- Why are you a member of VLTA?
I originally joined VLTA for the continuing education opportunities – “back in the day” before the title companies started providing such opportunities. I eventually joined the Examiner Committee when that was first started by a former boss, Bill Johnston. I’ve served on the Education Committee, Legislative Committee and back again on the Examiner Committee. I was pulled into PAC committee fundraising several years about by Myrna Keplinger. Until then, PAC to me was just a chance to win the annual 50/50 raffle.
At that point in time, I never really understood just HOW important the fundraising and the Legislative Committee are for our industry, our livelihood. I’ve learned and continue to learn from others around me who are way more knowledgeable and articulate about such things. Beyond the education opportunities and getting involved and participating in committees, the friendships forged throughout the years are near and dear to me. - How long have you been in the title industry and how did you get started in this profession?
I was hired by Bill Johnston at Real Title Company in Fairfax, VA as a Recorder in February 1985, and was trained by Jim Snare to do recording bringdowns and construction loan draw bringdowns. I had no clue what a deed book and page was, or what the documents were or meant, but I KNEW if I missed anything in the grantor/grantee, judgment or finance statement indices that it could cost my company whole lot of money and probably cost me my job. - What excites you about what you do or what is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The friendships made throughout the years are what make me the happiest. There are so many good people in this industry, and it is and has been a privilege to work with and know so many of them!
I also really enjoy helping folks. Regardless of who they are or what their title might be, helping directly or connecting them to someone else who can help is very rewarding. - Why is the title industry a great career opportunity for those entering the workforce and what advice do you have for professionals starting their career in the industry?
If you’re lucky enough to be pulled (or pushed) into this industry by a friend or family member, or just happen to respond to an employment ad, you most likely will feel very intimidated and lost at first. Catching on to the ‘title and settlement lingo’ takes time and patience, but if you’re a self-starter, are detail-oriented, not afraid to ask questions and take notes, you’re in for a wild and rewarding ride.
Advice I would give is to take advantage of every opportunity – learn as much as possible about your job and your co-workers’ jobs. Cross-train whenever possible and be a team player. If you understand how and why what you do affects the next person or process, and vice versa, it helps make the entire process so much more efficient and everyone wins. - What is something that others in the industry may not know about you?
In 2024, after learning there were 52 vulnerable children in Prince William County and Manassas City waiting for a Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) volunteer, I applied, received training and was sworn in as a CASA. A CASA volunteer is appointed to be the voice for the child and gathers and reports important information, with the assistance of their CASA Manager, to the GAL, the Attorneys and the Judge.
I was assigned my first and only case so far in June 2024: a four-month-old infant born addicted to illegal substances who had been placed with a foster family upon discharge from the hospital. Fast-forward, this particular case has a happy ending as the foster family was recently approved to adopt this little person – just waiting now for the adoption papers to be signed by the Judge.
