Kim Nelson Named a 2026 HousingWire Women of Influence Honoree

BankSouth Mortgage CEO and Founder Recognized for Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Impact

Kim Nelson, CEO and founder of BankSouth Mortgage, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Women of Influence honoree in recognition of her leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on the mortgage industry. The prestigious award celebrates women who are shaping the future of housing through vision, operational excellence, and meaningful industry influence.

This marks Kim’s third time being recognized as a HousingWire Women of Influence honoree, following previous honors in 2022 and 2025. Throughout her career, Kim has done more than build a successful mortgage company. She has developed leaders, strengthened partnerships, and shaped a culture rooted in service. BankSouth Mortgage is proud to celebrate her continued recognition as a leader whose vision and influence continue to shape the housing industry.

Who Is Kim Nelson?

When Kim Nelson founded BankSouth Mortgage in 2008, she envisioned a company that would combine innovative technology with personalized service while never losing sight of the people behind every mortgage transaction. From the beginning, that vision has been brought to life by a dedicated team committed to serving borrowers, business partners, and communities with care.

That vision continues to guide the company today. Under Kim’s Leadership, and through the dedication of an exceptional team, BankSouth Mortgage has grown into a respected regional mortgage lender known for delivering exceptional customer experiences, embracing innovation, and building trusted relationships with borrowers and business partners throughout the Southeast.

Her influence extends far beyond company growth. She has built a culture centered on servant leadership, developing future leaders, supporting local communities, and empowering her team to provide an exceptional mortgage experience every day.

For those who have worked alongside Kim or partnered with BankSouth Mortgage, this recognition comes as no surprise.

What Is the HousingWire Women of Influence Award?

HousingWire’s Women of Influence program recognizes 100 women each year whose leadership is advancing the mortgage, real estate, and homebuilding industries. Honorees are selected based on their professional accomplishments, industry leadership, community involvement, and overall influence on the housing industry.

The award celebrates executives and leaders who continue to drive innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful progress throughout housing.

Why This Recognition Matters

While awards recognize individual achievement, Kim views this honor as a reflection of the people around her.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women who are making a difference in our industry. This recognition reflects the incredible team I’m fortunate to work alongside every day. Our success has always been built on serving others with integrity, embracing innovation, and never losing sight of the families and communities we’re privileged to serve.”

Being named a HousingWire Women of Influence honoree for the third time reflects the consistency of Kim’s leadership and the lasting impact she has made on BankSouth Mortgage, the mortgage industry, and the communities the company serves.

That philosophy has defined BankSouth Mortgage since its founding.

Whether introducing new technology, mentoring future leaders, strengthening relationships with business partners, or helping families achieve homeownership, Kim has consistently focused on creating long-term value for others.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence have helped shape a culture where talented people work together to deliver an exceptional mortgage experience for the communities BankSouth Mortgage serves.

Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office

Kim’s influence reaches far beyond the organization she leads.

She has championed innovation while maintaining the personal relationships that remain at the heart of the mortgage business. She believes technology should simplify the mortgage process, not replace the human connection that borrowers deserve.

Her leadership has helped turn vision into lasting momentum, shaping how BankSouth Mortgage serves its customers, develops its people, and contributes to the broader housing industry.

More importantly, this recognition reflects the enduring influence of a leader whose vision continues to shape both BankSouth Mortgage and the broader mortgage industry.

Looking Ahead

Kim Nelson’s recognition as a 2026 HousingWire Women of Influence honoree is more than a personal achievement. It honors the vision, leadership, and culture she has cultivated at BankSouth Mortgage for nearly two decades.

As the housing industry evolves, Kim remains focused on what has guided her from the beginning: serving borrowers with integrity, investing in people, embracing innovation, and helping build stronger communities through homeownership.

This third Women of Influence recognition celebrates not only an accomplished leader but also the enduring impact of a vision that continues to shape BankSouth Mortgage, its people, and the communities it serves.

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