Stearns Lending Appoints EVP of Strategic Development

California's ""Stearns Lending, Inc."":http://www.stearns.com/, is welcoming a new executive. The mortgage lender appointed James Hecht as EVP of strategic development.

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Hecht has more than 20 years' experience in mortgage banking sales and operations, having started as an intern and later a commissioned originator at MGIC. Prior to joining Stearns, he served most recently as EVP of national retail and builder production for Nationstar Mortgage. Before that, he held executive roles at MetLife Home Loans, Bank of America, and Countrywide Home Loans.

""We are extremely pleased and fortunate that James Hecht recognized the vast opportunities at Stearns. His arrival is indicative of Stearns' broadening strength and increasing credibility as a leader in the mortgage space,"" said Stearns CEO Brian Hale. ""As a member of the Stearns Executive Management Team, James will be responsible for leading and growing strategic production channels such as Consumer Direct, Builder, Credit Union Partners, and our Marketing and Recruitment teams.""

According to Hale, Hecht will serve the company in Dallas, Texas, providing oversight to Stearns' growing operations in the North Texas market.