ATG Names City Mayor as Vice President of Downstate Operations
June 20, 2019
Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund Inc. (ATG) announced it has hired Deborah Frank Feinen, an attorney and mayor of Champaign, Ill., as vice president of downstate operations.
Feinen brings more than 25 years' experience in the profession to her new role as the top leader for ATG’s downstate operations, including more than a decade as an active ATG member agent. Her law practice in Champaign-Urbana included real estate, estate planning and administration, guardianship, business law and school law. Feinen said the ATG position offers her new challenges, as well as the opportunity to continue her local relationships with lawyers, real estate agents, and lenders, while meeting new people in other areas of the state. She follows in the footsteps of Jerry Gorman, former senior vice president of ATG’s downstate operations, who retired in early 2019 after 37 years at ATG.
“My goal is to continue the thoughtful, smart, and responsive leadership that Jerry provided even as I put my own personality and enthusiasm into this position,” Feinen said. “I’m hopeful that my experience as an ATG member agent will help to inform my decisions and add perspective from the lawyer’s and the client’s viewpoint.”
As an ATG agent issuing title and representing clients during closings, Feinen says she felt like part of a team.
“The ATG staff was very responsive and always willing to go the extra mile for me,” she said. “The knowledge of ATG’s underwriters is second to none. With their help, I was often able to resolve complicated legal issues in order to close the transaction. ATG’s customer service and friendly attitude made it an easy choice to be an active member agent. I know a lot of people will miss Jerry—I feel their pain! He was central to the culture ofATG. I hope to build on what he established.”
Of the transition, Gorman commented, "Deb is a great fit for ATG. Her experience as a member agent will benefit current and future ATG members and staff, and her leadership style is perfect for our group." As for his plans, Jerry said, "It was time for me to step away from the day-to-day. I'm looking forward to a simpler schedule, more time with my family…maybe a little golf. But I plan to stay connected to the profession, fellow lawyers, and other interesting topics through my continuing role with ATG Legal Education."
In April 2019, Feinen was re-elected to a second term as Champaign mayor with a resounding 84.3 percent of the vote. Her impressive history of service in Champaign County also includes nine years on the Champaign City Council and 14 years on the Champaign County Board.
“Like my responsibilities at ATG, being Mayor requires listening and problem-solving skills and the ability to motivate a team of people to work toward the same goals,” Feinen said. “I am grateful to the citizens of Champaign for giving me the opportunity to serve them and I am dedicated to continuing to make our city the best place to live, work, play, and stay.”
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].