He founded Agents National Title Insurance Co. in 2005 and served as president and CEO until the company was acquired by Essent Group BV in 2023.
Since then, he has held the position of Senior Vice President and Agency Division Manager for the FNF family of companies.
Townsend has served on the ALTA Board of Directors since 2018 and has been active in numerous ALTA engagement groups, including serving as chair of the Title Industry Political Action Committee from 2016 to 2021.
He is also a member of the Association of Mortgage Bankers Residential Board of Directors.
Additionally, Townsend was an industry leader in his home state of Missouri and served in the Missouri Land Title Association (MLTA) board of directors from 2012–2018, including as chairman from 2016–2017.
He earned ALTA’s National Title Professional designation in 2013, MLTA’s Missouri Title Professional designation in 2017 and has been nominated as HousingWire Forefront.
“Being ALTA president is an incredible honor and responsibility,” Townsend said. “Our industry plays a critical role in protecting property rights and giving consumers confidence in one of life’s greatest investments: their home. In the coming year, I want to amplify the voices of our members, strengthen ALTA’s ability to advocate on their behalf and ensure we are ready for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
ALTA said its strategic priorities for the 2025-2026 association year include:
- Standing up for the title insurance industry
- Taking industry professionals and their impact to the next level
- Promoting industry knowledge, processes and preparation for the future
“David has a rare combination of deep expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and genuine enthusiasm for serving others,” said Chris Morton, CEO of ALTA. “From founding a title insurer to leading it at the state and national level, he has consistently demonstrated vision and dedication to advancing our industry.
“I am pleased to work with David and the board to ensure ALTA continues to equip our members for success and help protect property rights across the country.”
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