MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is proud to share that the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association (WMBA) recognized Nicole Kane with the Community Impact Award at the 11th Annual Best in Business Awards Gala on April 2, 2026.
The peer-nominated Best in Business Awards were created to honor the innovation and success of Wisconsin’s mortgage lending industry. Community Impact Awardees are evaluated on their efforts to advance community opportunities as well as their leadership and mentoring skills. Kane’s recognition highlights her contributions to advancing homeownership and financial stability across Wisconsin.
Nicole has over 20 years of experience in the financial and mortgage industry, including more than a decade with WHEDA. Previously, Kane held positions in finance, sales, and mortgage lending at Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, and Summit Credit Union.
As Sales Manager in WHEDA’s Single Family Housing division, Kane is committed to helping individuals and families achieve financial stability through homeownership. Of note, Nicole and her team have spent the past few years developing and advancing the WHEDA Way Home Loan. This innovative program expands homeownership opportunities for potential homeowners with a strong payment history who don’t meet the requirements for a traditional mortgage.
“I’m grateful to be part of a mission-driven organization like WHEDA, and to focus on helping remove barriers to homeownership,” Kane said. “As Wisconsin’s Housing Finance Authority, WHEDA has a unique opportunity to design programs and products not typically found in the private sector. We can deliver them through our network of private lenders to expand homeownership opportunities for Wisconsin communities. I’m proud to work with colleagues who recognize our potential and have the skills and dedication to drive innovation.”
Kane’s commitment to Wisconsin communities extends beyond her work at WHEDA. She has served as a member of the Columbus Community Development Authority, Treasurer of the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County, board member of the REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin (RASCW) Housing Foundation, and a member of the Rules and Oversight Committee of Take Root Milwaukee.
“Nicole exemplifies WHEDA’s passion and dedication to ensuring everyone in Wisconsin has an affordable place to call home,” said Rob Stafslien, Director of Single Family Housing at WHEDA. “We’re grateful to Wisconsin’s mortgage community for recognizing Nicole’s work and remain committed to expanding our impact and helping even more Wisconsinites realize the dream of homeownership.”
An online version of this News Release is available here.
ABOUT WHEDA
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is a self-supporting public entity whose mission is to help Wisconsin thrive by expanding access to affordable housing choices. To learn more about the Authority and its programs, visit wheda.com or call 800-334-6873.
