Connect, Lead, Mentor: New ALTA Program Creates Pathway for the Next Generation of Title Professionals
September 15, 2026
ALTA has launched a new initiative designed to help emerging professionals build careers, expand their networks and develop leadership skills.
The National Rising Title Professionals (NRTP) Program is a three-year professional development experience that combines industry education, networking, mentorship and leadership training. Open to professionals with five years or less in the industry, as well as those seeking greater involvement and career growth, the program aims to create a pipeline of future leaders while helping participants better understand the breadth of opportunities available across the title industry.
The program grew out of efforts by the Wisconsin Land Title Association to engage newer professionals and strengthen long-term industry participation. What began as a state-level young professionals initiative evolved into one of the association's most successful member engagement efforts, creating a network where participants could share knowledge, seek advice and build relationships beyond their own companies.
ALTA leaders believe that same model can provide value on a national scale.
"One of the National Rising Title Professionals' greatest strengths is that it builds industry-wide networks, not just company-specific networks," said Katie Schmitz, president and chief operating officer of Guaranty Closing and Title Services Inc.
The need for those connections is becoming increasingly important. Industry leaders point to the ongoing "silver tsunami" of retirements, the lack of formal educational pathways into title insurance and the challenge many newer professionals face in understanding potential career paths within the industry. Programs like NRTP are designed to address those challenges by providing participants with peer networks, mentors, leadership development opportunities and exposure to a wide range of industry roles.
The curriculum is organized into three phases.
The first year, known as "Connect," focuses on education and industry exploration. Participants will learn about career opportunities across title insurance, gain exposure to areas such as technology, finance, human resources and operations, and develop relationships with peers from across the country. The year also includes sessions on professional development, risk literacy, advocacy, innovation and business acumen.
Brad Hoeschen, vice president and agency manager for Old Republic National Title Insurance Co., said one of the program's goals is helping newer professionals recognize the long-term opportunities available in the industry.
"Folks don't really understand what other opportunities there are," Hoeschen said, noting that many employees enter the industry through a specific role and assume it is their only career path.
Year two, called "Lead," shifts participants from learning to teaching. Working in small cohorts, participants will develop and deliver presentations on topics relevant to the industry while receiving guidance on leadership, communication and professional development. The goal is to help participants build confidence while gaining practical experience leading projects and educating peers.
The third year focuses on mentorship through ALTA's WINGS program. Participants are paired with mentors whose experience aligns with their career goals and interests. The mentorship component is intended to provide individualized guidance as participants prepare for the next stage of their professional development.
Lynne Crotty, vice president of operations for Stewart Lender Services, said the mentorship phase creates a natural progression for participants who have spent the previous two years building industry knowledge and leadership skills.
"We really feel from an NRTP perspective that this is a natural next step," Crotty said.
A key feature of the program is its accessibility. While participants will have opportunities to engage at events such as ALTA ONE, ALTA EDge and the ALTA Advocacy Summit, virtual participation options will be available throughout the program. Organizers emphasized that in-person attendance is encouraged but not required. The program itself is offered at no cost to ALTA members.
Program leaders also stress that success depends on participation from across the title ecosystem, including title agents, underwriters and ancillary service providers.
"The diversity in terms of where folks work is going to be critical in order to making sure the NRTP is successful because they're going to learn from each other as much as they learn from the instructors," Hoeschen said.
Beyond developing individual careers, ALTA views the initiative as an investment in the industry's future leadership pipeline. By helping newer professionals build relationships, understand the industry's broader mission and become involved in advocacy and association activities earlier in their careers, the association hopes to create a stronger foundation for the next generation of title professionals.
"The silver tsunami isn't just about people retiring," Hoeschen said. "It's about making sure that we have replacements for management and leaders over time."
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].