Building, Believing, Leading
IN 2005, at just 30 years old, David Townsend Esq., NTP, did something bold. While most of his peers were still climbing the early rungs of their careers, he decided to build from scratch a title insurance underwriter. With an entrepreneurial spark, a love of problem-solving and more optimism than caution, he launched Farmers National Title Insurance Co. in his hometown of Columbia, Mo.
“I was 30 years old, and if there was ever a time to take a chance, it was then,” Townsend said. “There had been so much consolidation in the market, and there was a need for an agent-only underwriter focused on technology. It was fun to build something from the ground up.”
Three years later, he changed the company’s name to Agents National Title Insurance Co., reflecting his vision to create a firm built for and around independent title agents. In 2017, Townsend sold the underwriter to Incenter LLC, a Blackstone Group portfolio company. By 2023, Agents National had grown into a respected agent-focused underwriter. When it was acquired by Essent Group that year and rebranded as Essent Title Insurance Inc., Townsend had already proven himself not only as a business builder but as one of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders.
That same blend of curiosity and confidence now defines his leadership as president of ALTA.
“Serving as ALTA president is an incredible honor and responsibility,” Townsend said. “Our industry plays a vital role in protecting property rights and giving consumers confidence in one of life’s biggest investments—their homes. Over the next year, I want to amplify the voices of our members, strengthen ALTA’s ability to advocate on their behalf and ensure we’re ready for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Ultimately, I see myself as ALTA’s head cheerleader, supporting our members and rallying our industry to achieve even greater impact together.”
Roots in Columbia
Townsend’s story begins in Columbia, where he still lives today.
“I grew up on a small lake and spent most of my days swimming, fishing and having a ton of fun,” he recalled.
Growing up, his parents, Chuck and Shirley Townsend, set an example that would shape the rest of Townsend’s life. His father sold textbooks for Houghton Mifflin, and his mother volunteered tirelessly at schools and community organizations.
“My mom taught me to be nice to everyone just because it was the right thing to do,” Townsend said. “They never missed one of my games or swim meets.”
He credits his parents for his personality and work ethic. His father’s drive and his mother’s kindness were qualities that became hallmarks of his leadership style.
Townsend’s childhood ambitions were lofty.
“When I was a kid, I wanted to be the president! I didn’t realize it would be ALTA,” he said with a laugh. That sense of humor and ambition would later define his approach to the industry.