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Associate Director of Title and Escrow
Stormie Frost is the Associate Director of Title and Escrow at Allied Capital Title. She began her career in 2012 as a title searcher and has since worked in nearly every role, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the title process. Today, she primarily focuses on examining files to ensure each transaction is accurate and ready for closing.
She enjoys tackling complex title issues and helping clients move forward with confidence when buying or selling property.
Stormie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and holds both Illinois Title Professional and Illinois Escrow Professional designations through the Illinois Land Title Association.
Outside of work, she stays busy with her two kids and serves as a Girl Scout troop leader.
Director of the Southern District and Pinckneyville Branch Manager
Director of the Northern District and Commercial Division Manager
Jaclyn Lewis joined the title industry in 2024 and brings over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate to her role as Director of the Northern District and Commercial Division Manager at Allied Capital Title. Jaclyn’s unique perspective—having attended countless closings from the other side of the table—allows her to deliver exceptional service to clients. She finds joy in mentoring her team, solving the puzzle of property histories, and ensuring a smooth, secure experience for every customer.
Jaclyn recently relocated to Champaign from St. Louis and is newly married to her husband, Bob. Her daughter and son-in-law live in Arkansas, where they are expecting their first child, making Jaclyn a soon-to-be grandmother.
Director of the Eastern District and Danville Branch Manager
Helping people achieve major milestones is what drives Cara Allen in her role as Director of the Eastern District and Danville Branch Manager at Allied Capital Title. With a career in the title industry that began in 2001, Cara takes pride in protecting her clients’ investments and providing peace of mind during one of life’s biggest moments.
Cara has been married to her husband, Brad, for 35 years, and together they have two children, two grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Marley. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and planning creative craft projects to do together.
Director of the Central District and Effingham Branch Manager
Ted Gardewine has been with Allied Capital Title since 2017, serving as the Director of the Southern District and Effingham Branch Manager. For Ted, the most rewarding part of his career is the people—both the clients he serves and the colleagues he works alongside.
Before joining the title industry, Ted owned a DJ service and worked in radio, bringing a unique energy and perspective to his role. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Eastern Illinois University. Ted and his wife, Nicole, have three married sons, one daughter, and a granddaughter who keeps the family on their toes.
Senior Underwriter
As Senior Underwriter at Allied Capital Title, Louise Dreher has been solving complex issues in the title industry since 2002. She joined the company in 2005 and has been a trusted resource for ensuring smooth transactions ever since.
Louise earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University and is passionate about art and books, both for learning and leisure. Her dedication to detail and problem-solving makes her an invaluable member of the Allied Capital Title team.
Director of Title and Escrow Services
For Tina Manuel, the title industry is like solving a puzzle—each file is unique, and no two transactions are the same. With a career that began in 2005 and a role at Allied Capital Title since 2015, Tina thrives on the ever-changing nature of her work. She describes the title industry as a “silent partner” that plays a critical role in real estate transactions, and she loves ensuring a smooth process for clients.
Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Eastern Illinois University and a JD from Southern Illinois University School of Law. She has earned the Illinois Title Professional (ITP), Illinois Escrow Professional (IEP), and National Title Professional (NTP) designations—an honor held by fewer than 200 professionals nationwide. Tina is also co-chair of the ILTA Education Committee and serves on the ALTA Education Committee.
Outside of work, Tina and her husband have twins—a son and daughter—who are preparing to head to college. With 28 years of marriage and six home purchases under her belt, Tina is also a self-proclaimed expert at packing!
Director of IT and Property Records
With a career in the title industry that began in 1993, Adam Hobbs brings decades of experience to his role as Director of IT and Property Records at Allied Capital Title. Over the years, Adam has worked with countless talented individuals, and he considers the relationships he’s built with colleagues one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
Adam’s expertise in IT and property records ensures that Allied Capital Title remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency, providing seamless service to clients across Illinois and Indiana.
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa Meade has been a dedicated leader in the title industry since 2005 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Allied Capital Title. She finds great fulfillment in developing employees and creating opportunities as the company continues to grow. Melissa is passionate about contributing to a company that values its team members and consistently delivers exceptional service to its markets.
An avid sports fan, Melissa also enjoys reading and binging her favorite TV shows in her downtime. She is a proud University of Illinois alum with a background in business development and management. Melissa and her husband, Scott, have two adult children, Peyton and Fletcher.