Feature Spotlight #55 - DeAnn Newhouse

Featuring: DeAnn Newhouse – Where Title Meets Tech (and Heart!) 💗

For nearly three decades, DeAnn Newhouse has been a steady, guiding presence in the title industry—an industry she admits she stumbled into “by accident” when a summer receptionist job at First American Title turned into a lifelong passion.

From her first days answering phones in Phoenix, to leading escrow operations at the executive level, to now running her own consulting firm, DeAnn’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to people.

A Career Built on Both Operations and Technology

DeAnn’s journey has touched nearly every corner of title. She has worked with some of the largest underwriters, regional players, and family-owned agencies, often stepping into leadership roles at pivotal times—through mergers, acquisitions, and organizational change.

In 2013, she pivoted into consulting, helping companies build systems, strengthen processes, and train teams. Later, her career expanded into the technology side of the industry, where she partnered with software providers to implement Title Production Systems (TPS) and TitleTech tools.

Now, through her firm Anchor & Ascent Consulting, DeAnn brings those two worlds together—bridging operations and technology to help title companies simplify systems, align leadership, and create scalable success without losing sight of the people behind the work.

Rooted in Kansas, Reaching Nationwide

Based in a small Kansas town, DeAnn works with clients all over the country. Her small-town roots keep her grounded, while her early career experiences in larger metro markets give her perspective on the wide-ranging challenges her clients face. She embraces the balance: a strong connection to her local community and the flexibility to travel wherever her expertise is needed.

Lessons from Mentors and Challenges Along the Way

DeAnn credits Debra Quinn, the first escrow officer she worked under, as a formative influence. Debra’s combination of professionalism, technical skill, and kindness set the example for the kind of leader DeAnn aspired to become.

Still, the path hasn’t been without challenges. Becoming an Escrow Officer before age 20 and rising quickly into leadership roles, DeAnn often had to prove herself in an industry where youth wasn’t always taken seriously.

She also experienced the competitive dynamics that sometimes overshadow collaboration in a female-majority space. Those lessons fueled her determination to lead differently—through empowerment, authenticity, and collaboration.

Advice to the Next Generation

For women new to the industry, DeAnn’s message is clear:

“Focus on building others up instead of competing against them. Collaboration will take you further than competition ever will. And honor your boundaries—your self-respect and integrity are your strongest assets.”

She believes that by leading authentically and supporting one another, women can reshape the culture of title insurance into something stronger and more sustainable.

The Heart Behind Her Work

At the center of DeAnn’s “why” is simple: people. Whether entry-level staff or executives, she cares deeply about making their work and lives easier—through process clarity, cultural health, and systems that actually serve the teams using them.

Her daughter has also been a driving force, inspiring DeAnn to model leadership grounded in empathy and integrity. “I didn’t want to repeat the cycle of ruthless leadership I had seen too often,” she says. “I wanted to be the kind of leader I wish I’d had.”

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, DeAnn invests her heart in her community. She serves on the board of the Pratt Teen Center, helping to create a safe and supportive space for local youth. She also finds grounding in nature, recharging among trees and wildlife, and loves music in all forms—classic rock, country, and soulful tunes depending on her mood.

Philosophy and Legacy

If she had to sum up her leadership philosophy in one word, it would be care. Care enough to do the work well. Care about the details. Care about the people around you.

As for her legacy, DeAnn hopes to be remembered for making the industry better—through clarity, collaboration, and a human-centered approach to both leadership and technology.

Final Thoughts for Her.Collective

DeAnn’s parting words are a reminder of why spaces like this matter:

“I love seeing women step into leadership and create spaces like Her.Collective —not only to support and inspire each other, but to strengthen the industry as a whole. When we work together with authenticity and collaboration, everyone benefits.”

Thank you DeAnn for leading with class and strength in title insurance. You are empowering others!

*Connect with DeAnn here:  contact@AnchorandAscentConsulting.com I LinkedIn I Website