Michael Knudsen is chief financial officer of Veritas Title Partners. With more than 20 years experience in the title insurance industry, Knudsen plays a leading role in company management. He also leads a team of commercial marketing representatives who work with clients throughout the United States.

Knudsen combines a background in both the commercial lending and commercial title industries to understand how to help Veritas clients seize financial opportunities and resolve difficult challenges. He began his career at Allied Bank of Texas in Houston, where he originated commercial real estate loans, restructured problem loans and helped re-sell the bank's foreclosed properties. When First Interstate Bank purchased Allied Bank of Texas, he became vice president of First Interstate Bank's real estate group.

In 1988, Knudsen joined Lomas Management Inc. in Dallas to oversee business development of commercial construction loans in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. While there, he structured construction loans with profit participations and gained valuable experience in workouts, litigation and bankruptcies.

Knudsen entered the title business in 1993 with American Title Company of Houston. With responsibility for commercial business development, he successfully drew on relationships he had established over ten years in the banking industry to build a new stream of business for the company while acquiring title experience. Three years later, he joined First American Title Insurance Company, where he became sales manager for the Houston commercial division.

In 2002, Knudsen moved to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. Joining him were fellow First American colleagues Robert Sheldon and Sandra Paige – his current partners at Veritas Title Partners – along with several other staff members. The three title executives opened a new commercial office for Fidelity, with Knudsen responsible for developing new client relationships. In 2005, they left Fidelity to open their own company, Veritas Title Partners.

Knudsen is a native of Houston. He attended University of Texas at Austin, where he received a B.B.A. degree in finance.

Sandra Paige is recognized as one of the industry's most accomplished professionals. With vast experience in underwriting large, multi-site, multi-state commercial transactions, she oversees the escrow team that handles some of Veritas Title Partners' most complicated transactions.

Paige began her professional career with the law firm of Streich, Lang in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1984, she launched her title insurance career when she opened the offices of Heritage Title Company in Austin, Texas. In 1990, she returned to her hometown of Boston to join the national division of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, where she quickly established a reputation for sound underwriting practices. She also worked with Lawyers Title and Fidelity National Title of New York before returning to Texas and joining Partners Title Company in Houston.

In 1999, Paige joined her current partners at Veritas, Bob Sheldon and Michael Knudsen, at First American Title Insurance. The three brought their team to the commercial division of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company in 2002. In January 2005, she and her partners formed their own company, Veritas Title Partners.

Throughout her title insurance career, Paige has handled high profile transactions. These include TD Banknorth Garden (the new Boston Garden) and numerous portfolio securitizations. Most recently, she has worked on many high-profile transactions in Houston, including a $2 billion multi-family portfolio.

Paige has authored numerous articles for the Boston Business Journal. She has served as an adjunct teacher at St. Edward's University and frequently speaks or lectures for professional associations and continuing education programs. She has served as an officer of several professional organizations, including the Texas Land Title Association. She is a past president of the Travis County Land Title Association, past board member of the Real Estate Finance Association of Boston and alumna of NEWIRE and CREW Houston. With a degree in English literature, Paige pursued graduate studies at Arizona State University and Suffolk University. She is presently studying piano at Rice University's The Shepherd School of Music Preparatory Program.

As one of the founding members of Veritas Title Partners, Diane takes personal pride in delivering excellent customer service. She has been in the title industry for more than a decade and worked with the commercial teams of major title underwriters before helping to launch Veritas. Diane draws on a wide range of commercial title experience, from developments to land assemblage, to create successful transactions. Her personal dedication and calm, pleasant demeanor make every transaction a positive experience for her customers. Diane earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in finance.

Harry Klein has helped hundreds of customers close on residential and commercial properties since becoming an escrow officer in the year 2000. His roots in real estate go back even farther: his family was in the business and he obtained his own license more than a quarter century ago.

Today, Harry draws on his unique problem-solving skills as a former manager of a title office to make sure that even the most complicated transactions progress smoothly. He carefully coordinates the details between both parties, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. Harry earned his degree in economics from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Beth Hosker brings more than 25 years of title industry experience to the Veritas Elite Properties Team. Having worked for several major underwriters during her career, she has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential transactions nationwide. In the title business communication is everything, and Beth does her utmost to always keep clients informed during each step of the process. Ultimately, her commitment is to provide every client with consistent and trustworthy service and to make each closing a smooth and enjoyable process. Beth is a native Houstonian and attended Texas State University.

