AmeriTitle headto step down

AmeriTitle President Linda Stelle, who helped expand the Bend-based title and escrow company to 43 offices in three states, has announced her retirement.

Stelle, who plans to retire Tuesday, began her career in 1978 in Klamath Falls and became the first president of AmeriTitle when she joined with Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors to purchase the then-named Mountain Title Co. in 1985. A year later, she moved to Central Oregon when AmeriTitle bought Central Oregon Title Co. in Prineville and then Bend Title Co., according to a news release. AmeriTitle now operates in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Stelle, who will continue to serve on the AmeriTitle board of directors, is expected to be replaced by Larry Matney, president of Boise-based Futura Title and Escrow.

Last year, Futura purchased AmeriTitle from Jeld-Wen. Despite the change, the two entities intend to continue to keep their separate identities, according to a representative from AmeriTitle.

— Bulletin staff report