Molding the Future of Mortgage Servicing: Meet Katina Hadnott, Training & Advisory Specialist
In this series, we’re focused on the humans who make up Sagent. We’re fortunate to have a team that is constantly evolving – both professionally and personally – folks from all over the world who bring a variety of experience, education, and perspectives to advance our challenging mission. We’re excited to introduce you to some of these talented people who make Sagent a vibrant, productive community.
Tell me about your family, pets, where you live, and anything else you’d like to share about your life to help people get to know you.
I am a proud mom of two: my daughter, TaLoria, and my son, Makhel, who is currently a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Family is the most important thing to me, and I love watching my kids grow in their own ways. I also have a dog, Yogi, a Shih Tzu-Poodle mix who keeps things fun at home.
I’m a native Houstonian, earned both my bachelor’s degree in accounting and my MBA from Houston Christian University, and wouldn’t trade the Texas heat for anything. It’s part of what makes home feel like home. Although I’m an only child, I grew up with over forty cousins who lived close by, so there was never a dull moment.
What are your hobbies?
Within the last three years, I’ve really gotten into gardening. This year, I’ll have my biggest garden yet. I’ve grown tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, and more. It’s become one of my favorite ways to relax.
I also enjoy action and adventure movies, and I’m a big fan of R&B music. I’ve been a huge fan of New Edition since the ‘90s and am still a fan today. When it comes to TV, my favorite shows are Survivor and The Amazing Race.
Do you do any volunteer work or have a soft spot for any charity in your community?
I’m a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where we are actively engage in serving our communities. Through this work, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Wreaths Across America, and others.
Tell me about any notable accomplishments that you’re proud of.
One of my proudest accomplishments was returning to school to obtain my MBA after more than 25 years. It was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It showed me that it’s never too late to grow, set new goals, and invest in yourself.
Do you have a role model? If so, tell me about them.
My parents are my role models. They were incredibly hardworking and made sacrifices to put me through private school, even with limited financial resources. Their dedication and commitment instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for perseverance.
What was your first job?
In high school, I worked the front gate ticket counter at Six Flags Astroworld. That’s when I first discovered my interest in accounting. I took pride in balancing my cash drawer and enjoyed helping my teammates reconcile theirs.
Tell me more about your career journey. Highlight a particularly positive or negative experience and what you learned from it.
After graduating from college, I worked at Mellon Mortgage in the Cash Management Department, where I experienced a strong team-oriented environment and was exposed to mortgage fintech. One thing that stood out to me was the leadership style. The director was very hands-on and would often come out of her office to work alongside employees assisting when needed.
As I advanced into management roles at JPMorganChase and Selene Finance, I carried that same approach with me. I’ve always believed in maintaining an open-door policy and making myself available to support my team. I carry that leadership style forward today in my work at Sagent, remaining consistently hands-on and supportive of my teammates and clients.
What does your “day to day” look like in your role at Sagent?
As Training and Advisory Specialist, I deliver training on key areas of LoanServ, Sagent’s legacy platform that powers servicers with real-time data, customer service, workflow automations, document tracking, and more. These trainings cover several functions including payment processing, payoff quoting and tracking, ACH, and service release. I also provide consulting support through business process reviews and by sharing best practices with clients. I also review Dara, the industry’s first cloud-native, end-to-end servicing platform, and assist with testing as needed.
Each day, I am motivated by the opportunity for continuous learning and to support our clients in meaningful ways. I enjoy expanding my knowledge and applying it to help clients navigate processes more effectively and improving efficiency.
Have you had an impactful mentoring experience, either giving or receiving?
I’ve had the opportunity to be both a mentor and mentee, but one of my most impactful experiences was mentoring a high school freshman at an underprivileged school. She was shy at first and didn’t speak much during our early meetings. Over time, she began to open up, and we developed a meaningful connection through our conversations. She went on to graduate from the University of Houston and now owns a veterinary clinic. Seeing her growth and success has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.
In your opinion, what is the greatest impact of building cloud-native servicing technology?
The greatest impact of building a cloud-native servicing technology is the ability to provide immediate access to information, as well as the flexibility to grow and adapt as business needs change. It is important for clients to have reliable access to data and the ability to adjust quickly to changing processes and requirements. Cloud-native technology makes it easier for clients to operate effectively while delivering a stronger servicing experience. I am truly excited to be part of a company that is revolutionizing the servicing industry and leading advancements that make a real difference for both our clients and their borrowers.
When you think about Sagent’s values of “Relentless, Relevant, Respectful and Reliable” which of those resonates with you most?
“Reliable” resonates with me the most. I take pride in being someone my teammates and clients can depend on. I believe in showing up, being consistent, and supporting others however I can. I’ve always carried a hands-on approach, making myself available to work alongside others and ensuring we achieve the best outcomes together.
What is your favorite thing about working for Sagent?
My favorite thing about working for Sagent has to be the people across the spectrum. Internally, my experience with Sagent’s culture has been very positive. There is a strong sense of teamwork and a family-like atmosphere, where everyone is willing to support one another and work together toward success. I value being part of a team-oriented culture where people genuinely support one another.
Beyond my colleagues, I love having the opportunity to support clients in meaningful ways while continuing to learn and grow. It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of the team that is leading innovation in the industry and providing real value to servicers and homeowners across the country.
We often ask a colleague to offer a quick blurb about our Sagent Standout, and Kevin Marek, Manager, Training & Advisory had this to say about Katina:
Katina has always been a strong, dependable leader within our team. The team consistently jokes on the fact that I call Katina my “gold star” teammate as I know I can always count on her to do anything needed, often times I don’t even need to ask! She just knows what needs to be done and gets on it. Katina has not only been a leader among her peers, but is also consistently sought after from our customers, partners, and is now helping shape the futures with Dara Core. Her knowledge and insight is very valuable and everyone enjoys working with her. I always see Katina as a great advisor as well and seek out her opinions and recommendations when it comes to various opportunities that present themselves. All in all Katina is a clear Stand out in this company and I am very happy to help give her some well deserved congratulations for her efforts!