Gerri Perez

I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace opportunities—even when they required me to step outside my comfort zone. I have always approached each role as an opportunity to better understand the business, strengthen my skills, and contribute in a meaningful way. I have also been fortunate to work with leaders, colleagues, and mentors who challenged and supported me. Most importantly, I have remained grounded in integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to helping both people and the organization succeed.

The best career advice I have received came from a mentor who consistently reminded me to learn the “why” behind the answer. Understanding the reason behind a requirement, decision, or process builds knowledge that can be applied well beyond a single situation. That lesson has shaped how I lead in compliance. It is not enough to simply tell people what the rule is or what action to take; a strong leader should explain why it matters. When people understand the purpose behind a requirement, they are more likely to retain the knowledge, make sound decisions, and continue growing. I also believe in never stopping learning, asking thoughtful questions, trusting your experience, and remaining open to every opportunity to grow.

Build a strong foundation, learn every aspect of the business that you can, and never underestimate the value of operational experience. Ask questions, seek mentors, and be intentional about developing both your technical knowledge and your leadership skills. Do not be afraid to use your voice, advocate for your ideas, or pursue opportunities before you feel completely ready. Your perspective has value. Lead with confidence and humility, support other women along the way, and remain true to the standards and values that define you.

One of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with an increasingly complex regulatory environment while also supporting innovation, efficiency, and the evolving needs of the business. Artificial intelligence presents one of the most significant opportunities for the title insurance industry. As AI capabilities continue to develop, they can be used to pre-check title and closing documentation, identify missing or inconsistent information, flag potential risks, and help streamline routine review processes. Over time, these tools have the potential to substantially reduce review time for title agents, allowing them to focus more attention on complex issues, sound decision-making, and the customer experience. However, AI will not replace the need for experienced professionals or strong industry knowledge. Its value will depend on effective governance, clear accountability, reliable data, and knowledgeable people who can evaluate results and apply sound judgment. AI is the future of the industry, and the organizations that use it responsibly will be better positioned to strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and protect the trust of customers and stakeholders.

Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. I have a genuine passion for compliance because I believe rules and standards exist for a reason: to protect people, promote fairness, and help us make responsible decisions. One of the principles I value most is simply doing the right thing. It's a core company value, and it guides me both professionally and personally. I also place great importance on accountability, empathy, respect, perseverance, and appreciation. At work, these values help me hold high standards while creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. The same principles shape my personal life and the guidance I've given my children as they've grown up: be honest, treat others with respect, take responsibility for your choices, and always do the right thing. In every part of my life, I want my actions to reflect consistency, sincerity, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.