Betsy Youngblood is a Georgia native with over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she has built a career rooted in underwriting expertise and operational leadership. As a career underwriter, Betsy developed a deep understanding of risk, compliance, and loan quality before transitioning into operations management.
Having spent time in both operations and sales, Betsy brings a well-rounded perspective to leadership. Known for a hands-on management style and in-depth loan-level knowledge, she leads with accountability, efficiency, and a focus on execution. This approach allows Betsy to effectively bridge the gap between production and operations, ensuring processes support both business growth and loan quality.
Outside of work, Betsy has been married for over 30 years, is a proud mother of three daughters, has three dogs and is an avid gardener. GO DAWGS!
Chris Fiorello joins our team with over 21 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Chris began his mortgage career in sales and very quickly noticed an appreciation for the operations side of things, working as an underwriter, processor, training manager, compliance manager and COO prior to his time at New Story.
As our VP of Risk and Compliance, Chris’ background on both the sales and operations side of the industry allow for a unique perspective in the compliance world. Prior to his time in mortgages, Chris earned his degree in Hospitality Management, which he believes provided him with the ability to work well with people and really understand how to get to the root of an issue to provide resolution in a way that benefits all parties.
Chris currently lives in Alabama and has two (mostly) amazing teenagers and two dogs that he enjoys spending time with. He is an avid Carolina Panthers fan, and a Marvel superfan!
Mitch Hawthorne – VP Capital Markets
Mitch Hartshorne was born and raised in the DFW metroplex. That is where he currently resides with his wife and two dogs. He graduated in Finance at the University of North Texas and enjoys watching sports, playing golf, running, smoking brisket and baking sourdough. He has over 10 years of experience in all areas of capital markets including pricing strategy, hedging interest rate risk, and selling loans in the secondary market.
Shannon Howd – Marketing Manager
Shannon brings over a decade of exclusive mortgage marketing experience to the team. She specializes in serving Loan Officers to assist them in maximizing their impact within the communities they serve through effective strategies and creative storytelling. Shannon oversees all marketing systems and initiatives to deliver high-quality, consistent marketing that elevates both the New Story Lending brand and its Loan Officers’ visibility. With a strong background in strategic planning, brand development, and content creation, she ensures every project aligns with the company’s mission of service and excellence. Her favorite part of marketing is creating smiles; to her, every campaign or project is an opportunity to deliver thoughtfully crafted, creative work that leaves a lasting impression and elevates both the company and its Loan Officers.
