Steve Shipman has joined PYA as a director within its ALTA Best Practices Services Group. Shipman brings 25 years of invaluable and diverse investigative, insurance and real estate settlement regulatory experience to his new role at PYA.
For the last 15 years, Shipman led the Real Estate Settlement Agent (RESA) Investigative Unit for Virginia. His background as a state regulator for the title insurance industry will enhance the title insurance and settlement company services PYA already offers — ALTA Best Practices assessments, tax planning and preparation, merger-and-acquisition advisory, and succession planning — allowing for expanded consulting services that include agency operations and affiliated business arrangements.
“Steve’s experience conducting investigations is congruent with the rigorous approach that PYA takes in administering Best Practices assessments for title and settlement agents. That experience, coupled with his direct work in complaint resolution, makes him an ideal fit for guiding title agents through the industry’s regulatory complexities. We are delighted to have someone of Steve’s background join our team,” PYA’s ALTA Best Practices Services Group Director Matthew Rekers said.
Within the regulatory environment, Shipman has developed and maintained working relationships on a state and national level. He has testified in state and federal hearings involving criminal and regulatory matters and worked with staff and opposing attorneys involving depositions, subpoenas, affidavits, settlement offers and legislative matters, including code interpretation and application. Shipman also supervised all aspects of unit activities, including case assignment, audit, settlement negotiation, training and staff evaluation.
“Steve’s expertise and regulatory insight will strengthen our team of title industry professionals, enhancing the level of service we provide and helping clients navigate regulatory matters that impact their businesses,” PYA Managing Principal of Audit and Assurance Services Mike Shamblin said. “He will be an invaluable addition to our firm, and we look forward to watching our clients benefit from his contributions.”
Shipman holds an active Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. He has attended numerous state-sponsored management and leadership programs, as well as the John E. Reid School of Interviewing and Interrogation.