Meet Benchmarks’ executive, legal, and sales team, or click here to find a department.
You may also contact us for general inquiries.
Meet Benchmarks’ executive, legal, and sales team, or click here to find a department.
You may also contact us for general inquiries.
Chief Counsel & Managing Member
Patricia “Trish” LaPorta brings over 30 years of legal and title underwriting expertise to Benchmark.
Before joining Benchmark, Trish served as New York State Underwriting Counsel and held key leadership positions at full-service title insurance companies, where she managed statewide and national title and settlement services. She provides high-level underwriting expertise on both commercial and residential transactions.
(914)-250-2403PLaPorta@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Founder
Tom DeCaro was the Co-Founder and former President of Benchmark Title Agency, LLC, serving from 2005 to 2024. From the company’s inception, he led with vision, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, playing a pivotal role in its growth and success. Tom retired in January 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation, leadership, and industry impact.
Chief Underwriting Counsel
JEAN M. PARTRIDGE, ESQ., co-founder of Benchmark Title Agency, LLC, has been involved in the title insurance industry for over 35 years. Jean’s career began during law school when she worked at L & H Abstract Corporation, which eventually merged with First American Title Insurance Company of New York, where Jean remained until founding Benchmark Title Agency, LLC in 2005. During her tenure at First American, Jean served as a Senior Vice President and Branch Counsel, and was a member of First American’s Board of Directors.
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(914) 250-2404jpartridge@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Senior Vice President of Sales
Melissa is an industry-recognized sales executive who handles a large territory and has a loyal client following. She has been in the title industry for over eighteen years and is a member of numerous organizations, allowing her to unite developers, lenders and attorneys.
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(914) 250-2412mcolavito@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Chief Financial Officer
Patrick has 25 years of experience in the Insurance Industry, 23 of which in the Title Insurance section. In 1988, he joined First American Title Insurance Company of New York where he served in a variety of capacities over a 20-year period starting as the Company’s Assistant Controller then Controller and ultimately its Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer. He was a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and served as President of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries over a 5-year period. Patrick then served as a consultant for various title insurance organizations and then spent 2 years as CFO and Treasurer within the Health Insurance sector. He Joined Benchmark in 2012 and became the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in September, 2013. Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Accounting from St. John’s University. He is also a member of both the AICPA and NYSSCPA.
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(914) 250-2422padamo@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Counsel
Adam R. Etman is an attorney with over twenty years of experience in a variety of areas, with a concentration in both residential and commercial transactional matters. Most recently, Adam represented institutional lenders who originated loans for sale in the secondary market. His versatility enables him to work with clients on a wide range of projects. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and is an active member of the New York County Bar Association.
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(914) 250-2433aetman@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Vice President and Closer
Phyllis Gitter’s career trajectory in the title industry is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and expertise. Over the span of three decades, she has diligently worked her way up from the ground level, receiving personalized training from a seasoned industry expert. This early exposure provided her with invaluable hands-on experience in various facets of title work, including the intricate processes of reading titles, examining land records, and navigating complex commercial transactions.
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(914) 250-2415pgitter@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Senior Vice President for Affordable Housing
Bernie brings almost three decades of experience in affordable housing to Benchmark. He has worked as a tenant organizer, developer, and executive director of a supportive housing organization. Most notably, Bernie was the founding executive director of the NYS Association for Affordable Housing and started their annual conference.
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(914) 250-2431bcarr@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Account Executive
Nadine joined the Benchmark team in early 2010. She brings almost 22 years of experience in the title industry with her. Nadine has a Master of Arts degree from NYU. Her intelligence, integrity and nurturing nature, as well as her attention to detail have made her one of our most competent closers.
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(914) 426-2139nlesser@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Vice President
Frank La Barbera is delighted to be one of the newest members of the Benchmark Title Team! Most recently with a major underwriter, he appreciates the enhanced customer service title agency provides.
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(914) 250-2409flabarbera@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Vice President
Brian has worked in the title insurance business since 2003 and has been with Benchmark Title since 2013. Brian manages a wide range of accounts in the New York City Metropolitan area and the Hudson Valley. The scope of business serviced includes commercial, development and residential transactions.
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(914) 250-2405bhowley@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
Office Manager
Hilary is a highly skilled title professional with a wealth of experience in the title insurance industry. She has an expansive skill set in the industry, ranging from typing title reports, to closing multimillion dollar transactions, to managing a staff of almost 30 people; these skills make her an invaluable asset to Benchmark. Hilary is an extremely dedicated and organized staff member, and she continuously ensures each transaction she is involved with is handled with expertise, accuracy and care. Her leadership in managing the staff further exemplifies her ability to navigate the intricacies of the industry while fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. With a passion for precision and a commitment to excellence, Hilary ensures every transaction reaches the finish line with finesse, all while managing our amazing team.
(914) 250-2401hmarsh@BenchmarkTA.comDownload VCard
