Information, Collaboration, Creation: The Power of Giving Back Through Industry Involvement

Adam Mohrbacher — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 19:25:05 +0000

For �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s team, the mutual benefits of becoming involved in association work are evident for the industry and those who serve.

The �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý team includes people from all walks of life who are united by a shared commitment to independent agents. Another commonality is a dedication to the broader title community that goes beyond the nine-to-five. At every level of the company, you’ll find individuals who have made a commitment to leadership in various title insurance, real estate, legal, and similar professional organizations. It is a commitment that has a broad impact.

A more informed and inclusive community

One of the benefits of association involvement is the opportunity to build community and share valuable information. “I served with an amazing group of volunteers,” said Margaret Cook, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer and Past President and Board Member of the Land Title Association of Colorado (LTAC). “It gave me a chance to give back and expand my knowledge and network.”

Micah Owen, South Carolina and Georgia Agency Manager, recently became a Director of the Palmetto Land Title Association (PLTA) and noted that she appreciates the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and help the association grow. She also relishes bringing more of the community into the conversation by calling “upon people that have great ideas but may be too shy to share.” Owen added that associations are a wonderful mechanism for disseminating crucial information, such as PLTA’s “Case Law Update.”

“Dawn Watkins is our current legal liaison,” said Owen. “She does a great job keeping the board and members current on all judicial updates. Attorneys are so busy as it is, so we try our best to help them.”

KC West, Sr. Vice President and Southwest Regional Manager, echoed Owen’s sentiments, noting how associations foster a more connected and inclusive industry. Having recently taken up the mantle of President of the Oklahoma Land Title Association (OLTA), West said that it is an “honor to serve the title professionals of Oklahoma and to be the voice in the room for those that aren’t always available to attend.” Being involved in leadership, he added, “gives you a chance to act as the voice for the collective” and ensure the “views of title professionals [are reflected] in the decisions being made.”

Collaborating to drive critical improvements

The value of joining associations goes beyond the opportunity to build an informed and inclusive community, however. Associations also provide a framework for professionals to collaborate on important operational and industry initiatives and drive substantive improvements.

�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s TJ Johnson, Assistant Vice President and State Agency Manager for Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, recently held leadership roles in two industry organizations. He sat on the Colorado ‘Good Funds’ committee and served as PAC Chairman for the Land Title Association of Arizona (LTAA), where he collaborated with like-minded professionals to improve industry processes and bolster organizational finances.

In working with the “Good Funds” committee, for example, Johnson “discussed best practices for disbursing insured payoff and proceed funds while mitigating risks to title agents and the general public.”

“Part of the committee’s fact-finding process involved polling other states to compare and, in some cases, better our own standards,” he said. “We eventually sent our findings to the state’s department of insurance to influence their protocols.”

During his time as LTAA PAC Chairman, Johnson worked on equally important initiatives. One of the organization’s goals was to “develop strategies on how to best target our campaign contribution funds,” Johnson said. In addition, the committee launched the “Past Presidents Classic Golf Tournament” and a silent auction to strengthen the association’s finances and deliver more benefits for the Arizona title community.

Rodney Anderson, EVP and �ǿմ�ý Agency Manager of �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý, also had the chance to make a dynamic impact on the industry by serving as President of the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) from 2023-2024. Assuming this role was the culmination of a long-held goal for Anderson. During his tenure, he worked with others to strengthen the association’s educational programs, ensure access to the latest information and training, assist with navigating legislative and legal changes, and advocate for policies beneficial to the industry and consumers.

Creating a favorable legislative environment

Industry-related legislation is one area where the value of associations can perhaps be most vividly seen and felt. Title associations, said Anderson, help “industry professionals collaborate […] and stay informed about regulatory changes and market trends,” which “vary significantly by state and frequently face attacks at a state and federal level.” Individuals who join industry organizations, he said, contribute their “expertise, leadership and commitment” to “shape standards and practices” and “ensure the integrity of the industry.”

During her time in leadership, Cook found herself immersed in similar responsibilities. “While I was with the association, Colorado revised its title insurance regulations and market conduct examination procedures. It was a very busy time,” she said. “It’s fascinating how many bills and regulations could negatively impact real property records and the ability to securely close and insure transactions. It takes countless volunteer hours to positively influence the outcome.”

Furthermore, two of �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s underwriters have spent time working with industry groups to improve the field’s legislative and legal environment. Brianna Dowling, Underwriting Counsel, has been involved with the LTAC board of directors “for quite a few years now.” Perhaps the most rewarding for Dowling has been “working through legislative initiatives.” The industry must have a “seat at the table when it comes to real estate and insurance legislation,” she said.

As the Immediate Past Chair of the Title Issues & Standards Committee for the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, Rebecca Wood, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s Assistant Regional Counsel Florida and VP, was also positive about becoming involved in leadership. She noted that these positions allow volunteers to shape the industry’s future. “What I found most rewarding about serving on the committee was coordinating continuing legal education programming,” she remarked.

Building a stronger, safer and more effective industry

Given the �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý team’s experience, one thing becomes clear: whether it be fostering a more informed, inclusive community or developing better processes, protocols, or legislative outcomes, association work delivers benefits on multiple levels.

Individual title experts, for example, “gain benefits and career development from this experience,” said Cook, reflecting on her time. Johnson seconded this: “Every title and escrow professional,” he said, “should serve on a board or committee. It will broaden your knowledge base and increase your influence within our industry.”

Anderson noted that becoming involved can also strengthen by proxy the company that an association member comes from. Taking part in these organizations helps build “relationships with partners, clients and other stakeholders who value the company’s role in advancing the industry,” he said. In �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s case, for instance, the company has been able to have “its perspectives considered in broader industry conversations,” which builds its credibility and solidifies its position as an industry thought leader.

Most significant, however, is that when title professionals get involved in association work, the entire industry stands to gain. Anderson probably said it best, remarking: “In essence, both the organizations and the people who participate in them are vital for maintaining the stability, reliability and growth of the title industry.”

And this fact makes it an entirely worthwhile effort for anyone thinking about throwing their hat into the ring.

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Information, Collaboration, Creation: The Power of Giving Back Through Industry Involvement