OCTOBER 2025
Leadership and Learning Opportunities, Industry Highlights,
In Memoriam, and More
In Memoriam: Randy Lee
We are saddened to share the news that longtime industry advocate Randy Lee passed away on October 22, 2025. A devoted and passionate representative of the Texas title industry, Randy served for more than 30 years as a lobbyist for Stewart Title Guaranty Company before launching his own firm, Randy Lee Public Affairs.
Reflecting on Randy’s life and service, TLTA CEO Leslie Midgley said, “Randy was a passionate and devoted advocate for our industry and a longtime cherished friend to so many of us. He had a heart as big as his beloved Texas and approached life and work with equal fervor. Above all, he loved his family, and our hearts are with them at this terribly sad time. Godspeed, Randy, and thank you for the impact you made and the passion you brought to every endeavor.”
Randy’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a steadfast advocate for the title industry, but as a loyal friend, devoted husband, and proud father.
Services will be held at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas, on
November 1 at 10:30 a.m., with a viewing on
October 31 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Donations in Randy’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
Read the full obituary »
TLTA Board and Committee Chairs Gather for Annual Strategy Meeting
TLTA’s Board of Directors and Committee Chairs recently gathered at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs for our annual strategy meeting, where volunteer leaders and staff came together to plan the work that will shape the year ahead.
This important meeting serves as a cornerstone of TLTA’s strategic planning process, providing time for thoughtful discussion about industry priorities, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen the association’s impact. Together, TLTA’s leadership explored ways to more effectively communicate the value and importance of the title industry and the critical role our members play in protecting property rights across Texas.
The collaboration and commitment shown by these dedicated volunteers reflect the strength of our association and the shared mission that drives our work year after year.
Last Call: Leadership Academy Applications Due This Friday
APPLY NOW »
Don’t miss your chance to be part of TLTA’s 2025–26 Leadership Academy: Applications close this Friday, Oct. 31.
Designed for rising and established professionals alike, this unique program helps participants strengthen leadership, communication, and management skills while learning from respected mentors and industry leaders. Since its launch in 2011, more than 450 graduates have completed the program, many now serving in key roles leading their companies, teams, and TLTA committees.
The 2025–26 Academy includes four sessions between December and April, blending in-person and virtual learning for a flexible, high-impact experience. Class size is limited, and the next opportunity to participate won’t come again until next year.
Learn more and apply now »
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Leadership Academy Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Title Tip: Spousal Property After Death
Chris Baca | TLTA Education Committee Member
We’re back with another Title Tip — our monthly video series offering quick, complimentary education from title professionals across Texas. This month’s video features attorney Chris Baca of Capital Title of Texas, LLC, who breaks down a key question that often arises when a spouse has passed away: Who actually owns the home?
In this short, practical Title Tip, Chris walks through the essential factors to consider when determining ownership and preparing a clean file, including:
- The three dates that drive your analysis — purchase, marriage, and death
- How to distinguish separate property from community property
- Why the “surviving spouse gets it all” assumption can cause problems
- How Texas intestacy rules come into play when there are children from outside the marriage
- A simple framework to verify ownership before you open or clear a file
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Watch Chris’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights next month!
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series? Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's
Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.
Security Insights: When Trust Becomes a Target
Genady Vishnevetsky | October 2025
Your password manager protects your digital life—but what happens when it becomes the target? In this latest Security Insights feature, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, explores how cybercriminals are exploiting trust in password management tools and what you can do to stay secure.
Read more »
ICYMI: Registration Now Open for the 2026 Land Title School
March 2–4, 2026 | DoubleTree by Hilton | Austin
Whether you’re sharpening your skills or preparing for professional certification, the Land Title School of Texas offers a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience for title professionals ready to grow.
Offered just once a year and only in person, this program features fresh content, practical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to help you tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Program highlights include:
- Updated course materials reflecting the latest regulations and best practices
- Interactive workshops offered twice for deeper, hands-on skill-building
- Small group learning for personalized discussion and collaboration
- Advanced title scenarios that strengthen problem-solving and analysis
- Dynamic testing that keeps you engaged and applying what you learn
If you’ve got 3–5 years of experience in the title industry, this program is your next step. It’s an opportunity to expand your expertise, connect with peers, and prepare for TLTA’s professional certification program. Register now to secure your seat »
TLTA Members Continue Building Relationships With Lawmakers Who Shape Our Industry
Ashley Cook with ZOCCAM, who serves on the TLTAPAC Board of Trustees, recently organized the Texas Hold ’Em Wild Mayhem Golf Tournament benefiting the TLTAPAC. Congressman Jodey Arrington was among those in attendance. The successful event raised vital funds to support TLTA’s advocacy efforts and strengthen the future of Texas title professionals.
Left to right: Jeff McEvoy, Ashley Cook, Congressman Jodey Arrington, Chris Morton, ALTA CEO
Additionally, TLTA member, Local Legislative Liaison, and TLTAPAC Board of Trustees member Martin Garcia, CTIP, recently represented our association at Rep. Ramon Romero’s 8th Annual HD-90 Golf Tournament in Fort Worth.
Left to right: Brendan Fenno, Mike Carlson, Martin Garcia, Zechariah Crosby, Rep. Ramon Romero.
Events like these play an important role in strengthening relationships with lawmakers who oversee our regulated industry. During the legislative interim, TLTA’s Local Legislative Liaisons and members of the TLTAPAC Board of Trustees remain actively engaged in supporting our legislative allies, recognizing their work on behalf of the Texas real estate marketplace.
Thank you to all our TLTAPAC contributors. Your continued support makes this important work possible and helps protect the integrity and success of Texas’ title insurance system. If you haven’t made your 2025 TLTAPAC contribution, there’s still time: Invest in your career and our industry by contributing today.
Lynn Stillman named Executive Vice President for Title Resources Group
Title Resources Group (TRG) has named Lynn Stillman Executive Vice President, overseeing agency operations and partnerships.
Read the company's press release »
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest TLTA Members
AGENT MEMBERS
Vacation Ownership Title Agency, Inc.
Contact: Minerva Guilliani-Cruz
1100 NW Loop 410, Ste 700
San Antonio, TX 78213
407.373.7454
[email protected]
www.votainc.com
Cedar Springs Title Company
Contact: Jesse Keefer
705 W Chestnut St
Denison, TX 75020
903.361.7284
[email protected]
www.cedarspringstitle.com
Top Texas Title LLC
Contact: Madison McMullan
2000 S. McColl Rd, Ste A-2
McAllen, TX 78503
956.253.3040
[email protected]
www.toptexastitle.com
Prophet Title
Contact: Steven Brouer
5345 Towne Square Dr, Ste 125
Plano, TX 75024
214.613.9464
[email protected]
www.prophettitle.com
Native Title Company
Contact: Ben Pace
318 N. 1st St
Haskell, TX 79521
940.864.2301
[email protected]
www.nativetitlecompany.com
Navi Title Agency Texas, LLC
Contact: Ellie Krause
1354 N Loop 1604 E, Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78232
210.469.0020
[email protected]
www.navititle.com
American Star Title LLC
Contact: Nabeel Momin
3 Sugar Creek Center Blvd, Ste 184
Sugar Land, TX 77478
832.934.7860
[email protected]
www.amstartitle.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Customers Bank
Contact: Sara Trogdon
421 Capitol Mall, Ste 2114
Sacramento, CA 95814
209.655.9992
[email protected]
www.customersbank.com
Central Texas Farm Credit, ACA
Contact: Jennifer Hartman
1026 Early Blvd
Early, TX 76802
325.643.5563
www.centraltexasfarmcredit.com