Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) presented the Carl R. Ernst Founders Award to Mark Ladd, Vice President of Regulatory and Industry Affairs at Simplifile, in a surprise announcement, made during the group’s Annual Membership Meeting, on Wednesday, August 28, in conjunction with the group’s Annual Conference. Former recipients of the Founders Award, Carol Foglesong and Mark Monacelli, both retired, provided the award’s background, while Paul Clifford, President of Simplifile, made the presentation.
The PRIA Founders Award was created to honor an industry member who not only reflects the association’s core values, but who has provided proven, unparalleled leadership in addressing specific industry needs and standards.
PRIA President Larry Burtness noted following the announcement that, “Ladd has been a tireless volunteer, having served in numerous capacities including five consecutive terms as president, and has contributed significant intellectual resources and limitless energy to PRIA through the years.”
With the support and encouragement of the late Carl Ernst, for whom this Founders Award was named, Ladd first became active in the Property Records Industry Joint Task Force (PRIJTF) when he was Register of Deeds in Racine Co., WI. This task force was the forerunner to what would eventually become PRIA.
Stepping into the role of advocate, or evangelizer, comes naturally to Ladd. He frequently is seen at meetings across the US speaking about a variety of industry issues with his creative, entertaining and informative style.
Ladd has been a champion for recorders and business leaders, willing to walk where others hesitated to head. Whether it was eRecording technology advances or conversations about a national land records registry, he is always thinking about how PRIA should be at the center of the property records industry discussion and driving the national discussion. His passion for keeping the integrity of the public records a priority has earned him the respect of his co-workers, peers and elected officials.
Through his devotion to the real property industry, he has carried on the high standards and enduring legacy established by the late Carl Ernst encouraging us to aggressively tackle industry issues in a collaborative effort with government and business working together.
About PRIA
PRIA develops and promotes national standards and best practices for the property recording industry by identifying appropriate opportunities for collaboration among industry stakeholders; developing recommendations for standards and best practices; encouraging and supporting the adoption of such standards and practices; providing a clearinghouse for property-records-related information; and educating members, stakeholders and the public about the property records industry. For more information, visit www.pria.us.
