The American Land Title Association (ALTA) has named a former executive in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to serve as its CEO, effective July 1.
Diane Tomb has more than two decades experience in the housing industry, having served at Fannie Mae and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“Diane is a recognized leader who understands the intersection of politics and business and the importance of informed public policy advocacy. She is the right person to lead ALTA and build on its successful legacy,” ALTA President Cynthia Durham Blair said in a release announcing the hire. “Diane was a unanimous selection by the board, and we expect her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit will immediately benefit our members, demonstrate our value to prospective members and continue ALTA’s tradition of strong advocacy on behalf of the land title insurance and settlement services industry.”
Tomb served as the executive director of the National Rental Home Council since September 2016, and before that was president and CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
During President Bush’s tenure, Tomb served as HUD’s assistant secretary of public affairs. She also served as senior executive at the Fannie Mae Foundation. In 2003, Tomb founded D.C.-based public affairs and business advisory firm Tomb & Associates LLC.
Tomb currently serves as a commissioner on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on Political Reform and on the Board of Visitors at the Fund for American Studies. She also is a member of the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C.
“I am honored to join ALTA and look forward to leading this organization and working with the ALTA team to build upon the great success it has achieved to date,” Tomb said. “I’m also excited to work with ALTA members and all stakeholders across the title, settlement, mortgage and real estate industries to ensure we continue to protect property rights and deliver an exceptional closing experience for consumers.”
Tomb replaces Michelle Korsmo, who last year resigned after more than seven years at the helm of the advocacy group to become CEO for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America trade association.
Korsmo announced her decision to leave in July 2018 and the CEO position has been vacant for more than seven months as ALTA conducted a national search for her replacement.