The American Land Title Association (ALTA), a national trade association for the title insurance industry, has elected David A. Townsend Esq., NTP as president for the 2025–2026 association year.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the title insurance industry to his new role, Townsend founded Agents National Title Insurance Company in 2005, and served much of his career as its president and CEO. The company was acquired by Essent Group Ltd. in 2023, and since the acquisition, Townsend has served as senior vice president, agency division manager for the FNF Family of Companies.
"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."
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 (MBA) Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG).
Townsend served locally on the Missouri Land Title Association (MLTA) Board of Directors from 2012–2018, including as president from 2016–2017. He earned ALTA's National Title Professional (NTP) designation in 2013, and MLTA's Missouri Title Professional designation in 2017.
"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."
Joining Townsend on ALTA's 2025-2026 Board of Governors will be:
- President-Elect Craig Haskins of Knight Barry Title Inc.
- Treasurer Donald A. O'Neill of WFG National Title Insurance Company
- Chair of Finance Committee Quinn H. Stufflebeam of Title Financial Corporation
- Agents Section Chair Lisa M. Steele of Mother Lode Holding Company
- Agents Section Rep Deborah S. Bailey Esq. of Bailey Helms Legal
- Agents Section Rep Jeff McEvoy of Home Surety Title and Escrow LLC
- Underwriters Section Chair Scott T. Chandler, CTIS, NTP of Westcor Land Title Insurance Company
- Underwriters Section Rep David Scott of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
- Underwriters Section Rep Mary Thomas of Stewart Title Guaranty Company
- Immediate Past President Richard H. Welshons, MTP, NTP of The Title Team and DCA Title
