Celebrating Mary O’Donnell: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy
Celebrating Mary O’Donnell: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy
The Women in Title community mourns the loss of a visionary leader and cheerleader: Mary O’Donnell, longtime CEO and President of Westcor Land Title Insurance Company. Her unexpected passing in early September 2025, following a brief illness, left a profound void across the title insurance industry and within our hearts.
From Lawyer to Industry Trailblazer
Born in Liverpool, England, Mary O’Donnell earned her honors law degree from the University of Sheffield (LLB, 1984). She became licensed to practice in New York and Florida, initially serving as a real estate attorney before entering the title insurance world in 1989.
Mary guided Westcor’s evolution from a modest, three-state underwriter into a nationally recognized company. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach, built a seasoned professional staff, and rose to become the fifth largest underwriter in the country—and the number one independent underwriter nationwide. This achievement underscores the lasting impact of her strategic stewardship.
A Respected Voice in the Industry
Mary’s influence extended well beyond Westcor. In 2019–2020, she served as President of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), where she championed critical industry issues from combating wire fraud and enhancing data privacy to embracing digital closings and talent development. Mary marked two historic firsts when she was installed as ALTA’s president: it was the first time the association had back-to-back female presidents, and she became the first woman from the underwriters’ section to serve as ALTA’s leader.
Her visionary ideas also led to founding the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation in 2020, an organization focused on philanthropic giving to strengthen communities across the nation.
Philanthropy with Purpose: ALTA Good Deeds Foundation altagooddeeds.org
Under Mary’s guidance, the Foundation has achieved truly remarkable milestones:
- 2024 alone: Raised over $330,000 from 54 companies and 249 individuals; distributed $278,000 in grants to 46 nonprofits across 45 states plus DC.
- Awarded emergency relief funds totaling $21,000 in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- Reached a cumulative $1 million in total giving since launching—in just four years—supporting 193 organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, and mental health programs.
Mary believed that business leaders are agents of positive change—and inspired countless title professionals to embrace philanthropy as an extension of their mission.
A Champion of Women & Your Mission
Mary O’Donnell wasn’t just an unprecedented female CEO in our sector—she was an inspiration to countless women in leadership. She once reflected, “Women can be inspiring leaders who do not have to lose their femininity or gain masculinity. You just have to be authentic and true to who you are.”
Importantly, Mary was a huge supporter of Women in Title and your mission. She cheered you on, celebrated your progress, and understood that empowering women is critical to the future of the industry. As we carry forward her vision, we are committed to doing the work that made her so proud.
Remembering Mary’s Warmth & Legacy
The industry recalls Mary not only for her brilliance, but for the warmth she brought into every room. As HousingWire noted, “She never met a stranger… she thought of her colleagues as family, and treated them that way.”
ALTA echoed this sentiment, saying, “Her legacy lives on not only through her professional accomplishments but also through her humor, warmth and ability to bring people together.”
In Her Honor: Our Path Forward
As we continue our mission at Women in Title—to elevate, support, and amplify women leaders in title insurance—we do so in Mary’s memory. Let us reaffirm our commitment to:
- Fostering leadership with authenticity and grace
- Embracing innovation and forward-thinking strategies
- Championing community and philanthropy across the industry
Mary O’Donnell’s spirit lives on in every connection we foster, every barrier we break, and every meaningful initiative we undertake.
