Sue is an incredibly deserving recipient of this award, which recognizes a Waterstone Mortgage team member who embodies purpose, authenticity, enthusiasm, and positivity.
We are excited to announce that Sue Leydig (Regional Sales Manager, Albuquerque, NM), has been named the recipient of the 2026 Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award. This honor recognizes a Waterstone Mortgage team member who embodies purpose, authenticity, enthusiasm, and positivity — qualities that Sue consistently demonstrates in her role and beyond.
As our sixth award winner, Sue follows in the footsteps of previous recipients of this prestigious honor, which was first introduced in 2021.
The Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award is presented at the start of each year to an employee who exemplifies exceptional qualities, just as Kim Newby, our former SVP of Product Development & Investor Relations, did before she passed away in 2023 after a brave battle with cancer. The award is named in her honor and reflects Kim's legacy of caring, grace, and commitment to others.
The Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award
The Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award is presented to a Waterstone Mortgage employee who:
- Demonstrates an extraordinary level of care, concern, and commitment to teammates
- Represents the company with grace and dignity, both internally and externally
- Authentically makes a positive impact in the lives of their colleagues
This award is meant to honor someone who brings purpose, enthusiasm, and positive energy to the workplace, and we can think of no one more deserving than Sue Leydig.
Getting to Know Sue
There’s no doubt: Sue is highly respected as a mentor and leader throughout Waterstone Mortgage. Her manager, Sue Millspaugh (Division Executive – West) describes her perfectly:
"For over 20 years, I’ve watched Sue Leydig lead with a heart full of grace. She brings to life the words of Carole King: 'You are beautiful, in every single way.' Sue sees the beauty and potential in everyone she works with. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her care is authentic. Sue makes extraordinary efforts to support others and lifts them up with kindness. She represents Waterstone Mortgage with a dignity that would make Kim Newby proud."
Sue has been an essential team member at Waterstone Mortgage since 2018. To highlight her accomplishments and contributions — and to get to know her better — we asked her a few insightful questions.
Can you describe your background in mortgage lending?
My journey began in 1994 at Charter Mortgage, Bank, and Insurance. I joke that, at the time, the only thing I knew about a mortgage was that I had one. I started in Customer Service, where I mastered the “back end” of the business, including servicing, payoffs, escrow, and foreclosures, before transitioning into production.
By 1998, my desire to be more hands-on led me to loan origination. I took the leap and never looked back. Today, as an ambassador for Waterstone Mortgage, I focus on building meaningful connections and helping others grow.
Tell us about your career at Waterstone Mortgage.
I stepped into my role as an Originating Manager at Waterstone Mortgage in June 2018 with a goal to do more than just manage loans — I wanted to build a community. Over the years, I’ve leaned into leadership by joining various committees and connecting with incredible teammates nationwide. I see my role as a Waterstone Mortgage ambassador, where my favorite responsibility is helping others succeed — with a dedication to empowering my colleagues and fostering growth through strategic connections.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There is nothing quite like the look on a first-time buyer’s face when they finally close on their home; it’s pure accomplishment. Whether it’s providing a sense of empowerment to a borrower starting over after a divorce or the profound relief of helping the surviving spouse of a veteran stay in their family home, these are the moments that feed my soul.
That passion extends to my team, too. As a mentor, my goal is to help others learn about the mortgage business and realize their own potential. Seeing a team member have that lightbulb “ah-ha!” moment or watching them achieve President’s Club status for the first time are two examples of why I’m excited to get out of bed every morning.
How did you react when you found out you were the recipient of the Kim Newby Heart of a Champion award?
I was teaching our Mortgage 101 class when Sue Millspaugh [Sue’s manager and Waterstone Mortgage Division Executive – West] told me the news. It took a couple of seconds to sink in, then I immediately teared up — because everything I have worked toward was now realized. I had to fight to keep my composure because the class was live. This award represents a lifetime of everything I wish to be remembered for. What an honor!
Tell us about yourself outside of work.
When I’m not working, I’m enjoying my favorite role — being “Noni” to my four grandsons — or taking on DIY projects around my home and yard. My husband and I love entertaining family, traveling, and spending weekends exploring local flea markets. I also enjoy ladies’ Bunco nights and playing pickleball. In addition, I’m actively involved in my community, serving on the boards of the New Mexico BioPark Society (NMBPS) and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, so I can be part of something greater that benefits our entire community.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Sue Leydig’s impact at Waterstone Mortgage goes far beyond titles and achievements — it’s felt in the lives she touches every day. Through her unwavering commitment to her teammates, her borrowers, and her community, Sue exemplifies the very spirit of the Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award. Her purpose-driven leadership, genuine care for others, and persistent positivity continue to inspire those around her and strengthen our culture as a whole.
We are incredibly proud to recognize Sue as the 2026 Kim Newby Heart of a Champion Award winner.
Congratulations, Sue, and thank you for carrying forward Kim Newby’s legacy in such a meaningful and impactful way.
