Stewart Title announced Heather Bland has joined the company as 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 to develop underwriting strategy and grow commercial capabilities in direct operations.
“Stewart has seen real growth over the past few years and the market has taken notice,” Bland said in a release. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with Ryan [Swed], Willie [Kightlinger] and the entire Stewart team as we build up what is already a best-in-class underwriting offering.”
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 Co. 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.
“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.”
Bland received her bachelor’s and J.D. from Northern Illinois University and is licensed to practice law in Illinois..
“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, 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.”