American Land Title Association Elects David Townsend as President

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the title insurance industry, is proud to announce David A. Townsend Esq., NTP has been inducted as ALTA president for the 2025-2026 association year.

With more than 20 years of experience in the title insurance industry, Townsend brings proven expertise and a track record of service to the position. After founding Agents National Title Insurance Co. in 2005, he served much of his career as its president and CEO until it was acquired by Essent Group Ltd. in 2023. Since then, Townsend has been the senior vice president agency division manager for the FNF Family of Companies.

A member of the ALTA Board of Governors since 2018, Townsend has been active in many ALTA Engagement Groups, notably serving as Chair of the Title Industry Political Action Committee from 2016-2021. He also sits on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors.

Townsend has been a respected leader in his home state of Missouri, serving on the Missouri Land Title Association (MLTA) Board of Directors from 2012-2018, including as president from 2016-2017. Townsend earned ALTA's National Title Professional (NTP) designation in 2013 and MLTA's Missouri Title Professional designation in 2017.

"Serving as ALTA president is an incredible honor and responsibility," Townsend said. "Our industry plays a vital role in protecting property rights and giving consumers confidence in one of life's biggest investments—their homes. Over the next year, I want to amplify the voices of our members, strengthen ALTA's ability to advocate on their behalf and ensure we're ready for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."

ALTA's strategic priorities for 2025-2026 include:

• Champion the title insurance industry
• Elevate industry professionals and their impact
• Advance industry knowledge, processes and preparation for the future

"David has a rare combination of deep expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and genuine enthusiasm for serving others," said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. "From founding a title underwriter to leading at the state and national levels, he has consistently demonstrated vision and dedication to advancing our industry. I'm excited to work alongside David and the Board to ensure ALTA continues to equip our members for success and help protect property rights nationwide."

Townsend resides in Columbia, Mo., with his wife, Kerry, and their children, Blair and Charlie. Townsend's biography can be found here.

Members of ALTA's 2025-2026 Board of Governors include:

• President: David A. Townsend Esq., NTP, FNF Family of Companies
• President-elect: Craig Haskins, Knight Barry Title Inc.
• Treasurer: Donald A. O'Neill, WFG National Title Insurance Co.
• Chair of Finance Committee: Quinn H. Stufflebeam, Title Financial Corp.
• Agents Section Chair: Lisa M. Steele, Mother Lode Holding Co.
• Agents Section Rep: Deborah S. Bailey Esq., Bailey Helms Legal
• Agents Section Rep: Jeff McEvoy, Home Surety Title and Escrow LLC
• Underwriters Section Chair: Scott T. Chandler CTIS, NTP, Westcor Land Title Insurance Co.
• Underwriters Section Rep: David Scott, Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.
• Underwriters Section Rep: Mary Thomas, Stewart Title Guaranty Co.
• Immediate Past President: Richard H. Welshons MTP, NTP, The Title Team and DCA Title

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SOURCE American Land Title Association