The Trusted Adviser
Apri 2016 | Volume 9 · Number 4

IN THE NEWS:

ATG Executive Earns National Title Professional Designation

Christine Sparks photo

Christine Sparks, ATG Vice President – Claims and Audit, has been awarded the National Title Professional (NTP) designation by the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry. Sparks is also the current president of the Illinois Land Title Association.

ATG President and CEO Peter Birnbaum said, "We are proud that Christine has achieved this prestigious honor, which acknowledges her professionalism, work ethic and extensive knowledge of the land title insurance industry."

Through the NTP designation, ALTA recognizes land title professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, experience and dedication essential to the safe and efficient transfer of real property. The designation represents a measure of achievement and commitment to career development, and brings Sparks enhanced status in the industry and among industry colleagues. Sparks will also have the advantage of special NTP benefits and recognition at ALTA events and state Land Title Association meetings.

The NTP application consists of 12 sections, seven of which allow prospective designees to earn NTP points towards the designation. A minimum of 100 NTP points is necessary to qualify for consideration. In addition, the applicants must fulfill certain industry and compliance prerequisites and training requirements, including:

  • Applicant shall have a minimum of five years of experience engaged in or associated with the land title industry.
  • In each state where the applicant physically conducts business, the applicant will obtain and maintain a state title insurance agent/producer or abstractor license, if available.
  • Applicant shall be (and continue to be) a member in good standing of the American Land Title Association and the state or regional land title association if one exists.
  • Applicants shall have successfully completed three of the online courses offered by ALTA's Land Title Institute, including Title 101, Title 201 and Ethics in the Title Industry, or an equivalency exam.

Sparks joined ATG's claims department in 2003 as a claims attorney. In addition to investigating and resolving title insurance claims, she provides direction and support to the Audit Department personnel in resolving member audit compliance issues. She is a frequent author and speaker at ATG Legal Education programs.

Prior to joining ATG, Sparks was an associate at the law firm of Jump & Associates, P.C. She holds a Master of Laws in real estate from John Marshall Law School, Chicago, and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, Chicago. She was the recipient of the Stanley W. Marion Real Estate Law Fellowship at John Marshall Law School. She attended Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., where she earned her B.S. with honors

[Last update: 4-12-16]

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