Stewart Title announced today that Heather Bland has joined the company as the new Senior Vice President, Chief Underwriting Counsel for Direct Operations. In this role, Bland will work in conjunction with the Legal Department and Direct Operations leadership developing underwriting strategy and growing the company’s commercial capabilities in Direct Operations.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the title insurance industry, including underwriting and claims/litigation administration, we couldn’t be more excited to have Heather join our team as we look to make real headwind in certain commercial markets,” said Ryan Swed, Head of U.S. Direct Operations. “Her experience and expertise on underwriting across the country gives her a great foundation for the role we have created and our teams across the U.S.”

Prior to joining Stewart, Bland served as Vice President, Senior National Counsel, for the National Commercial Services Chicago office of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company. There she focused on the underwriting of title insurance policy and endorsement coverages for complex single and multi-site commercial real estate transactions for properties located throughout the U.S.

“The title industry faces a unique opportunity as we work on developing the next generation of underwriters. Stewart is already a respected industry leader in underwriting, and adding Heather to our team only solidifies our capabilities,” said Wilhelmina Kightlinger, Chief Underwriting Counsel for National Commercial Services (NCS), Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel Stewart Title Family of Companies. “Together we can lead the charge on recruiting and training leading talent in Stewart underwriting as our services expand in key markets.”

“Stewart has seen real growth over the past few years and the market has taken notice. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with Ryan, Willie and the entire Stewart team as we build up what is already a best-in-class underwriting offering,” said Bland.

Bland received her Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University and is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. She is a member of the American Land Title Association ALTA/NSPS Land Survey Work Group, and its Forms Committee. She holds the industry designation of Illinois Title Professional from the Illinois Land Title Association and is a former member of its Board of Directors.

About Stewart

Stewart (NYSE-STC) is a global real estate services company, offering products and services through our direct operations, network of Stewart Trusted Providers™ and family of companies. From residential and commercial title insurance and closing and settlement services to specialized offerings for the mortgage and real estate industries, we offer the comprehensive service, deep expertise and solutions our customers need for any real estate transaction. At Stewart, we are dedicated to becoming the premier title services company and we are committed to doing so by partnering with our customers to create mutual success. Learn more at stewart.com.

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