewed second-level submissions from Central Sales, Fulfillment, and new underwriters.
- Developed a tracking system to ensure annual training compliance for CLAO and new hires.
Quality Assurance Analyst III
Wells Fargo
12.2012 - 09.2014
- Conducted post-closing investor loan reviews to ensure accuracy and guideline alignment.
- Performed end-to-end workflow analysis and developed a second-level review process.
- Reviewed credit, income, and asset documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Consumer Loan Underwriter III, Auto Finance & Home Mortgage
Wells Fargo
01.2002 - 12.2012
- Top performer in volume, territory growth, quality and leadership.
- Underwrote complex consumer loan requests and reviewed second-level submissions from Central Sales, Fulfillment, and new underwriters.
- Built a tracking system to support annual training compliance for CLAO.
- Top Selected for the Leadership Development Program preparing underwriters for management roles.
- Negotiated, underwrote and approved auto loans in accordance with federal and company standards.
- Trained and mentored new team members and contributed to the development and launch of the CLU Recognition Program.
- Reviewed credit, income, and asset documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Underwrote HARP and 3-Step refinance loans.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Marketing
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MNSkills
- Risk Assessment
- Underwriting Strategy
- Process Optimization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Operations management
- Project management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Strategic leadership
Awards
2025 Impact Award
2021 Leadership Award
2020 Main Event Award
2017 Main Event Award
2014 Employee of the Month
Timeline
Associate Director, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
01.2022 - Current
Lending Manager, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
03.2015 - 01.2022
Senior Underwriter, Central Underwriting
OneMain Financial
09.2014 - 03.2015
Quality Assurance Analyst III
Wells Fargo
12.2012 - 09.2014
Consumer Loan Underwriter III, Auto Finance & Home Mortgage
Wells Fargo
01.2002 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Marketing
Minnesota State University