IN THE INTRICATE TAPESTRY OF LIFE, some individuals embark on journeys that seamlessly weave together personal passion, professional excellence and family legacy. ALTA President Don Kennedy is one such person. Kennedy’s roots trace back to a family tightly ingrained in the title insurance industry.
Elected ALTA president in October, he became the third Kennedy to serve in the role. His father, Parker S. Kennedy, served as the 1993-1994 president, while his grandfather, Donald P. Kennedy, served as the 1983-1984 president.
“I am proud to build on my father’s and grandfather’s legacies as ALTA president,” said Kennedy, managing director for First American Title Insurance Co.’s Agency Division. “They have passed down to me a legacy of character and leadership that has shaped my career. Through my years on the ALTA Board of Governors, I’ve come to appreciate and share their passion for the title insurance industry and the title professionals who work to protect the private property rights of all Americans.”
Leading the Advocacy Challenge Ahead
Kennedy’s passion for the industry is reflected in his determination to educate customers and stakeholders about the risks associated with unregulated alternatives to title insurance. He understands the crucial role of ALTA’s advocacy efforts in protecting property rights. Over the next year, Kennedy, ALTA and its Board of Governors will be focused on three core strategic priorities:
- Champion the title insurance industry and combat regulatory threats
- Promote title insurance as the best way to protect property rights
- Succeed through adaptation and innovation
“Over the next year, ALTA will help our members challenge unregulated title insurance alternatives that put consumers at unnecessary risk,” Kennedy said. ““There is simply no place for these unregulated products, and we need all our members to join the fight.”
He added that ALTA also will continue to support appropriate regulation of the title insurance industry, advance public policies that protect consumers against predatory practices and advocate for the safe and efficient transfer of real property for all homebuyers. Additionally, he said ALTA will focus on helping members develop a workforce that reflects the communities they serve.
“The ALTA presidency is the perfect opportunity to engage with our member companies and colleagues who serve and protect local communities across the United States. I am confident that with the ALTA Board of Governors, staff and membership, we will achieve our goals in the year ahead,” he said.