David A. Townsend is the new president for the American Land Title Association (ALTA) for the the 2025-2026 association year.
Townsend has more than 20 years of experience in the title insurance industry. 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.
“Serving as ALTA president is an incredible honor and responsibility,” Townsend says in a release. “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.”
“David has a rare combination of deep expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and genuine enthusiasm for serving others,” adds Chris Morton, CEO for ALTA. “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.”