ALTA Announces Two Additions to Staff

November 9, 2010

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) announced the addition of Kelley Williams and Steve Gottheim to its staff.

Williams will serve as manager of government affairs, responsible for managing ALTA’s Title Insurance Political Action Committee, cultivating ALTA’s grassroots initiatives, overseeing compliance issues and lobbying at the federal level. Gottheim was named legislative and regulatory counsel, focusing on policy research and development, and serve as a resource for members regarding legislative and regulatory issues.

Previously with KPMG LLP, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services, Williams worked in the Office of Government Affairs where she managed the KPMG PAC, political compliance and grassroots objectives for the firm.

“With the legislative and regulatory climate remaining uncertain, it’s paramount ALTA reinforces its voice and continues to reach out to policymakers,” said Kurt Pfotenhauer, chief executive officer of ALTA. “Kelley brings new fire power to ALTA that will bolster our grassroots and advocacy efforts.”

Williams said her previous experience should prove beneficial as ALTA continues to build its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

“I look forward to representing the interests of our member companies and advocating on behalf of an industry that allows for the efficient and secure transfer of real estate,” said Williams, who is a graduate of the University of Miami where she studied political science and communications.

Gottheim will serve as a liaison with legal trade organizations including the American Bar Association, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

“Steve has a terrific understanding of the key issues and concerns facing professionals in the land title industry” Pfotenhauer said. “At a time when the market remains volatile and the regulatory and legislative landscape continues to change, I am certain Steve’s contributions will enable us to increase our responsiveness to the industry in a manner that brings value to the work our members do each day to provide safe and secure real estate transactions.”

Gottheim said he expects to further enhance ALTA’s voice for the land title industry.

“Not only do I plan to help educate regulators, legislators and other interested stakeholders on the industry’s value, but I will strive to keep the industry informed of legislative and regulatory issues, he said.

A graduate of the University of Maryland College Park in 2006, Gottheim earned his Juris Doctorate in 2009 from the University of Maryland School of Law. Previously, he worked for the Senate Banking Committee, and a small community-based lender.


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