Proper Title, LLC, promotes Kathy Kwak to EVP, Hires Zjacobe Snyder as senior escrow officer

Kathy Kwak

Palatine, Illinois-based Proper Title, LLC has promoted Kathy Kwak to executive vice president of operations and counsel. Kwak will be responsible for managing Proper Title’s processing, closing and overall operations. The firm has also hired Zjacobe (“Cobe”) Snyder as senior escrow officer in its Loop office.

“Kathy has done an outstanding job over the years in building trusted relationships with our attorney clients while also fostering a collaborative culture among staff through a team-management style that employees respond positively to,” said Joni Meyerowitz, chief executive officer of Proper Title. “Her leadership and vision have successfully guided Proper Title to being a leader in our industry during the pandemic by quickly adopting new protocols to offer safe and creative closing processes, and her passion for excellent customer service will help position the firm for continued growth. Kathy’s experience on all sides of a real estate transaction also brings a unique perspective for managing risk on any title insurance issue.”

Kwak has been a part of the real estate industry as an attorney or as an underwriting counsel for the past 14 years, with seven years dedicated to the title insurance industry. She joined Proper Title in 2017, rising from director of title to vice president to her new role as executive vice president. Prior to joining Proper Title, Kwak served as underwriting counsel for Near North Title Group and First American Title Insurance Co. Before entering the title industry, she was a senior real estate advisor for the Board of Education of the city of Chicago.

“It’s an honor to lead a title agency with such an entrepreneurial spirit, especially now,” said Kwak. “We swiftly adapted when the stay-at-home order began by offering curbside closings and remote notarizations so we could continue serving our clients with the same level of care and attention while social distancing. In addition to these changes, we also were lucky to find and hire Cobe, who is bringing her enthusiasm and attention to detail to our Loop office.”

A 25-year veteran of the title insurance industry, Snyder will focus on continuing the growth of Proper Title’s Loop business as a senior escrow officer. Prior to joining Proper Title, she spent 12 years as an escrow officer at Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., where she finalized the purchasing and refinancing of residential and commercial properties. Snyder also worked as a closing officer for City Suburban Title Insurance, Prudential Preferred Properties and First American Title Insurance Co.

“Cobe’s depth of experience and her dedication to customer care ensure smooth closings and no surprises,” said Kwak. “We’re thrilled to bring someone on board who is so skilled in complex closings, especially as we rapidly grow our downtown presence.”

Proper Title has 10 closing offices throughout the Chicago area, including suburban locations in Palatine, Northbrook, Libertyville, Park Ridge, Oak Brook, Naperville and St. Charles, as well as closing locations in Chicago’s Loop, Bucktown and Irving Park neighborhoods. The title company also offers remote closings to attorney clients.