Longmont, Colo. – (May 31, 2023) – Alliant National Title Insurance Company, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, is proud to announce the completion of two International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission required annual surveillance audits – revealing no non-conformities. Successful completion of these audits enables Alliant National to maintain its coveted 27001 and 27701 certification status, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to its stakeholders by adhering to internationally-recognized standards for information security and data privacy.
The 2023 surveillance audits were conducted concurrently and involved 138 control point tests revolving around validation, reperformance and observation. By passing these assessments, Alliant National will be able to maintain its 27001 and 27701 certifications until 2024.
“We are very pleased and proud to have completed these surveillance certifications,” said Tom Weyant, Alliant National Vice President of Risk Management. “They signal to our stakeholders how Alliant National is a responsible steward of personally identifiable and confidential information, and on a broader level, how we seek to conduct our operations with the highest possible standards.”
The ISO is the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards. By successfully completing its audits, Alliant National demonstrated that it meets rigorous international standards in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and protection of non-public or personally identifiable information. Alliant National first completed the ISO 27701 audit in 2022 and remains the only title insurance underwriter to obtain and hold this new data privacy certification.
To successfully pass both ISO annual surveillance audits, Alliant National had to undergo testing of more than 130 technical and process controls within the Information Security and Privacy Management System frameworks. To obtain the two certifications there were over 170 controls tested through validation, observation, and reperformance. The audits were conducted by an ISO-licensed and accredited firm, A-lign CPAs of Tampa, Florida.
Alliant National supports its independent agents by combining expert residential and commercial underwriting with a passionate heart for service. The company delivers uncommon help that promotes the wellbeing of agents and the communities they serve.
Alliant National is on a mission to empower independent agents while protecting property owners with secure title insurance. The company partners with its agents and never competes against them with direct or affiliate operations. Alliant National serves thousands of title professionals as a licensed underwriter in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
George will help support Alliant National’s underwriting operations throughout the Midwest.
Longmont, Colo. – (May 16, 2023) – Alliant National Title Insurance Company, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, is pleased to announce the hiring of Julie George as Underwriting Counsel.
A seasoned title insurance veteran, George has been a fixture of the industry since 2005. She is highly experienced working within large title insurance companies. She is skilled at navigating complex organizations and building productive, cross-departmental collaborations between production and escrow teams to ensure sound underwriting decisions and seamless closings. During her career, she has also taught classes for real estate agents, lenders and title insurance professionals.
As Underwriting Counsel for Alliant National, George will have ample opportunities to apply her skills and expertise. Her responsibilities will include working directly with the underwriter’s policy-issuing agents in the Midwest to provide support, risk analysis and management, claim resolution and making insurability determinations. She will also play a role in developing underwriting resources and continuing education materials.
“Alliant National’s strong, nation-wide operations were a huge draw for me,” said George, talking about her new position. “However, Alliant National’s laser-like focus on meeting the needs of the independent agent is what truly sets it apart. I can’t wait to dig in and work with this team of incredible title professionals to deliver more value for our agents.”
“Julie is one of the best in the business,” said Jeff Stein, Chief Underwriting Counsel for Alliant National. “Given her years of experience, keen legal mind and clear passion for the industry, our agents, employees, lenders and communities all stand to gain from her being part of the Alliant National team.”
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, George graduated Cum Laude from St. Louis University with a degree in American Studies in 1999. She obtained her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law four years later. She is a winner of the Dowd Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.
Today, George lives in St. Louis with her family.
Alliant National supports its independent agents by combining expert residential and commercial underwriting with a passionate heart for service. The company delivers uncommon help that promotes the wellbeing of agents and the communities they serve.
Cathie Beck Capital City Public Relations e: cathie@capitalcitypr.com p: 303-241-0805
ABOUT ALLIANT NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
Alliant National is on a mission to empower independent agents while protecting property owners with secure title insurance. The company partners with its agents and never competes against them with direct or affiliate operations. Alliant National serves thousands of title professionals as a licensed underwriter in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
The company meets rigorous SSAE 18 Type II standards for the ninth consecutive year.
Alliant National Title Insurance Company, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, announces that it has successfully completed the Service Organization Control (SOC 1) SSAE 18 Type II examination of its Agent Quality Management System for the ninth consecutive year.
Upon completing the examination, Alliant National received an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)-endorsed report stating that the company has maintained effective controls over its Agent Quality Management System, the framework it uses to approve and monitor its agents. Alliant National agents are independently reviewed against over 100 rigorous quality standards under this system and are designated as Authorized Service Providers of Alliant National.
“Alliant National was the first title insurance underwriter in the nation to obtain SSAE 16 – which is now SSAE 18 – Type II certified compliant status. It is also the only underwriter to achieve compliance for nine consecutive years,” said David Sinclair, President and CEO of Alliant National.
The SSAE 18 Type II exam also validates the company’s systems for minimizing the risk of insureds’ financial loss with real estate closings. Lenders relying on Alliant National’s oversight procedures gain additional assurances by virtue of the company passing the examination. It firmly establishes that the company’s Quality Management System processes are complete and function at the highest-possible quality.
“This certification provides additional levels of confidence in our agent oversight systems to lenders and stakeholders,” Sinclair said. “Our goal is to provide lenders with strong and unequivocal evidence of our agents’ quality through an independently audited system. By once again achieving this certification, our partners can rest assured that we take these responsibilities seriously.”
A-Lign Certified Public Accountants of Tampa, Fla., conducted the examination and certification. The unqualified satisfactory report, with no findings or exceptions, was issued January 6, 2023, and it covered the full year of 2022.
Alliant National supports its independent agents by combining expert residential and commercial underwriting with a passionate heart for service. The company delivers uncommon help that promotes the wellbeing of agents and the communities they serve.
Alliant National is on a mission to empower independent agents while protecting property owners with secure title insurance. The company partners with its agents and never competes against them with direct or affiliate operations. Alliant National serves thousands of title professionals as a licensed underwriter in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Few would dispute that there is a mental health crisis in our society. One in five Americans live with a mental health condition, which amounts to nearly 50 million people.[i] But perhaps even more disturbing is that mental health remains heavily stigmatized – despite these statistics. A lack of compassion for mental and emotional health disorders can have serious downstream effects. Sufferers are much less inclined to seek out treatment even if the condition is treatable like depression and anxiety.
In recognition of these societal realities, Alliant National recently conducted a “Mind, Body, Soul” initiative. Led by Stacy Stolen, Alliant National’s HR Manager, the program seeks to address the full spectrum of employee needs, while pushing back on mental health stigmas and promoting inclusive conversations at Alliant National. The results were, and continue to be, quite positive.
Mind, Body, Soul – The Six Dimensions of Health
Stolen says the “Mind, Body, Soul” initiative highlights and addresses six dimensions of employee health:
Emotional
Physical
Economic
Social
Career
Community
Now, you may be thinking, “Isn’t this program geared toward mental health?” It’s a fair question, but the truth is all aspects of health are interrelated. Physical, social, economic and career circumstances will impact mental and emotional well-being. By discussing the different pillars that contribute to wellness, it makes it easier to act and begin healing, Stolen says.
Whether that be finding programs to help deal with difficult emotions or making changes around the workplace to promote mental health and wellness, you must first have the right conception of the full spectrum of human needs. Only then can you start making changes to feel more healthy, supportive and whole.
Putting it Into Practice
While taking a granular approach to wellness is important, it must also be paired with action. “Mind, Body, Soul” also promotes different actions employees can take to nurture their well-being:
Take breaks: The restorative power of a break is not to be underestimated. Whether you decide to walk your dog or do a 10-minute yoga video, a periodic break can reduce stress and improve productivity.
Take time off: Employees should be encouraged to take their allotted time off. Stolen said it is sometimes hard to remember that the world will not fall apart if you take time off, even if it can be tempting to think so. That’s a common misperception in our society, as statistics show that more than half of all workers do not take the time to which they are entitled.[ii]
Set boundaries: Setting boundaries between your workday and your personal time can help avoid burnout. It’s a mistake to discount the importance of taking time for yourself, as well as your family and friends.
Lunch-and-Learns: Stolen noted that “Lunch-and-Learns” are a great way to help teams connect and collaborate.Alliant National hosts lunch and learns featuring guest speakers, and employees have a chance to check in with one another – both as people and professionals.
Health Resources: Companies looking to promote employee wellbeing may also consider potential vendor resources. Modern Health is Alliant National’s employee welfare platform. Employees can listen to community sessions led by therapists and coaches and ask questions in real time.
How Did the Alliant National Team Respond?
Reflecting on the initiative, Stolen was struck by the amount of positive feedback received from Alliant National team members: “We heard from many employees that they were surprised that we ‘cared’ enough to focus on [‘Mind, Body, Soul’] versus bottom line numbers.”
Similarly, she was taken aback by how quickly Alliant National personnel began reaching out to leverage resources made available to them through their employee status. “I received many phone calls asking for help or advice. The calls included everything from asking where our Employee Assistance (EAP) is located, to inquiring about how to best approach a conversation with a supervisor, to requesting help with navigating health care plans,” Stolen says. “I think it speaks to the fact that we are creating a safe space for people to have inclusive conversations and address their psychological needs. Historically, mental and emotional health is a hard topic for employees to comfortably discuss.”
A Larger Trend and a Personal Mission
Initiatives like “Mind, Body, Soul” did not develop in a vacuum. Instead, they reflect long-running trends in the HR field and the workforce more generally – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the remote work era. “The workforce has changed significantly,” Stolen says. “Employees are demanding that their companies take a more holistic approach to wellness, and I agree!”
It’s also important to note that supporting the entirety of every employee’s needs is not only the right thing to do; it also makes good business sense. “If we do not treat the employee as a three-dimensional being whose needs encompass six distinct categories, we will not recruit and retain top talent,” Stolen says. “Employers not only need to create a workplace that offers growth and opportunity, but one that nourishes the employee in mind, body and spirit.”
For Stolen, “Mind, Body, Soul” is also personal. “To me, HR means ‘Human and Resourceful.’ I aspire to serve all employees at all levels of their being,” she said. “Employees need to be able to embody their entire selves at work – which naturally means creating an environmentthat’s diverse and inclusive. A healthy and happy employee is an engaged and productive one.”
Interested in discussing employee well-being strategies for your organization? Reach out to Stacy – sstolen@alliantnational.com
Scott Hendrickson leaves behind a growing company and an impressive legacy.
As a golfer, Scott Hendrickson has had two holes-in-one. But as a person, he actually had three. When Scott co-founded Alliant National more than 16 years ago, there was no way of knowing the venture would be successful, much less that it would be an ace that would grow into the leading independent underwriter for the independent agent.
Back in the mid-aughts, Scott was coming off three decades of experience in financial services and leadership, having held senior positions in diverse industries like insurance, manufacturing and distribution. Eager to begin a new stage in his professional life, Scott joined with fellow co-founders Dave Ginger and Bob Grubb to create Alliant National, a title insurance underwriter with the unique mission of empowering independent agents and never competing against them.
The Colorado-based company started as a small regional underwriter. Yet under the guidance and stewardship of Scott and other members of the leadership team, Alliant National soon took off. Today, the company serves thousands of title professionals as a national underwriter licensed in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
David Sinclair, who began working with Scott in 2011 and now serves as President and CEO of Alliant National, is first to speak about Scott’s invaluable contributions. “Alliant National simply would not be the company it is today without Scott,” he said, reflecting on the CFO’s tenure. “With his leadership abilities, financial acumen and keen insights into this specialized industry, Scott has helped lead us to the success we enjoy today. His influence can be seen in nearly every aspect of our business – from accounting, finance and human resources to our culture and how we work together. What we accomplish in the future will be the direct result of his legacy.”
Margaret Cook, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Alliant National, had this to say. “Scott is a consummate professional, an ethical, knowledgeable and incredibly talented executive who has played a fundamental role in shaping our company into a leading force in the title insurance industry. We’ll miss his practical insight, curious mind and dry sense of humor. We owe Scott a debt of gratitude for founding the company on his breadth of knowledge, practical guidance and attention to detail.”
As he exits the company he helped create, Scott himself reflected on his time with Alliant National, and on the many co-workers, clients and friends he met along the way. “When we started Alliant National way back in 2005, I had no idea how it was all going to turn out,” he said. “I knew at the time that we had terrific people in place, strong industry knowledge and a unique selling proposition that we thought would really resonate with people. I had no idea how the operation would grow and evolve, or that we would become such an important part of so many people’s lives.
“I guess, if anything, I just feel immensely grateful to have had this experience,” he added. “The people I’ve worked with over the past decade-and-a-half have been some of the best co-workers and title insurance professionals anyone can ask to work with. I have made connections that I’m sure will last the rest of my life, and I hope that through this work, I have made peoples’ lives a bit better. Title insurance isn’t the easiest industry for people to understand, but it enables ordinary people to build the lives they want with peace of mind. And I think that really matters in the end.”
For anyone who has worked with him, there is no doubt that Scott has made a major impact, and not only in creating a strong, vital company with a sizable presence across the country. As an executive, Scott has modeled poise, servant leadership and a commitment to excellence that one can only hope to encounter during their professional career. He leaves not only an admirable legacy within the organization at Alliant National, but on the entire title insurance industry.
“We started Alliant National with the hope of changing what a title insurance underwriter could be,” said Scott. “I am immensely proud of the operation we’ve built and that our mission to support independent agents remains at the heart of the Alliant National way. I wanted to leave the industry better than I found it. I certainly tried my very best.”
Rest assured Scott, you’ve accomplished what you set out to do. And as you take your last bow at Alliant National, we hope you can rest, recharge, and perhaps find it a bit easier to enjoy a round or two of golf. Considering your track record, we’re sure you have many more holes-in-one in your future.
Congratulations on your retirement, Scott. And thank you from everyone at Alliant National!
