Drawing on decades of expertise in the title industry, Rebecca J. Bunter Smith has built a respected career defined by precision, problem-solving and leadership. As title plant manager at Chicago Title, she oversees the closing of files and ensures the efficient operation of the title plant. Her work involves assisting escrow officers with file closures and supporting local attorneys by providing legal descriptions, retrieving documents, and explaining complex title matters in clear, accessible terms. Known for her ability to resolve challenging title issues, she demonstrates exceptional skill in searching, examining, and conducting thorough title research within court and public records. Her ability to successfully close numerous files is regarded as her most notable professional accomplishment, earning her widespread recognition among attorneys throughout Monterey County.
Ms. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in music from San Francisco State University. The rigorous training she received during her studies provided not only the technical skills for her musical career but also the focus, discipline and resilience that have shaped her achievements in the title industry. She credits her success to persistence, adaptability and a commitment to excellence in every area of her life.
Before assuming her leadership role at Chicago Title, Ms. Smith worked as assistant manager and title examiner. In that capacity, she refined her expertise in both title examination and operational management, directly contributing to smoother company processes and improved client experiences. She became a trusted resource for colleagues who valued her attention to detail and ability to address complex issues with efficiency and accuracy.
Ms. Smith’s earlier career includes a long tenure at Old Republic Title, she working as a title officer and title examiner. There, she conducted meticulous research and examinations of property titles, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance in every transaction. This period provided the technical foundation and professional confidence that would later support her advancement to management. She also gained valuable experience with Stewart Title, contributing to multiple aspects of title services, and with First American, where her role in customer service helped her develop strong client relations skills and a deeper understanding of the industry’s customer-facing demands.
Before embarking on her career in the title profession, Ms. Smith began her professional life as a teacher in San Francisco. This early chapter of her career sharpened her communication skills, honed her patience and strengthened her ability to present complex information in an organized and understandable manner. These qualities have remained integral to her success in the highly detailed and often fast-paced title industry.
In addition to her accomplishments in the title field, Ms. Smith is an accomplished professional violinist. She recently retired from the Santa Cruz Symphony after an impressive four decades as a contracted member of the second violin section. Her dedication to music has been a defining aspect of her life, reflecting both the discipline of a trained performer and the passion of a lifelong artist. She has balanced her musical and professional commitments with a level of dedication that speaks to her strong work ethic and personal drive.
Beyond her professional and musical endeavors, Ms. Smith remains active in her community’s artistic life. She performs as a violinist with Compass Church and holds a position in the first violin section with The Monterey Strings, further enriching the cultural fabric of the region. Her involvement in these ensembles allows her to continue sharing her love of music while building connections within the community.
Born in Arcata, Ms. Smith enjoys gardening, reading and playing the violin in her personal time. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her work in the title industry for several more years before potentially transitioning into consulting, where she can offer her expertise to a wider range of clients and projects. She also hopes to dedicate more time to travel, exploring new destinations and deepening her appreciation of different cultures.