MoveMakers and NewsMakers for Oct. 21, 2025

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The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, is proud to announce that 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 over the years, notably serving as Chair of the Title Industry Political Action Committee from 2016-2021. He also currently sits on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors. 

Alongside his national contributions, Townsend also 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. Ultimately, I see myself as ALTA’s head cheerleader, supporting our members and rallying our industry to achieve even greater impact together.” 

Townsend resides in Columbia, Mo., with his wife, Kerry, and their children, Blair and Charlie. A proud Mizzou alumnus, Townsend earned a Bachelor’s degree from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He remains active in his community, also serving as president of the Columbia Public Schools Foundation Board. 

“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. His leadership style is collaborative, member-focused and future-oriented, exactly what ALTA needs at this pivotal time. 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.”