LOS ANGELES, Apr 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — With the foreclosure ‘robo-signing’ crisis and the National Mortgage Settlement sending shockwaves through America’s mortgage industry, three nationally prominent Secretaries of State will convene a special Keynote Panel at the National Notary Association’s 34th Annual Conference this June to discuss the growing demand for trusted, legal notarizations, and what Notaries need to do to increase public protections and reduce liability risks.

Secretaries of State Elaine Marshall of North Carolina, Beth Chapman of Alabama, and Ken Bennett of Arizona are at the forefront of developments transforming the role of Notaries Public. Their insights will be a highlight of Conference 2012 — especially in light of mounting nationwide concerns over notarial compliance and risk management.

“We are pleased that these three influential Secretaries — all of whom are among the top minds in notarial issues — will join us to address the nation’s Notaries and their employers during this critical time,” said NNA President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas A. Heymann. “The foreclosure crisis put the spotlight squarely on the high value of legal and ethical notarizations. These Secretaries will provide their perspectives on what needs to be done to strengthen the notarial process and avoid these types of financial crises.”

Marshall, recipient of the NNA’s 2006 March Fong Eu Achievement Award, will discuss her state’s strides in Notary standards and technology. First elected Secretary of State in 1996, Marshall quickly emerged as a staunch advocate for the role and professionalism of the Notary office. She is a past president of the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council and has held several leadership positions within the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

Chapman, in a second consecutive NNA Conference appearance, will address the reasons she championed the implementation of the highest Notary bond in the country. Since taking office in 2007, Chapman has become an expert in Notary compliance and risk management, twice hosting events in Alabama for Notaries on state law and best practices. She currently serves as president of NASS and has worked tirelessly to promote Notary education and professional standards.

Bennett, appointed in 2009 after serving four terms as a state senator, has overseen his state’s Notaries at a time when they are dealing with the fallout from the real estate and foreclosure crises. He currently is the Western Region Vice President for NASS. He will also offer his perspective on challenges Notaries face when dealing with immigration issues.

The NNA’s 2012 Conference will be held June 3-6 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.

About the National Notary Association

Established in 1957, the National Notary Association (NNA) is the nation’s foremost professional member organization serving the communities of Notaries in every state. The non-profit NNA is dedicated to educating, serving, and advocating for the 4.8 million Notaries in the U.S. by imparting knowledge and understanding, promoting a positive public perception of the office, and bolstering consumer protection through best practices. The Association’s professional programs, services, and model legislation help Notaries advance their careers and serve the American public with the highest level of professionalism and ethics. To learn more, visit us at NationalNotary.org.