Stewart Information Services Corp. announced the promotion of Wilhelmina Kightlinger to chief underwriting counsel for the Stewart Title family of companies.
Kightlinger will focus on enhancing the company’s underwriting capabilities and expanding its presence in underrepresented markets.
“World-class underwriting is a cornerstone of Stewart’s success, and the role of Chief Underwriting Counsel is crucial in fulfilling our mission to provide thoughtful, creative, and practical underwriting to support our direct operations and agents as deal facilitators,” Elizabeth Giddens, chief legal officer at Stewart, said in a release. “Wilhelmina has demonstrated proven success as head of underwriting for Stewart’s National Commercial Services (NCS) division, and we look forward to seeing her thrive in this new role.”
Kightlinger joined Stewart in 2005 as a commercial underwriting counsel and returned in 2022 as deputy chief underwriting counsel for NCS. She was promoted to chief underwriting counsel for NCS in 2023, during which she launched initiatives including the NCS Underwriting Onboarding and Mentorship Programs.
Recognized for her contributions, she became deputy chief underwriting counsel for Stewart Title in 2024.
“I am honored to take on the chief underwriting counsel role for Stewart and build upon a well-established legacy of underwriting excellence,” said Kightlinger. “I look forward to working closely with our talented teams and agents to foster innovation, support growth, and deliver the thoughtful, creative solutions that define Stewart’s commitment to its clients.”
As Kightlinger advances, Jeremy Poetker has been named chief underwriter for NCS.
Poetker, who joined Stewart in 2016 as a senior underwriter, has an extensive background in complex commercial real estate transactions, including multi-state portfolios, energy projects, and international resorts. He also serves on Stewart’s Renewable Energy, Cannabis, and Bankruptcy committees and has been instrumental in developing the company’s revised UCC policy.
“Wilhelmina’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming our underwriting group into the collaborative and innovative team it is today,” said Erin Sheckler, head of NCS. “Her impact will undoubtedly carry forward as she steps into her new role, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her continue driving excellence across Stewart. At the same time, we are fortunate to have Jeremy taking the reins as Chief Underwriter for NCS. His vast experience and visionary mindset make him the perfect choice to build on the incredible foundation she has established.”
Poetker is involved with Stewart’s Underwriter Mentorship Program and has delivered presentations for the American Land Title Association and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Winnipeg and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.