Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President
Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Land Title Association. As we entered the 51st year of VLTA, we used the Power of the Past to Focus on the Future. To that end, in September 2024 the Board of Directors met for a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat to prepare our Association for the coming years. In October 2024, we had an amazing convention with a Back to the Future theme. Over these 51 years, the VLTA Board of Directors has included new voices and “historical” voices, and still does! A favorite expression during many Board discussions is “historically speaking.” A favorite expression of mine is “sleep on it”. This one came to me from Past President Stephanie Armstrong’s grandmother. Thanks, Stephanie!
As I reflect on the last year as President and my time as a VLTA Board member, both new voices and historical voices are important to our Association, and neither should be diminished. We can learn from all voices, and all voices should be heard. As our industry deals with new technologies – Artificial Intelligence for one – and those professionals with institutional knowledge but less “tech savvy,” we face the challenge of merging the two to create stronger working environments for all industry professionals.
You all know how prevalent FRAUD is in our industry these days. I, for one, have developed Fraud Fatigue, but that’s what the criminals are counting on. We must be constantly vigilant to protect our industry and consumers from fraud. From the VLTA Cybersecurity Summit in March 2025 to continuing education sessions about fraud to the Legislative Workgroup on Seller/Deed Fraud, VLTA is working to keep our membership informed and educated.
I am going to take an excerpt from Past President Stephanie Armstrong’s Outgoing Message of September 2024 and restate it here because I cannot say it better, and it still holds true today.
“Our Association has achieved significant milestones that have shaped the land title industry in Virginia:
Legislative Advocacy: We have successfully advocated for numerous legislative changes that have enhanced the protection of property rights and streamlined the title process, ensuring a fair and efficient system for all stakeholders.
Educational Excellence: Our commitment to professional development has been unwavering. Through a range of educational programs, seminars, and conferences, we have equipped our members with the knowledge and skill needed to excel in a dynamic industry.
Industry Standards: The VLTA has played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining industry standards, contributing to the overall integrity and professionalism of the land title field.
Community Engagement: We have fostered a strong sense of community among our members, creating networking opportunities and support systems that have enriched our professional lives and personal connections.”
Thank you Immediate Past President Stephanie for your service to VLTA and your wise counsel over the years (and for sharing your grandmother’s wise counsel as well!).
As I end my year as President, I am thankful to the Board members who have served with me over the years and specifically this past year. Our Association could not meet its Vision and Mission Statements without these volunteers. The time devoted to meetings and review of documentation essential to the running of this Association at times is not minimal – budget sessions, Bylaws review, and so forth. Volunteers are essential to VLTA – from the Board of Directors to the Monthly Committees to special event volunteers – all are welcomed and appreciated. If you do not know where to get involved, please reach out to us at vlta@vlta.org. You will not regret it, and you will learn from other valued industry professionals. This has been of utmost importance to me in my professional and personal growth over the years.
Have you seen our Vision and Mission statements? Both are listed below, but are found on the VLTA website at VLTA under “About VLTA.” You can also download VLTA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan from that site.
VLTA VISION:
To be the driving force in Virginia, shaping the future of the title industry, championing innovation, fostering collaboration, and empowering Professionals to safeguard real estate transactions with unparalleled expertise and integrity.
VLTA MISSION:
To educate and advocate for the title industry and consumers, and promote collaboration across the industry and its partners.
It has been my pleasure to lead our Association as President over the last year, and I am thankful for all the Past Presidents from 1974 to 2024 who gave us the “Power of the Past” so that we could “Focus on the Future”. See you at Convention in October at the Hilton Short Pump, where we will welcome Sharron Kennovin as the new President of VLTA, along with an awesome slate of Officers and Directors!
Becky Taylor began her employment with Titleworks Inc. on May 29, 1995 as a settlement processor and post closer. She quickly moved to take on more administrative responsibilities to become Vice President as well as keep an active role in the settlement process. She assumed the role of owner, CEO and President of Titleworks Inc. in 2006. She is a graduate of Clemson University, mother of a Washington & Lee University graduate, Virginia Notary Public, and as of February 2024 is now a grandmother and currently serves as President on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Land Title Association. In January 2024, Ms. Taylor and Titleworks Inc. merged with Cobalt Settlements, LLC and Attorney Jeff Nowak. Ms. Taylor is a Virginia Certified Title Settlement Agent (VCTSA), a Virginia Certified Title Examiner (VCTE), and an ALTA National Title Professional (NTP). Ms. Taylor has been a licensed title agent since August 25, 1995 and has over thirty (30) years of experience in real estate settlements.
