Agency State Operations

Jesse Cavett serves as Vice President and South Carolina State Manager for Old Republic Title, where he leads operations across the state and works closely with title agents to support their success. In this role, Jesse provides legal and underwriting guidance, ensures regulatory compliance, and drives growth through business development and relationship management.

He began his career with Old Republic Title in 2021 as underwriting counsel for the Commercial Agency Services team, focusing on complex national commercial transactions. In 2024, he was promoted to lead the South Carolina market, bringing with him a deep understanding of both the legal and operational sides of the title industry. He is licensed to practice in both South Carolina and Tennessee.

Prior to joining Old Republic Title, Jesse managed a team of title attorneys for a national real estate law firm and held legal and underwriting roles with another national title insurance underwriter. He is an active member of the American Land Title Association and previously served as President of the Palmetto Land Title Association.

Jesse earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Rhodes College and his Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law. Based in Columbia, he enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his wife and two young sons, especially on a bike trail or a golf course.

Ellie C. Floyd joined Old Republic National Title Insurance Company in 2014. She has served as State Counsel for the South Carolina Operations team since joining Old Republic. She has also been named as an Assistant Vice President for Old Republic. Prior to joining Old Republic, she was a Shareholder/Partner at Rogers Townsend and Thomas, PC in Columbia, South Carolina. Ellie was in private practice for roughly 14 years before joining Old Republic. Her practice included real estate transactions, general litigation and foreclosure work.

Ellie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. In 2001, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Greater Columbia Business Monthly recognized her as a Legal Elite of the Midlands in 2011. She was awarded the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Rising Star Award by South Carolina Super Lawyers. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Richland County Bar Association, Lexington County Bar Association and South Carolina Women Lawyers Association. She is also a member of the American Land Title Association and the Palmetto Land Title Association. She serves as a Committee Chairman with the Palmetto Land Title Association. Ellie is also a graduate of the South Carolina Bar Leadership Academy.

Natalie Bialas joined Old Republic Title’s South Carolina office in 2024 as an underwriting counsel with fifteen years of experience in private practice. While Natalie’s focus in private practice involved reviewing title, issuing policies, underwriting, compliance, while also gaining experience in estate planning, probate, and business formations.

Natalie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2002, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in English and Philosophy. She later earned her Juris Doctor in 2009 from Mississippi College School of Law. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Greenville County Bar Association, South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, Palmetto Land Title Association, and American Land Title Association. Natalie has served in the South Carolina Bar’s House of Delegates, as a former treasurer in the Greenville County Young Lawyers Association, and has volunteered her professional experience in several legal clinics throughout the upstate of South Carolina.

Wendi Lawson See, Esq. serves as underwriting counsel for Old Republic Title in South Carolina where she works closely with title agents and attorneys. With her extensive and diverse background, she provides accurate and succinct insight to ensure a secure and smooth closing process.

founded Lowcountry Title Examinations, LLC in 2005, establishing it as a prominent real estate title abstracting firm. As President, Wendi specialized in providing comprehensive preliminary reports on title for attorneys and title companies. Her expertise led to recognition as a South Carolina Court-recognized Expert in heirs property litigation, boundary disputes, and chain of title issues. In July 2023, Wendi transitioned ownership of LCTE to her long-time Vice President.

Wendi earned a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in Strategic Intelligence, along with an undergraduate certificate in Terrorism Studies from American Public University. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from Regent University's School of Law.

In 2017, Wendi launched Southeastern Law, LLC, a firm that redefined legal practice in the Lowcountry by focusing on selected areas of law to provide exceptional services with competence, compassion, and candid representation in a welcoming atmosphere. After successful years in private practice, Wendi closed Southeastern Law in February 2024 to join Old Republic National Title Insurance Co of South Carolina as Underwriting Counsel.

Beyond her legal career, Wendi contributes locally as counsel for In His Name-Colleton and Carolina Boxer Rescue, Inc. She resides in Summerville with her partner and their two boxers, Reggie and Butchie.

AC joined Old Republic Title in early 2024 and serves as an Account Manager supporting South Carolina agents. Prior to joining ORT, AC was introduced to the title industry while working at a regional law firm, developing a foundation in real estate and legal processes.

A graduate of Winthrop University, AC holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. With a passion for both digital and traditional marketing, AC aims to bring a fresh, strategic perspective to agent relationships and industry outreach.

As a South Carolina native, AC is committed to providing the state’s agents with timely, relevant resources and personalized support to help them thrive in a competitive market.

Missy joined Old Republic Title in 2012 as Agency Coordinator for the South Carolina State Office. In 2018, she became an Agency Representative/Account Manager. Prior to joining Old

Republic Title, she was a real estate paralegal for over 20 years handling both residential and commercial closings. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of South Carolina, 1991, in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management. She and her family live in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

As an Account Manager, Sarah Lempesis works with title agents and law firms across South Carolina, helping them stay connected to the people, tools, and resources at Old Republic Title that support their success. She focuses on building strong relationships, supporting business development efforts, and collaborating on creative marketing initiatives, with a genuine passion for helping others succeed.

Sarah brings a well-rounded background in the legal industry, with previous experience in legal marketing, administrative leadership, and paralegal roles within multiple law firms. She has worked closely with real estate practice groups throughout her career, giving her valuable insight into the needs and challenges of attorneys and their teams.

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina and a Paralegal Certificate from Midlands Technical College. She is also a registered yoga teacher who enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors with her dog, Molly.

Kristen is an experienced Agency Auditor with Old Republic Title. She has been a key part of the team since 2013. With a strong background in real estate law, Kristen began her career as a paralegal at a successful real estate law firm, where she gained years of experience supporting complex transactions. In her current role, Kristen brings a sharp eye for detail and a thorough understanding of title and agency operations. Her commitment to accuracy, compliance, operational integrity, and process improvement has made her a trusted resource within the organization.

Kristen currently lives in Columbia with her husband Ley and their two dogs. When she is not working, you will likely find her enjoying time with friends and family or traveling.

With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate and title insurance industry, Cyndi plays a vital role in supporting Old Republic Title’s agency operations in South Carolina. As Agency Coordinator, Cyndi is the go-to contact for agents needing assistance with title policy production, fund processing, and day-to-day operational support. She also trains agents and paralegals on policy workflow and system navigation to ensure smooth and compliant transactions.

Cyndi joined Old Republic Title in 2015, following a long career as a real estate paralegal and office manager in private law firms across the Midlands. Her background includes coordinating closings, preparing legal documents, managing trust accounts, and issuing title policies, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the closing process from start to finish.

Known for her reliability, problem-solving mindset, and deep knowledge of procedures, Cyndi is committed to helping agents deliver accurate and efficient service to their clients.

Cyndi is based in Lexington, South Carolina. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her in the garden, working with foster cats at a local rescue or enjoying time with her family, friends and menagerie of pets.

Wendy Hallman currently serves as the general office coordinator for Old Republic Title in the Columbia, SC office. Wendy joined Old Republic Title in 2018 and has more than 28 years of experience as a Real Estate Paralegal. In private practice, Wendy was involved in all stages of the title and closing process. Her extensive experience allows her to assist agents with all types of issues, questions, and concerns.

Wendy earned her B.A. degree in Accounting from Columbia College, and a Paralegal Certification Midlands Technical College. When not working, Wendy enjoys camping and spending time on the lake with her family.