Share with VLTA what you’re doing in your community, your new jobs, promotions, retirements, milestones, professional accomplishments, good deeds, events, awards, or even a member advocacy story or testimonial while you’re at it! News can include a relevant link to an article, blog post, press release, video, landing page, or website.
Ellen Donohoe, formerly Ellen Whalen, has moved from Stewart Title Guaranty Company and joined Old Republic National Title Insurance as an Agency Representative for the Northern Division in VA.
With over 27 years of experience in the title insurance industry, and several years in the mortgage and credit reporting industry, Ellen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.
Ellen is a 5th generation Washingtonian with deep-rooted relationships in the DMV. When she isn’t working, she enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and volunteering.
Quality Title LLC is deeply committed to giving back to the local community and making a positive impact where we live and work. We proudly support several charities and organizations that make a difference, including CCAP, Phoenix Project, Front Royal Pregnancy Center, and the Warren County Humane Society. Our dedication to community involvement goes beyond financial contributions—we actively engage with our neighbors through meaningful events and initiatives.
This past summer, we hosted our “Hot Dogs & Dogs” event, inviting the community to enjoy free food while collecting pet food and supplies for donation to the Warren County Humane Society. We also held our second annual Trunk or Treat event, bringing joy to local families and children during the Halloween season. Additionally, we support local schools through events like “Stuff the Cruiser,” providing essential supplies to students in need. At Quality Title LLC, we believe that giving back is not just a responsibility but a privilege, and we are honored to contribute to the vibrant and caring spirit of our community.
Michael Smith is retiring from his position as National Underwriting Counsel at AmTrust Title Insurance Company, as of New Year’s Day, 2025. Before AmTrust, Michael had served in underwriting positions for Chicago, Stewart, LandAmerica, and Conestoga. Since 1987, while employed as Virginia Manager/Attorney for NVR Settlement Services, Michael began an active membership with the VLTA, serving as Chairman of the Education Committee twice, and Chairman of the Underwriters’ Section twice. Michael conceived and coordinated the program honoring the 400th Anniversary of the Founding of Jamestown at the 2006 VLTA Annual Convention. Original materials from that program are now in the VLTA ‘Archives.’ A frequent contributor to the Examiner, Michael authored the Title Tales from the Classics back in the ‘90s and coordinated the series of articles on real estate and the Civil War that appeared from 2011-2015. Two of his most enjoyable memories of the VLTA were being a Survivor of the Veterans Day Fall Convention Snowstorm and being one of the original Title Boot Camp presenters. The VLTA presented Michael with the Distinguished Service Award in 2020.
On behalf of the VLTA, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved retirement; you will be deeply missed, but the legacy you leave behind will have a lasting impact.
If you have any questions or would like to submit your member news, please reach out to Emily Stephens at membership@vlta.org.
