Feature Spotlight #83 - Emily Rooney

Leading with Grace, Integrity & the Courage to Keep Growing.

Some women lead loudly. Others lead by example, consistency, and quiet confidence that makes everyone around them stronger. Emily K. Rooney is the kind of leader who does both. She brings strength without ego, wisdom without arrogance, and a heart for people that is impossible to miss.

Based in Kettering, Ohio, Emily has served as Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Land Title Agency, Inc., for over two years; but that’s not the beginning. Her title journey spans decades from her start in 2000.  She has built not only an impressive career, but also a reputation for integrity, resilience, and leadership that genuinely lifts others up.

Built in Title, Built for Leadership.

Emily’s title story started long before she officially entered the industry. As a teenager, she spent summers running errands, making bank runs, and watching the inner workings of her father’s title company unfold around her. At the time, she never imagined title would eventually become her life’s work.

But over time, something clicked. “I realized title was where my strengths and passions aligned.”

What began as exposure to the business evolved into a genuine passion for solving problems, improving processes, supporting teams, and helping clients through some of the most important transactions of their lives.

Today, as COO, Emily focuses on operations, technology implementation, team development, and process improvement. But at the center of it all is something much deeper than systems and workflows: People.

She is passionate about building environments where team members feel supported, respected, and valued while creating systems that reduce stress and improve efficiency for everyone involved.

The Foundation That Shaped Her.

When Emily reflects on the people who shaped her most, she speaks with deep gratitude about the women who encouraged and supported her throughout her career. Yet the person who influenced her journey most profoundly was her father. “He taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and earning respect through dedication and perseverance.”

Emily credits him not only for teaching her the business, but for showing her how leadership should look. He believed strongly in empowering women and surrounded her with talented female professionals who helped guide her growth along the way. Those lessons became the foundation of who she is today both personally and professionally.

Finding Confidence Through Challenge.

Like many women in leadership, Emily has faced moments where others underestimated her knowledge, experience, or perspective. Early in her career, those experiences could feel discouraging.

Over time, however, she learned something powerful.

Confidence does not come from external validation. It comes from trusting your voice, continuing to grow, and allowing your work to speak for itself.

“Your worth is not determined by the opinions of others.”

 That mindset has become one of the driving forces behind her leadership style today. Calm. Grounded. Professional. Unshakably authentic.

A Career Fueled by Curiosity.

One of the things Emily loves most about title is that there is always something new to learn.

More than two decades into her career, she still approaches the industry with humility and curiosity. Her advice to the next generation reflects exactly that. “You will learn something new in this business every single day, no matter how long you’ve been in it.”

She encourages young women entering title to trust their instincts, ask questions, stay open to growth, and never underestimate the value of their perspective. Every lesson matters because chances are, one day, you will need it again.

Her Why Runs Deep.

At the center of everything Emily does is something far more meaningful than titles or accomplishments. Her “why” is rooted in the people she loves most and the values that continue to guide her through every season of life and leadership.

Her faith has been a constant source of strength, helping her stay grounded during challenges and reminding her that leadership is just as much about how you treat people as it is about results. Alongside that faith stands the unwavering support of her family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, all of whom continue to encourage and shape her journey.

Emily works hard not because she is chasing recognition, but because she wants to make the people who believe in her proud. That purpose fuels her through long days, difficult moments, and the balancing act so many women in leadership understand all too well.

Some of her greatest perspective, however, comes from home. During stressful seasons at work, her children would lovingly remind her: “Mom, the people at work might be mean, but you’re not at work anymore.”

Simple. Honest. Wise.

Their words became a powerful reminder to leave the stress of the day behind, stay present with the people she loves, and remember what matters most. It perfectly reflects who Emily is at her core: ambitious and driven, yet deeply grounded in faith, family, and grace.

Leading with Empathy Instead of Ego.

Emily believes leadership is not about reacting quickly or proving yourself in every room. Some of the most important lessons she has learned came from navigating difficult personalities with empathy and restraint.

“Not every challenge requires an immediate reaction.”

Instead, she chooses to listen first, stay calm, and remember that people are often carrying burdens we cannot see. Her perspective is refreshing in an industry that can sometimes feel fast paced and high pressure.

She also passionately believes women should support one another rather than compete.

“Helping someone else succeed does not diminish our own success.” That philosophy radiates through the way she leads her teams and mentors others.

Grace, Grit & Starting Over.

Emily speaks openly about the personal struggles she faced during her teenage years after her parents separated. Those difficult seasons taught her accountability, empathy, and resilience. They also shaped the compassion she extends to others today. “Our past does not define us unless we allow it to.”

Through faith, perseverance, and hard work, she transformed challenge into growth and became stronger because of it. Her story is a reminder that discipline is not about perfection. It is about getting back up again and continuing to move forward.

The Village Behind the Woman.

Behind Emily’s success is a strong village of family, mentors, friends, and colleagues who continue to encourage and support her growth.

Her husband helps keep her grounded during overwhelming seasons. Her children provide perspective and joy. Mentors and colleagues have challenged her to grow and believed in her even during moments when she doubted herself. “None of us achieves success alone.”

Emily deeply understands the power of having people who lift you up and remind you who you are when life gets heavy.

A Creative Soul Outside the Office.

What might surprise people most about Emily is her deeply creative side.

Music has always been a meaningful outlet for her. She grew up playing piano and recently began playing again, rediscovering the same peace and healing it gave her years ago.

She also recently returned to sewing, a hobby she learned from her grandmother as a child.

Trips to fabric stores, choosing patterns together, and creating something from scratch remain some of her favorite memories. These creative outlets allow her to slow down, reconnect with herself, and protect her peace in a constantly moving industry.

The Soundtrack to Her Story.

Emily’s first concert was Alan Jackson, but her music taste spans every genre. Recently, she has been especially drawn to the soulful sound of Melody Gardot, while The Cranberries remain one of her all-time favorite bands. A little soulful. A little nostalgic. A little powerful. Honestly, it fits her perfectly.

Her Philosophy on Leadership & Life.

One phrase Emily returns to often is: “God is my strength.”

It reminds her to stay calm during stressful moments and trust herself through difficult conversations and challenges.

Another guiding philosophy is simple but deeply meaningful:

“Leave things better than you found them.”

Whether she is improving a process, mentoring someone, strengthening a team, or encouraging another woman in the industry, Emily believes we all have the opportunity to create something better than what existed before.

And she strives to live that every day.

A Legacy of Stronger People & Stronger Teams.

When it comes to legacy, she hopes she leaves behind stronger teams, better systems, and people who believe more deeply in themselves because of her influence.

Yet despite all of her professional accomplishments, she is clear about what matters most.

“My family is my greatest accomplishment.”

That perspective says everything about who she is.

A Final Word to the Women of Her.Collective.

Emily’s message to women in title is both heartfelt and empowering:

“Your past does not define you; your challenges do not limit you, and your potential is far greater than you may realize.”

 Keep learning. Keep believing in yourself. Keep showing up.

Because women like Emily Rooney prove that leadership can be powerful and compassionate at the same time. We are honored to celebrate Emily Rooney as this week’s Her.Collective Spotlight Woman of Title.

*Connect with Emily: erooney@sterlinglandtitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook