Tim Stoerkel, director of collections for Conseco Finance's manufactured housing division, is quick to praise Kellie Murton, loss mitigation supervisor, for her ability to motivate people. In an area where turnover is common, Murton's team has remained intact since January. She also conducted legal account training for the Tempe staff while continuing to meet increasing difficult goals. Of the 9,003 legal accounts she has been responsible for resolving, she has hit her goal of 42 percent each month this year.

"Kellie has not missed a goal this year. From a performance standpoint, she has been outstanding," said Stoerkel. "Talk about embracing change! At every turn we've been doing something different here and she's been there to lead her team, making sure changes are understood, accepted and embraced." "It's hard to get people on board with change. She's has a strong power to motivate her team, which has allowed them to be successful," said Sandy Humphreys, senior collections supervisor.

Murton joined Conseco Finance in 1999 as a collector. Proving that she could hit her goals, she stepped up to supervisor, 30-60 day account collections a year later. In December 2000, Murton was promoted again to loss mitigation supervisor, managing legal, repossession and post-bankrupt accounts.

A Conseco values poster hangs in her team's area as a reminder of the direction they are all to follow. "I try to demonstrate these values every day. If I don't do it, I can't expect them to do it. I have a fabulous team of top performers. They don't just settle for hitting their goals," Murton said.