Meet Kelly Lyn Romeo CAE: Building ALTA’s Systems, Strengthening Its People
October 16, 2025
Behind every initiative, meeting and milestone is a group of dedicated professionals. This Team Spotlight series shines a light on the team members who work alongside you to protect, educate and promote the title industry.
When you think of ALTA, there’s a good chance you’re seeing the fingerprints of Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Kelly Lyn Romeo CAE. For more than 30 years, Kelly has been at the center of the American Land Title Association’s (ALTA’s) growth and innovation. As a member of the executive and leadership teams and association secretary, she has guided projects that have transformed how ALTA serves its members and the industry. From the launch of ALTA’s first website and eCommerce platform to the creation of the ALTA Registry and the policy forms licensing program, Kelly’s work has shaped the foundation on which much of ALTA runs today.
But for Kelly, the heart of her role isn’t technology or processes: It’s people. “I really enjoy working with my ALTA colleagues and our members and doing all I can to help people be successful in their work, which usually leads to great results for ALTA and the industry, too,” she said.
Her colleagues see that commitment every day. “Kelly makes everyone feel like they’re the most important person at ALTA,” one teammate shared. Another added, “Working with Kelly should be listed as a job benefit. She’s positive, solutions-focused and always supports her people.”
A Calming, Steady Presence
Kelly is known for her calm demeanor and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Just hearing her talk lowers my blood pressure,” one colleague noted. In stressful moments, Kelly’s humor and perspective help lighten the load. “She has never failed to make me smile,” a teammate reflected.
Her colleagues praise her openness and honesty: “Kelly provides an openness and willingness to listen that is not always seen at the top of an organization,” one observed.
She’s also not afraid to challenge easy answers. “Kelly will not simply agree just because it’s the easiest path. She will consider, analyze and give you her honest opinion,” a teammate shared.
That balance of thoughtfulness, candor and respect is part of what makes her such a trusted leader.
Solving Problems, Building Systems
Kelly thrives on puzzles, whether that’s troubleshooting a process or designing a system to support ALTA’s work. Recently, she spearheaded the creation of a Project Management Office (PMO) to strengthen planning and coordination across departments.
“I find it rewarding to create ways of working that promote goal alignment and effective use of our resources,” she said.
Her colleagues have countless stories of her stepping in to help. “She asks the questions some people are hesitant to ask, which helps us all be prepared for what’s ahead,” a team member said.
Others praise her for championing technology and constantly offering fresh ways to approach challenges.
Professional development is also a passion for Kelly. A Certified Association Executive since 2001, Kelly is also a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) practitioner and a Getting Things Done (GTD) coach and trainer. She delights in helping colleagues understand themselves and each other better.
“She loves learning how things work and how to make processes more efficient,” one teammate shared.
A Culture of Encouragement
Beyond her projects, Kelly’s greatest impact may be on ALTA’s culture. Over and over, colleagues describe her as encouraging, positive and supportive. “Kelly is like the ALTA team mom,” one team member said. “She is so trustworthy and wise that people feel comfortable confiding in her.”
She also models balance in high-pressure environments. At ALTA ONE, the association’s largest annual event, colleagues recall her reminding them to take a break: “Sometimes you just need to put your feet up for 20 minutes,” she told them—an important message during a busy and sometimes stressful meeting.
“The faith and trust she has in her team is invaluable,” a teammate explained.
Life Beyond the Office
Kelly and her husband, Rich, moved from the Washington, D.C., area to Las Vegas in 2015, where they’ve embraced desert living. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys reading cozy mysteries by the pool, watching sports with Rich or catching Las Vegas comedy headliners. She also gives back by volunteering with Three Square, a food bank where she helps pack weekend meal kits for children who rely on school meals.
Kelly credits her late father as her greatest inspiration. “He taught us so much, and mostly by example. He was loving, smart, funny, thoughtful, disciplined and widely respected,” she said. “I try to be all of that. I’m a lucky duck.”
A Lasting Mark
In her decades at ALTA, Kelly has worn many hats, guided key projects and built systems that will serve members for years to come. But more than her accomplishments, colleagues treasure her presence. “ALTA wouldn’t be the same without you,” one wrote. Another added, “Kelly, you are so valued and appreciated. You’re a huge reason why I love my job so much.”
Whether she’s designing systems, encouraging a new way of working or reminding teammates to take a break, Kelly has left an indelible mark on ALTA. Or as one colleague put it best: “How to get things done? Just follow Kelly’s lead.”
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].