Alumni Spotlight: Kathleen Collins, LSP Class of 2026

Kathleen Collins, a member of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2026, serves as Director of Collateral Services at SitusAMC, where her work supports investors in the residential mortgage space. Through the review and analysis of critical post-close loan documents, Kathleen and her team help investors assess risk tied to potential loan purchases, allowing them to strengthen their overall purchase and sale strategies.

But for Kathleen, the most meaningful part of the work goes far beyond loan files.

“While the work is related to the residential mortgage space, the real story is the people,” she shared. “Working closely alongside committed professionals, helping them achieve their goals, and giving them lift professionally and personally through mentorship that matters is the most fulfilling part of my work.”

That commitment to mentorship and people-centered leadership is something Kathleen says LSP helped deepen. Through her Leadership St. Pete experience, she began to see leadership not only as something practiced within an organization, but as something rooted in community.

“Leadership St. Pete really shifted my perspective from leading within my organization to leading as part of a broader community,” she said. “It made me more intentional about listening and building partnerships.”

For Kathleen, graduating with the Class of 2026 this past June was a major personal and professional win. The accomplishment was made even more meaningful by the relationships built along the way. Although graduation is barely in the rearview mirror, she says the connections made throughout the LSP journey already feel life changing.

“I made friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said, “and I can’t wait to see them unfold into the next chapter.”

One unforgettable LSP memory? A bus ride to the State Government seminar, where Kathleen discovered and shared a love of dried figs and clementines with her bus-mate — and now friend for life — Leah Biery.

Since graduation, Kathleen has continued her involvement by being selected by her fellow 2026 classmates to serve on the LSPAA Foundation Board this coming year. It is a role that aligns naturally with her passion for mentorship, connection, and community impact.

When asked what community need she wishes more people understood, Kathleen did not hesitate: mentorship.

“It has such a ripple effect,” she said. “When people invest time in guiding others, it builds confidence, opens doors, and strengthens the entire community in ways that last far beyond a single interaction.”

Outside of work and LSP, Kathleen serves on the Board of Directors for Off-Central Players, a black box theater tucked away in the Grand Central area of St. Petersburg. Her hidden gem recommendation for alumni visiting town? Naturally, catching a show there.

“Even if I didn’t serve on the Board of Directors for this amazing theater, I would still highly recommend catching a seat at one of our productions,” she said.

Kathleen’s perfect Saturday starts with hot yoga at Body Electric, followed by a walk with her three rescue dogs through her St. Paul Euclid neighborhood she calls home. From there, it is coffee at Blush, time curled up with a good book, and an amazing meal at Violet Stone Pizzeria with her partner John.

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