- Susan Stewart
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read

Women of Title Spotlight: Debra J. Coffie
A Legacy of Leadership, Integrity, and Heart in the Title Insurance Industry
At Her.Collective, we believe in celebrating the women who not only shape the title insurance industry but also lift others as they climb. This month, we are proud to spotlight Debra J. Coffie, a woman whose 30-year journey in title insurance reflects the power of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering integrity.
A Career That Found Her—and Changed Her Life
Debra J. Coffie didn’t set out to build a career in title insurance—it found her. Inspired in her youth by the movie Working Girl and its fierce heroine, Debra dreamed of working in the corporate world, scaling ladders in high-rise buildings. After earning her degree in Business Management and relocating to Oviedo, Florida, she took her first job at a local manufacturing company. But when she was told the company did not allow women to advance into management, an unexpected opportunity emerged: a role at Lawyers Title Insurance in downtown Orlando.
Starting as a receptionist, Debra could never have imagined that title insurance would become her lifelong calling. But as one wise examiner told her on her first day: “You’ll never get out of this business.” And she was right. Debra not only stayed—she thrived, becoming a respected leader known for her strategic mind, her commitment to service, and her deep care for the people around her.
Building Success, Shaping Teams, and Leading with Purpose

Today, Debra serves as Senior Vice President and National Operations Manager, as well as Florida Regional Manager, for Alliant National Title Insurance Company. She helped launch Alliant’s Florida Region in 2009, building and leading teams across underwriting, production, and sales. Her leadership extends nationally as she oversees the company’s Operations Center, ensuring compliance, customer service excellence, and agent success across the board.
Her heart has always been on the agency side—a place where relationships matter most, and where she can help others succeed. Her work is grounded not only in operational strategy but in a culture of excellence, mentorship, and service.
The Power of Mentorship and the Women Who Paved the Way
Debra’s success is intertwined with the guidance and example of women who came before her. Early in her career, Cindy Taylor and Pam Saylors provided invaluable mentorship. Later, industry trailblazers like Shelley Stewart and Amy Gregory showed Debra what it meant to lead with integrity, grit, and grace. These relationships shaped her belief in the importance of women supporting women—a belief she lives out daily.
“I’ve always paid attention to women in leadership because for a long time, they were few and far between,” Debra shares. “I knew that every door they opened, every ceiling they cracked, was making space for women like me.”
Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way for Others
As in many industries, the title insurance field has been historically male-dominated at the leadership level, despite being powered by a predominantly female workforce. Debra knows this firsthand. “Women in this industry often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously,” she says. But she also believes that every challenge has shaped her into the leader she is today—one who speaks up, stands firm, and lifts others along the way.
Her advice to women entering the field is simple yet profound: Don’t wait to be invited to the table, pull up your own chair. She encourages young women to stay curious, build relationships, and never underestimate the impact they can make.
A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Service
For Debra, leadership isn’t just about business, it’s about people. Her faith is her cornerstone, giving her strength and purpose through every high and low. “I truly believe I was called to this industry,” she says. “I know I’m here to make a difference not just in business, but in people’s lives.”

Her family is her greatest source of joy: her husband of nearly 40 years, Tony; their three children; and their ever-growing tribe of grandchildren—currently seven, with Debra playfully hoping for three more to round it out to ten. Two of her children have followed her into the title industry, a living testament to the legacy she is building not just in business, but in life.
Beyond work, Debra’s creativity shines, she plays the piano, paints, draws, and teaches, sharing her wisdom at women’s events and in her church community. These hidden talents feed her soul and bring balance to her life.
Leading with Integrity: The Word That Defines Her

If there’s one word that defines Debra J. Coffie’s approach to business and leadership, it’s integrity. She believes that integrity is the foundation of trust, and without trust, no relationship or business can thrive. She leads by example, always striving to do what’s right, even when it’s hard, and she hopes this is the legacy she leaves behind: one of service, character, and impact.
“I want to be remembered as someone who created space for others to grow, who led with heart, and who never hesitated to help others succeed,” Debra says. “If I’ve inspired others to believe they belong at the table, then I’ve done something meaningful.”
Final Thoughts for the Women of Her.Collective
To the women of Her.Collective, Debra offers these words:
You belong here. You are not in this industry by accident. There is purpose in your presence and power in your voice. Never doubt the value you bring. Keep showing up, keep learning, and lead—even if your voice shakes. Support one another, celebrate one another, and always make room for the next woman behind you. We rise higher when we rise together.
With wisdom forged through decades of experience, a heart grounded in faith, and a fierce dedication to lifting others, Debra J. Coffie exemplifies what it means to be a woman of title. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey in title, Debra, we have a lot to live up to!
*Connect with Debra here: dcoffie@alliantnational.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook