Shipman Joins PYA as Director within ALTA Best Practices Services Group

January 12, 2016

Steve Shipman has joined national certified public accounting and consulting firm Pershing Yoakley & Associates (PYA) within its ALTA Best Practices Services Group.

Shipman brings 25 years of real estate settlement regulatory experience to his new role. For the last 15 years, Shipman led the Real Estate Settlement Agent (RESA) Investigative Unit for Virginia. The company said that his background as a state regulator for the title insurance industry will enhance the title insurance and settlement company services PYA already offers—ALTA Best Practices assessments, tax planning and preparation, merger-and-acquisition advisory, and succession planning—allowing for expanded consulting services that include agency operations and affiliated business arrangements.

“Steve’s experience conducting investigations is congruent with the rigorous approach that PYA takes in administering Best Practices assessments for title and settlement agents,” said Matthew Rekers, director of PYA’s ALTA Best Practices Services Group. “That experience, coupled with his direct work in complaint resolution, makes him an ideal fit for guiding title agents through the industry’s regulatory complexities.   We are delighted to have someone of Steve’s background join our team.”

Within the regulatory environment, Shipman has developed and maintained working relationships on both a state and national level.  He has testified in state and federal hearings involving criminal and regulatory matters and worked with staff and opposing attorneys involving depositions, subpoenas, affidavits, settlement offers, and legislative matters, including code interpretation and application.  Shipman also supervised all aspects of unit activities, including case assignment, audit, settlement negotiation, training, and staff evaluation.

“Steve’s expertise and regulatory insight will strengthen our team of title industry professionals, enhancing the level of service we provide and helping clients navigate regulatory matters that impact their businesses,” said Mike Shamblin, PYA’s managing principal of audit and assurance services. “He will be an invaluable addition to our firm, and we look forward to watching our clients benefit from his contributions.”


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.