Step Inside the Circle
Welcome to CRE POV: Inside the Circle, a new video series from Stewart National Commercial Services (NCS) that brings fresh perspectives and expert insights to the world of commercial real estate.
Each conversation brings you exclusive access to Stewart NCS leaders as they discuss the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping today’s market. These discussions go beyond industry insights to explore the creative solutions, streamlined workflows and collaborative approaches that drive success across Stewart NCS. Designed to inform and inspire, this is where expert angles converge, and where insight becomes advantage.
Roundtable Conversations with Stewart NCS
Leaders
Underwriters
Meet Our Experts
What happens when you bring Stewart NCS leaders together for an unfiltered conversation? Big questions, bold perspectives, and real insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Meet the experts inside the circle.
Marion Aaron
Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel, National Commercial Services
Marion serves as Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel for Stewart’s National Commercial Services division. An experienced real estate and business attorney, she brings a strategic, solutions-focused approach to complex commercial transactions and operational initiatives. A true corporate generalist, Marion has deep experience across real estate, insurance, commercial contracts, corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters, as well as financing, due diligence and underwriting. Known for her litigation background and effective negotiation skills, Marion is a trusted advisor who helps drive sound decisions and strong business outcomes.
Melissa Eastman
Senior Vice President, Commercial Services Manager
Melissa manages Stewart’s National Commercial Services in Dallas, leading one of the company’s most successful offices. With over 25 years in real estate, she specializes in complex national and multi-site transactions, with deep expertise in hospitality, golf and entertainment properties. A proud Dallas native, Melissa draws on her background in sales leadership and is passionate about connecting her sales team with the right experts across her group to create strong partnerships and deliver exceptional client results.
Edwin Kezar, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Regional Manager
Ed serves as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Stewart National Commercial Services and oversees title and escrow operations across California. He manages teams handling complex, multi-state commercial real estate transactions and is known for his deeply operational approach throughout his career. With nearly 40 years in commercial real estate, Ed brings a wealth of experience and perspective as the third generation of his family in the title business, continuing a legacy of expertise, efficiency and commitment to delivering strategic solutions and client success.
Nancy Landmark
Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel, National Commercial Services
Nancy serves as Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel for Stewart’s National Commercial Services division. A solution-oriented and highly knowledgeable title counsel, she brings extensive experience supporting complex, commercial real estate transactions nationwide. Known for her practical, problem-solving approach and commitment to helping customers move deals across the finish line, Nancy is a trusted advisor, mentor and resource for teams navigating sophisticated underwriting challenges.
Peggy Sue Lane
Senior Vice President, National Sales Director
Peggy Sue leads national sales for Stewart’s National Commercial Services division. With over 30 years in commercial real estate, she’s known for driving revenue growth and developing high-performing teams, and delivering strategic solutions for complex, multi-market transactions. Peggy Sue is a recognized mentor and innovator across the industry.
Chris Lawrence
Senior Vice President, Northeast Regional Commercial Services Manager, Senior Underwriting Counsel
Chris oversees Stewart’s commercial operations across the Northeast, managing multi-market and complex transactions with precision and a focus on exceptional client service. With over 20 years of experience and a strong foundation in underwriting, he leads a team specializing in intricate deal structures, including UCC and mezzanine closings. His leadership ensures efficiency and innovation in every transaction.
Susan McLaughlin
Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel, National Commercial Services
Susan serves as Deputy Chief Underwriting Counsel for Stewart’s National Commercial Services division. With more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience, she brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to underwriting complex transactions nationwide, informed by her background as a commercial real estate attorney at a multinational law firm. A trusted industry voice, Susan regularly shares her expertise on title insurance, commercial transactions and construction liens. Her leadership within The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section – including service on the RPPTL Executive Council and recognition as the 2018-2019 At Large Member of the Year – reflects her influence and commitment to advancing best practices.
Jeremy Poetker
Chief Underwriter, National Commercial Services
Jeremy brings more than 25 years of experience underwriting commercial transactions nationwide to his role at Stewart. He’s recognized for his deep technical expertise, practical problem-solving, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of underwriters.
Erin Sheckler
Group President, NCS/Asset Preservation, Inc./International
Erin leads the strategy, operations and growth of Stewart’s nationally-focused commercial services platform. With over two decades of experience in real estate, she is recognized for her innovative approach, strong leadership and commitment to advancing the industry. In 2024, Erin was honored as a HousingWire Woman of Influence, an award celebrating 100 women driving progress across the mortgage, real estate and fintech sectors through professional excellence, industry impact and community leadership.
Matt Skalka
Senior Vice President, Stewart Title Energy & Infrastructure Group, Houston
Matt leads Stewart Title’s Energy and Infrastructure Group and oversees the Houston National Commercial Services office. He specializes in underwriting complex, high-liability commercial and energy-related transactions, including renewable and infrastructure projects nationwide. With deep expertise and decades of experience underwriting energy transactions, Matt brings unmatched insight and technical skills, making him a unique and invaluable asset to Stewart.
Megan Toborg
Vice President, Director of Operations, NCS Chicago
Megan leads all aspects of commercial transactions for Stewart National Commercial Services in Chicago. From escrow to underwriting, she drives operational excellence and ensures seamless closings. A strong and trusted leader, Megan consistently tops employee satisfaction surveys, reflecting her ability to inspire teams and foster a culture of collaboration and success.
CRE Education at Your Fingertips
Access industry expertise anytime with Stewart NCS’s suite of online resources, including webinars, white papers and powerful digital tools. Our expert-led webinars and white papers cover everything from UCC and ALTA forms to wire fraud prevention and are designed to help keep your business moving. Together with the CRE POV: Inside the Circle series, these resources help you stay informed, efficient and connected – wherever business takes you.
