Feature Spotlight #36 - Cheryl Finney

Women of Title Spotlight: A Legacy of Leadership, Grit, and Grace.

Her. the title collective – Friday Feature

This week, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Cheryl Finney—a powerhouse in the title industry whose career spans over four decades. As Executive Vice President of Trinity Title of Texas, Cheryl’s remarkable rise from escrow assistant to respected industry leader reflects a journey built on grit, grace, and unwavering dedication.

With over 40 years in the title industry, she has seen it all—and helped shape it. Since joining Trinity Title of Texas in 2017, she has served as both President and now Executive Vice President, overseeing recruiting, sales, and operations across Austin and Bastrop. Trinity Title spans major markets across Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

A serendipitous beginning.

Her start in title came unexpectedly—she was working in the closing department of a savings and loan company when her curiosity was piqued by the work of title companies. That curiosity led her to Stewart Title, where she began as an escrow assistant on the Fox & Jacobs account. Under the guidance of mentor Peggy Shindler, she was challenged, championed, and encouraged to grow. Peggy’s influence left an indelible mark, teaching her the power of mentorship and the importance of holding high standards with heart.

Finding her voice in title.

In the early years of her career, women in leadership were few and far between. She credits her development to a series of male mentors who helped her navigate the challenges while staying true to herself. Through trial, error, prayer, and perseverance, she honed a leadership style rooted in authenticity and courage. Once she embraced her own voice, there was no limit to what she could accomplish.

Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate for developing talent—both men and women. Her no-nonsense, honest approach has earned the respect of peers and colleagues alike. “You can be kind and still be a straight shooter,” she says. “People appreciate the truth.”

Thriving in Mentorship & Leadership.

Now, as the industry welcomes a new wave of dynamic, forward-thinking professionals, she finds renewed energy and fulfillment in mentoring the next generation. With decades of insight and experience under her belt, she sees it not just as a responsibility, but as a privilege to help others navigate their own paths in title insurance.

Her heart especially lies in empowering women—those just beginning to find their footing, as well as those on the cusp of leadership. She believes in meeting people where they are, offering guidance that is both compassionate and honest. Whether it’s helping someone discover their strengths, navigate challenges with confidence, or simply reminding them of their value, her mentorship is rooted in authenticity.

She beams with pride when speaking about the talented women now making their mark in the industry. “There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a woman step into her potential,” she says. “They come in with such bold ideas, fierce determination, and a real hunger to learn. Watching them rise—knowing you had a hand in that journey—is one of the greatest rewards of my career.”

She encourages women to be unapologetically themselves, to embrace their voices, and to understand that leadership is not a mold to fit into—it’s something they can shape on their own terms. To her, mentorship isn’t about creating replicas of herself; it’s about equipping others to become the best version of who they are meant to be.

As she continues to invest in others, she’s helping build an industry that reflects more diversity, strength, and collaboration than ever before—one leader at a time.

Life Outside the Title Lines.

Beyond the boardroom, she’s embraced the role of grandmother with uncontainable joy. From baseball and horseback riding to golf and fishing, her grandsons keep her active and inspired. Though she once found freedom riding motorcycles herself, today she lives out that spirit of adventure through their eyes.

She and her husband cherish quiet weekends at their place in Central Texas, soaking in nature, riding ATVs, and recharging in the peace of the countryside.

Guided by Grace, Grounded in Values.

At the heart of her leadership is a simple, timeless philosophy: treat others the way you want to be treated. It's a principle she's carried with her through every role, every relationship, and every challenge throughout her career. Her leadership style is defined by authenticity, humility, and unwavering integrity—always striving to do right by others, even when it’s difficult.

She believes in being honest, direct, and kind—qualities that have earned her the respect of colleagues, the trust of her teams, and the admiration of countless professionals across the industry. Her reputation is that of a straight shooter with a soft heart, someone who holds people accountable while genuinely rooting for their success.

But beyond her professional impact, her life is anchored in something deeper: her faith. It’s the foundation upon which she’s built her values, guided her decisions, and found strength in the most pivotal moments. Through every high and low, she has remained grounded in her belief in servant leadership—lifting others as she climbs, always with grace, empathy, and a purpose greater than herself.

Her legacy is not just the titles she's held or the markets she's helped grow—it's the lives she's touched, the careers she's shaped, and the example she’s set for future generations of women in title. A leader, a mentor, a believer—her influence extends far beyond the boardroom.

Final Reflections: A Message to the Women of Title.

"As I look back on the path I've walked, I don’t measure success by numbers or titles—I measure it by the people I’ve helped along the way. I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors, meaningful opportunities, and the strength to rise through every setback. Now, it’s my joy to pass that forward.

To the women rising in this industry: know your worth. Stand tall in your strength and never forget that grace and grit together make you unstoppable. Lead with heart. Be bold in your truth. And don’t wait for someone to hand you a seat at the table—build your own.

If you stay grounded in your values, keep your faith close, and lead with purpose, there is truly no ceiling to what you can achieve."

Her journey is a powerful testament to leadership, faith, and perseverance. Thank you, Cheryl, for inspiring us and sharing your remarkable story with Her. the title collective.

**Connect with Cheryl here: cfinney@trinitytitletx.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook