Industry Mourns Passing of Darren Ross

September 3, 2009

Darren Ross, an industry veteran who made significant technology contributions to the title and property records industry, passed away on Aug. 29, 2009.

For the past two years, Ross served as the director for the National Notary Association. This came after spending 12 years with Stewart Title directing its e-Commerce team. Ross served for many years on the American Land Title Association’s Technology Committee and was one of the chief architects of the EDI and XML data standards for both the title industry and the property records industry. He was a frequent and popular speaker on various technology-related topics.

"Darren was unfailingly enthusiastic and determined in his work on behalf of the title industry. I knew Darren through his service on the ALTA Technology Committee and through joint participation in MISMO and PRIA workgroups," said Kelly Romeo, director of technology and education for ALTA. "It was always a pleasure and a lot of fun to work with Darren. If there was a piano nearby, there was no stopping him. We’ll all miss the music and laughter."

Many industry friends have left touching comments on Ross' online guest book, including Stewart Morris, president and co-CEO of Stewart Information Services, the parent of Stewart Title.

“Darren was a great member of the Stewart Title Team for years. He brought talent, ability and smiles to our family of associates. We honor his life,” Morris wrote.

The online guest book can be found here.

He also was a board member of the Property Records Industry Association. When PRIA first began developing XML standards for electronic recording, Ross was one of the association's technical advisors. Together with Richard Andrus, Ross helped shape PRIA’s eRecording XML standard.

"I was the volunteer chair of the PRIA DTD workgroup at that time and a county recorder who could barely spell 'XML,' but Darren was always willing to take the time to help educate me on this new technology," said Mark Ladd, a consultant for PRIA. "He had the ability to bridge the gap between the capabilities of the technology and our business needs.

"Beyond the workplace, Darren was a great spirit. Once, we rolled a piano into the Welcome Reception at one of our conferences. Darren’s act became a regular fixture and he brought a special energy to PRIA social events. His huge smile and unreserved laughter were infectious," Ladd continued.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].