Doug Erwing is one of Houston’s most experienced attorney escrow officers. In addition to being a closer, Doug’s award-winning career in the title insurance business has also included stints in claims, examination, underwriting and risk analysis. Doug has closed many highly-complicated transactions and held prestigious positions with major title companies. He also operated his own successful fee attorney office with Veritas Title Partners before selling the practice. This experience, combined with a personal perspective gained from buying and selling real estate, allows him to serve clients more effectively.

Doug earned both his law degree and a Ph.D. in legal history from the University of Houston. He has taught history in the Honors College at the University of Houston and he has also lectured at a number of universities in China. He also devotes time to community service and poverty relief.

Every real estate transaction is different, and every person who comes to the table has different needs. Liz Chavez takes pride in discovering what it takes to accommodate each customer. If they are anxious, she puts them at ease. If they are on a tight timeline, she helps organize a quick closing with meetings scheduled for their convenience. Liz began developing these instincts when she first entered the title industry at age 19. Since then, she has honed her analytical and organizational skills in the oil and gas industry, where she worked as a landman, lease analyst and office manager. Her bilingual skills are also helpful as she assists the Veritas commercial escrow team in its challenging work.

Priscilla Di Cesare is Veritas Title’s liaison to the local real estate community, where she serves customers as a personal guide, assistant and advocate through the escrow process. Agents and other real estate professionals turn their closings over to Priscilla, trusting that she will handle all the details. Priscilla is an attentive listener and does whatever it takes to make her clients’ lives easier. Whether it’s educating people about the company's services or researching current trends in the industry, Priscilla “fills the gaps” with genuine concern and professionalism. To prepare for this challenging role, Priscilla helped operate many companies simultaneously as executive business assistant to former basketball pro Hakeem Olajuwon. She joined Veritas Title Partners to pursue her passion for real estate.

Chad Grimes serves as his clients’ guide, advocate and partner through the Veritas closing process. He is also a valuable resource. Relationships are key to success in the real estate community, and Chad enjoys welcoming clients into his vast professional network. After listening carefully to their goals, he skillfully connects them with others who can help. Chad is active in the Rotary Club and several other community and charitable organizations. A former professional golfer, he often shares tips with clients on the links.

Kathy Mays is one of the title industry’s most seasoned pros. She draws on vast experience to guide clients along the most efficient path toward closing.
From building successful practices to managing busy offices, Kathy’s career spans the industry. She teamed up with Veritas Title Partner principal Sandra Paige earlier in their careers to execute complicated commercial multi-site, multi-state transactions that few others could handle. She then directed her attention to the residential side of the industry, including construction loan closings, and soon became known for her expertise in both commercial and residential transactions.
A native Texan, Kathy grew up in a family of real estate developers, leading her to pursue an interest in related fields. Her past roles as co-owner of a building company, Realtor© and real estate paralegal have added dimension to her longstanding career as an escrow officer. This total package of experience makes her a valuable asset to her clients and to the Veritas Title Partners team.

Tracey draws on more than 20 years of experience in escrow to help customers through the closing process. She began in the industry as a teen-ager under the tutelage of her mother, who was a top professional at another title company. From her, she learned that developing lasting relationships with satisfied customers is more important than just chalking up another transaction. Tracey takes this lesson to heart every day as she works to make the day more enjoyable for everyone. With quick problem-solving and proactive communication, she helps to reduce stress while keeping closings on track. People especially appreciate her cheerful attitude.

With years of editing and marketing experience in New York, Laura Flaaten thrives in fast-paced industries. Her innate organizational skills help her shepherd clients through the closing process. Experienced in working with people from many different backgrounds, she knows how to communicate effectively, determine the best course of action for all parties and ensure that projects are carried out smoothly. Laura makes customer comfort her main priority. She truly believes in the Veritas mission, taking pride in the quality of her services. She enjoys fostering connections with clients and delivering superb customer satisfaction to ensure long, successful relationships.

Laura is excited to be back helping her clients after staying at home for a few years with her two young daughters.

Melissa Kaiser supports the Houston real estate community through lasting relationships built on trust. As the your personal representative to the rest of the Veritas team, she ensures that every interaction is effective, efficient and truly in your best interest. Her genuine concern shines as she dedicates herself wholly to taking care of “her people.”

Melissa developed her “above and beyond” mentality during many years in the hospitality industry. She has a B.A. degree in business administration. Melissa enjoys photography, true crime novels and having fun with her family.