Annette Cotton Named a HousingWire Women of Influence List Honoree for Second Time

DataTrace Senior Vice President and Division Chief Data Officer recognized for leadership in responsible AI and data governance

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DataTrace^®, the nation’s largest provider of property and ownership data and title automation solutions, today announced that Annette Cotton, senior vice president and division chief data officer, has been named to HousingWire’s 2026 Women of Influence list, honoring women shaping and propelling their industries. This marks Cotton’s second time receiving this honor, having first been recognized in 2020.

HousingWire's editorial selection committee selects Women of Influence winners based on their professional achievements within their organizations and contributions to the industry, community outreach, client impact and personal success.

"Annette's leadership has been instrumental as our industry navigates the rapid emergence of AI," said Robert Karraa, president of DataTrace. "She consistently champions the principle that responsible innovation starts with trusted, well-governed data – and that conviction has positioned our team at the forefront of the industry's next evolution."

Cotton was recognized for her critical leadership role in spearheading DataTrace through the rapid emergence of AI and automation across the real estate and financial services industries. As organizations race to adopt AI capabilities, she remains focused on a principle she has championed throughout her career: that the value of any AI-driven product is only as strong as the integrity, governance and reliability of the data behind it. As the recent author of the white paper “Title Search Automation: Reality, Risk, and Responsibility of AI,” Cotton is pushing the boundaries by exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping title workflows –- and where trusted data infrastructure remains essential.

A longtime advocate for women in leadership and STEM, Cotton mentors and supports female professionals both within First American and across the industry globally. She founded the company's Future Women in Leadership program and has led leadership development workshops and seminars for women in countries including El Salvador and India, helping participants build confidence, find their voice and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

"The Women of Influence award recognizes leaders whose decisions, expertise and vision have a meaningful impact on the housing industry," said Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire. "This year's honorees are leading organizations, business lines and strategic initiatives that influence how housing professionals serve consumers, operate their businesses and respond to changing market conditions. They also represent the depth of talent and leadership women continue to bring to every corner of the housing economy. Their contributions continue to strengthen and advance the industry."

About DataTrace

Data Trace Information Services LLC, the nation’s largest provider of property and ownership data and title automation solutions, enables title and settlement companies to streamline their processes, increase efficiency and drive growth. The company’s solutions are powered by the industry’s most complete network of geographic title plants and most comprehensive property information data set, including nearly 8.6 billion recorded document images. Leading title underwriters and title agents rely on DataTrace’s solutions to accelerate digital transformation, gain a competitive edge, benchmark intelligence, and seamlessly integrate with closing technology providers. With its significant geographical coverage, DataTrace’s digital title plant and tax database is the most expansive, comprehensive digital title information system in the industry. For additional information, visit www.DataTraceTitle.com.