In addition to her current job title, Lexi Howard is also serving as the Legislation Chair for the California Escrow Assocation. “She is brilliant and motivates those who work with her to reach higher heights than they would reach without her support,” said nominator Irene Genders with Orange Coast Title. “She has played a leading roll in the California Escrow Association’s fight against the new insurance regulations proposed by John Garamendi, and works tirelessly and completes all tasks she takes on with great enthusiasm.”

“She is probably the smartest woman I’ve ever met,” added another nominator. “As for her involvement, just take a look at her business card: CSEO, CEO, CEI, branch manager, Ventura County escrow technical adviser and recruiting consultant, chair/legislation, and much more.”

My first job in the industry was as a poster, typing county record information onto cards that represented parcels of land, in the dark ages of the physical title plant. This early initiation with recorded documents served me well in later jobs as a title examiner and title officer. I moved to Sacramento in 1988 as a title officer, primarily because the seemingly extraordinary $300,000 average price of a fixer-upper in my hometown of Santa Barbara meant that home ownership was out of reach. I became interested in escrow while in Sacramento, worked as an escrow assistant for a time, was given my own "escrow desk" as an escrow officer and later returned to Southern California.

I’m internally driven to be the best. Embracing challenge and change on an ongoing basis keeps my job exciting and stimulating. I get the most satisfaction from my job when I’m closing complex transactions and helping other escrow officers excel.



The best advice I could give is to develop a habit of acquiring knowledge and making right choices, to lead by example and to maintain a sense of humor. Own up to and learn from mistakes, and choose not to repeat them. Integrity is a credential with an inestimably high value. The habit of choosing the right option when the choice is clear fosters a basis of discretion and wisdom that assists with sound future decision-making even when the answers are complex. Keeping a sense of humor particularly when difficulties arise is important for the mental and physical health of both the individual and the team.



Among the proudest of my professional accomplishments has been my recent involvement on behalf of the California Escrow Association and with other escrow professionals throughout the state of California in responding to the rate reduction regulations proposed by the California Department of Insurance. As I write this, the proposed regulations are pending review by the Office of Administrative Law. While the outcome is unclear, I’ve learned and grown from our grassroots efforts and have enjoyed the collaborative efforts with the CEA as well as with others including the California Land Title Association, my employer and other industry partners.



While some know that I’m an avid reader, not many know that I’m a reference bookaholic. At age 10, I read our family’s Encylopedia Brittanica. When I was 16 and studying for spelling bee finals, I read the encyclopedic dictionary; alas, that did not save me from misspelling the word ‘assassin’ at the state championships. When I was a young title officer, I read the CLTA Manual (go ahead, ask me about Hill-Burton funds). I currently enjoy reading pending legislation, and refer regularly to the California Civil, Financial and Government Codes to better understand timely matters including the Administrative Procedures Act and statutes governing equity purchasers and the payoffs of deeds of trust and mortgages.



To relax, I try to get to the gym at least five days a week (I lost 75 pounds two years ago and intend to never find them again) and assist with practice drills for my daughter’s softball team. In addition, I’m an avid digital photographer and am happy to walk, ride or fly anywhere I can carry my camera.



The most fulfilling project I’ve been involved with in my community is providing informal support to local cancer patients. I had cancer at the age of 22; many know that I’m a cancer survivor and I receive calls from colleagues and friends seeking resources and support. In addition, every year since 2000 my daughter and I have raised funds and walked together in the Camarillo Relay for Life, part of a nationwide program for the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and patient support, and to celebrate and remember those who have had cancer.


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