American Land Title Association Names Kurt Pfotenhauer as CEO

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association for the title insurance industry, today announced the appointment of Kurt Pfotenhauer as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 7, 2008. Pfotenhauer leaves his position as senior vice president of government affairs and public policy for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), which he has held since 2002.

“He is respected on both sides of the aisle, and ALTA is very fortunate to have Kurt at their helm.”

“On behalf of ALTA’s Board of Governors, we’re pleased that someone of Kurt’s caliber will head up our organization,” said Gary Kermott, president of ALTA and vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company. “Kurt’s background with a nationally respected real estate trade association is a natural fit. His proven management and leadership skills will help us expand our membership base, increase revenues, enhance member services and strengthen our advocacy efforts.”

As the chief lobbyist for the MBA, Pfotenhauer oversees policy formation and implementation of legislative and regulatory advocacy on Capitol Hill in addition to managing the association’s relationships with industry allies, consumer groups, the GSE’s and policymakers. He was named one of the top association lobbyists by The Hill magazine for the last two consecutive years, specifically credited with building a high quality team of professional lobbyists at MBA.

Prior to joining MBA, Pfotenhauer served as chief of staff for U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R, OR), a position he held from 1996 to 2002. He was with the United Parcel Service from 1991 to 1996, most recently as vice president of public affairs.

“Kurt is a superb strategist, an excellent manager and a straight-shooter,” said Sen. Smith. “He is respected on both sides of the aisle, and ALTA is very fortunate to have Kurt at their helm.”

“The title insurance industry plays a vital role in the home buying process and I am extremely honored to have been chosen to head up its national trade association,” said Pfotenhauer. “I look forward to building upon ALTA’s hundred year tradition of excellence and reinforcing the industry’s value proposition among its constituents.”

Pfotenhauer received an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate degree from Yale University.

About ALTA

The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, is a National trade association representing more than 3,000 title insurance companies, title agents, independent abstracters, title searchers, and attorneys. With more than 8,000 offices throughout the United States, ALTA Members provide services including title searches, examinations, closings, and insurance that protects real property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles. ALTA member companies employ well over 100,000 individuals and operate in every county in the country, and several countries around the world.