For more than a decade, the HousingWire The Rising Stars Award recognizes professionals aged 40 and under who are driving measurable impact in every household. Since being named a 2025 Rising Star, Leah Sommerville has expanded both her leadership and her impact in the industry – transitioning into a sales leader DocMagic while continuing to champion digital transformation across the entire mortgage ecosystem.
In the Q&A below, Sommerville shares how his career has evolved, why the advancement of paperless acquisition is still a priority and the qualities he believes will define the next wave of industry leaders.
HousingWire: Since being named a Rising Star, how has your role or work evolved?
Leah Sommerville: I continued to evolve not only in topic but also in impact – transitioning from individual contributor focused on digital mortgage strategy to leading DocMagic’s sales organization as director of sales. In this role, I have the privilege of mentoring and mentoring a high-performing team while continuing to work with lenders, banks, credit unions and partners to accelerate the adoption of a paperless, efficient closing process.
Being recognized as a Rising Star has strengthened my commitment to industry education and innovation, and I have doubled down on efforts to support lenders with their most complex digital transformation challenges.
HousingWire: What project, initiative or achievement are you most excited about right now?
LS: Right now, I’m very excited about developing and scaling digital adoption beyond the mortgage industry. My passion has always been helping lenders and payment partners to confidently move to a completely paperless workflow. Over the past year, I have been deeply involved in initiatives such as expanding eNotary onboarding programs and helping organizations implement compliant eNote and eVault processes that truly transform the borrower experience.
These efforts not only streamline operations but also open up new efficiencies and opportunities throughout the local mortgage system. Now that we have truly seen the impact this has on all stakeholders throughout the mortgage life cycle, other industries (such as automotive and commercial) are also clamoring to provide digital tools to not only share the flow of electronic loan origination, but also to digitally secure additional types of loans as well.
HousingWire: What skills or experiences are most important to your growth in the real estate industry?
LS: Consulting problem solving, relationship building and clear communication have been critical to my career growth. Helping lenders understand where they are today and where they want to go with their digital workflow has always been at the heart of my work, and that consultative approach has allowed me to deliver effective and forward-looking solutions.
Building strong partnerships across the industry – from lenders to underwriters and technology partners – was also critical to driving meaningful acquisitions and collaborations. Along the way, I rely heavily on communication and education, whether that’s breaking down complex digital mortgage concepts into actionable strategies or guiding teams through change. Through it all, maintaining a solution-oriented mindset and staying focused on results has been a priority in my foundational growth.
HousingWire: What advice would you give to early-career professionals who want to make an impact in co-op, real estate or homebuilding?
LS: Be curious and purposeful. The mortgage and real estate ecosystem is evolving rapidly, especially with the rapid digital transformation everywhere from eClosings to eNotes to eHELOCs to Chattel and more. Early in your career, look for opportunities to fully learn – not just about your role, but about how the entire value chain works together.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and challenge practices that aren’t serving your customers and partners well. Finally, build relationships and find mentors. These connections will expand your perspective and support your growth as both a professional and a leader.
HousingWire: When you think about the next generation of Rising Stars, what qualities or characteristics do you think set the future leaders apart?
LS: I am excited to work with the future leaders of our industry who will be defined by flexibility, empathy and innovation. The mortgage ecosystem is in the midst of a significant change, and those who succeed will be those who can see around the corner – who combine business acumen with the ability to thoughtfully engage with customers and partners. They will also be experts who lift others up, encourage collaborative problem solving, and work across teams to bring innovative solutions to life well and thoughtfully.
Click here to nominate a 2026 Rising Star.
