Kelley Frink Receives HousingWire's Women of Influence Award

Veterans United's Kelley Frink: A Beacon of Leadership in Housing

In an inspiring achievement, Kelley Frink, who has been with Veterans United Home Loans since 2013, has been named a recipient of the esteemed Women's Influence Award by HousingWire for 2026. This recognition highlights Frink's vital role in shaping the future of the housing sector, particularly as she takes on a broader responsibility in her newly elevated position as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the company.

HousingWire's Women of Influence award celebrates the exceptional contributions of women across various sectors, and Kelley Frink's accomplishment signifies her dedication and commitment to her work. As Veterans United's COO, she is now responsible for overseeing a comprehensive range of operations, from finance and strategic planning to overall business management. This comes during a pivotal moment for Veterans United, which has earned the distinction of being the largest VA purchase lender in the country.

Amanda Andrade, the Chief People Officer at Veterans United, praised Frink's recognition, stating, "Kelley's recognition by HousingWire is well-deserved, and it comes at a fitting moment. She has been an integral part of building Veterans United into the nation’s No. 1 VA purchase lender, and we couldn’t be more excited about what she’s going to bring to the role. This honor reflects not just Kelley’s individual accomplishments, but the kind of leadership that defines our culture here at Veterans United."

Frink's journey with Veterans United has been marked by her unwavering commitment to the company's mission, which is to ensure that veterans and military families have access to the home loan benefits they deserve. As CFO prior to her promotion, she navigated the company through an impressive fiscal year in 2025, during which Veterans United financed over $26 billion in home loans. Her measurable impact on the company serves as a testament to her exceptional leadership qualities.

Reflecting on her accolade, Frink expressed humility and pride, stating, "Being recognized alongside so many remarkable women in housing is humbling. I’m proud of what our team has built here at Veterans United, and I’m energized by the opportunity ahead in this new role. Our mission — making sure Veterans and military families have access to the home loan benefits they’ve earned — is what drives everything we do, and I’m committed to serving that mission in an even bigger way."

The significance of this award also underscores the tremendous advancements in the housing sector, particularly the role that visionary leaders like Kelley Frink play in these developments. Awarded annually, the Women of Influence award highlights 100 distinguished women whose influence and leadership are pivotal in shaping the industry. With her recognition, Frink joins an elite group of women whose careers reflect excellence in their respective fields, contributing not only to their companies but also to the betterment of the housing landscape as a whole.

As Frink steps into her expanded role, the future looks promising not only for her but for Veterans United and the housing industry at large. By empowering her team and focusing on supporting veterans and their families, Kelley Frink is poised to continue making significant strides in helping service members achieve their homeownership dreams.

In conclusion, Kelley Frink’s recent accolade from HousingWire is a compelling reminder of the transformative impact of effective leadership within the housing industry, and an exemplary model for aspiring leaders everywhere to follow.