June 13th 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Join industry leaders for a dynamic panel discussion on the challenges facing the escrow/title industry—and how to turn them into opportunities. Topics include market changes, compliance and fraud risks, providing staff with the support they need, technology, and evolving consumer expectations. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and leadership insights to strengthen their teams and prepare for what’s next.

Senior Escrow Advisor, Stewart Title Company

With over 45 years of experience in the escrow industry, Leslie Banes is a highly respected Certified Senior Escrow Officer, Certified Escrow Instructor, and holder of the Senior American Settlement Industry Professional and Land Title Professional designations. She currently serves as Senior Escrow Advisor at Stewart Title. In 2021, Leslie was honored as the first recipient of the Leadership Award from the American Escrow Association (AEA), a testament to her commitment and impact on the industry.

A passionate advocate for the profession, Leslie has been deeply involved in industry associations at both the national and state levels. She has served as First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Treasurer of the American Escrow Association and has contributed to key workgroups including the Title and Closing Workgroup, Remote Online Notary Workgroup, Title Insurance Section Workgroup and Title and Closing workgroup for MISMO (Mortgage Industry Standards Organization). Additionally, she is an active member of the Arizona State Escrow Association (ASEA), where she played a pivotal role in producing the ASEA Escrow II book and the 2016 AEA Annual Conference.  Leslie currently chairs the education committee for AEA and the escrow administrators luncheon committee for ASEA

Leslie is a sought-after speaker, regularly presenting to escrow officers, lenders, and realtors. She has also chaired the Industry Partners Conference and planned educational sessions for the ASEA’s annual escrow conferences, as well as AEA Annual Conferences.

A proud Arizona native, Leslie earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northern Arizona University. She resides in Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband Phil, and enjoys spending time with their three children and two grandchildren.

For inquiries, Leslie can be reached at 602-621-3542 or via email at leslie.banes@stewart.com.

VP, Strategic Communication & Engagement, First American Title Insurance Company

Juliet Taylor is Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at First American, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the title and escrow industry. Her background includes front-line work in escrow and sales, as well as leading support teams to develop scalable strategies, align messaging across markets, and build systems capable of supporting growth at different levels of maturity and complexity. This gives her a well-rounded perspective on both operational and growth priorities across diverse markets. Her leadership philosophy centers on building great teams by empowering others and creating environments where transparency, collaboration, and confidence drive meaningful results.
In her current role, she partners with executive and operational leaders to execute strategies that support long-term business performance, operational development, and cultural alignment. A 2020 graduate of First American’s Women in Leadership program, Juliet also serves as a mentor and guide in the company’s Spark program, which fosters confidence and leadership capabilities among emerging women leaders. She earned her MBA from Arizona State University and currently resides in Tempe, AZ where she spends her spare time driving her teenagers everywhere.

Vice President of Operational Growth, Clear Title Agency of Arizona

Tiffannie Hobgood is Vice President of Operational Growth at Clear Title Agency of Arizona and Past President of both the American Escrow Association and the Arizona State Escrow Association.  She has spent her career elevating the escrow profession through education, mentorship, and the kind of leadership that moves people forward.
At the heart of her work are relationships. Tiffannie believes this profession is built on trust, collaboration, and people who feel genuinely supported. She brings both strength and humanity to every room she walks into, and if you spend enough time around her, you just might leave with a little of her signature sparkle.

SW Region Training & Integration Administrator, Westcor Land Title Insurance Company

Teri is a seasoned Senior Escrow and Title Operations professional with extensive experience driving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and clientfocused service within highvolume escrow environments. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated proven leadership in overseeing endtoend escrow operations, ensuring precision, risk mitigation, and seamless coordination among buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, and title teams.
Recognized for her collaborative and resultsdriven leadership style, Teri is deeply committed to developing talent and strengthening organizational performance.  She has led and supported training initiatives, mentored escrow professionals at all levels, and partnered closely with compliance and executive leadership to align operational practices with evolving regulatory and industry standards. Her expertise spans process optimization, protocol development, and relationship management, with a consistent focus on building highperforming, accountable teams.
Teri believes that excellence in escrow and title services is grounded in trust, transparency, and adaptability. She is particularly passionate about improving operational workflows, enhancing the client experience, and creating sustainable practices that support longterm business success.
In her current role with Westcor Land Title Insurance, Teri has expanded her expertise into the underwriting side of transactions, further broadening her perspective across the title and escrow lifecycle. This transition reflects her commitment to continuous growth and lifelong learning. She remains focused on driving strong results while fostering a positive, inclusive, and professional work environment for her team.