Melinda Topete

With nearly four decades of experience in the escrow industry, Melinda Topete has built her career on integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the clients and transactions entrusted to her care.

As President and Senior Escrow Officer of Portfolio Escrow, Melinda remains actively involved in the day-to-day business—leading company operations, working alongside her team, and personally handling complex and challenging escrow transactions. Her decades of hands-on experience allow her to navigate sophisticated closings with knowledge, composure, and attention to detail.

Melinda is passionate about continued education and ensuring that she and her team remain informed on evolving regulations, compliance, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and safe closing practices. She believes experience provides the foundation, but continued education is what keeps that experience relevant.

Her leadership philosophy is centered on leading by example and investing in people. She is passionate about mentoring team members, helping escrow officers build and strengthen their desks, and creating opportunities for growth throughout the company.

Beyond escrow, Melinda believes success carries a responsibility to give back and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities Portfolio Escrow serves.

After nearly 40 years, her philosophy remains simple: protect the closing, serve with integrity, never stop learning, invest in people, and find a way forward—even when the transaction is anything but simple.

For Melinda, leadership is not about stepping away from the escrow desk—it is about bringing nearly four decades of experience back to it every day.