
Underwriter Spotlight: David Hays
September 2, 2025Get to Know Your Underwriter: Ellen Wied
With over 40 years of experience in the title industry, Ellen Wied has been a driving force in residential and commercial underwriting, education, and mentorship at FNTI. She leads webinars, authors underwriting bulletins, mentors new team members, and has proudly served on numerous TLTA committees.
Ellen’s title journey began in 1983 at Title Insurance Company of Minnesota, right after graduating from law school. Her first boss, Jerel Hill, introduced her to the title insurance world, and she immediately knew it would be her lifelong career. Her dedication to the industry was recognized early when she received the Outstanding Young Title Person Award — one of her proudest professional moments.
Ellen believes an underwriter’s role is to “cover all bases,” and she thrives on finding solutions to complex challenges. She loves working with agents and escrow teams because “we’re in this together, with the same goals, struggles, and successes.”
She’s also known for her quick wit, especially when teasing colleagues — like reminding people that Stephen Parker might not be everyone’s favorite FNTI attorney.
We’re proud to have Ellen as a leader in the FNTI family — bringing knowledge, mentorship, and a little humor to everything she does.
Favorite Part of the Job:
“Knowing the deal made it to the closing table.”
Fun Facts About Ellen
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- Award Winner – TLTA Outstanding Young Title Person Award
- Dog Caretaker – Rescues and cares for elderly, blind, crippled, diabetic dogs
- Gardener – Loves spending time tending to plants and flowers
- Title Lifelong – Over 40 years in the industry, starting right out of law school


