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The American Land Title Association (ALTA) has announced that David Townsend 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 a record of leadership and service to the role.
He founded Agents National Title Insurance Co. in 2005 and served as its president and CEO until the company was acquired by Essent Group Ltd. in 2023.
Since then, he has held the position of senior vice president and agency division manager for the FNF Family of Companies.
A member of the ALTA Board of Governors since 2018, Townsend has been active in numerous ALTA engagement groups, including serving as chair of the Title Industry Political Action Committee from 2016–2021.
He also serves on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors.
Additionally, Townsend has been an industry 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.
He earned ALTA’s National Title Professional designation in 2013, MLTA’s Missouri Title Professional designation in 2017 and has been nominated as a HousingWire Vanguard.
“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 said its strategic priorities for the 2025–2026 association year include:
- Championing the title insurance industry
- Elevating industry professionals and their impact
- Advancing 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.”
