Dream big and build wisely
with people who share your vision.

Christopher R. Clarke

President

As founder and President of Terra Nova Title and Settlement Services, Christopher has over 36 years of experience underwriting and closing commercial transactions in the local and national markets. His day is not done until he has answered your question, anticipated your need, secured your coverage, and ensured your deal is moving towards a smooth, uneventful closing.

Christopher spent two decades honing his underwriting skills while working for some of the largest underwriters in the country, including Commonwealth Land Title, Chicago Title Insurance Company, and First American Title Insurance Company. Most recently, he served as a Senior Vice President for national commercial sales with The Talon Group, a division of First American Title Insurance Company.

Christopher lives in the exurbs of northern Virginia with his wife, only occasionally being mistaken for a gentleman farmer. It’s there in his country retreat where the landscape becomes a canvas for expressing creativity.

With decades of service to his industry and community, Christopher has had the privilege of being a founding board member of the African American Real Estate Professionals, as well as having served on the board of the Real Estate Group. His past affiliations in the region also include a gubernatorial appointment to the board of the Library of Virginia, as a director on the board for the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), and past President of the DCBIA Community Services Corporation.

Jennifer Shaffer-Brown

Vice President

With 36 years of underwriting and escrow experience behind her, Jennifer has the acuity, dexterity, and resourcefulness to address client challenges presented to her. Because she knows that every party to the transaction is important, she's committed to customizing solutions to meet all needs. Her philosophy is to never say no, but to see what the team can do.

Jennifer learned the importance of a good work ethic as an employee of Chicago Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company where she refined her skills in conducting title searches, underwriting, and escrow. Her last position as Vice President and Senior Commercial Underwriter for The Talon Group, a division of First American Title Insurance Company, primed her for the expanded responsibilities of her current position. 

Jennifer, along with her husband, enjoys the tranquility of life outside the city limits in the suburbs of northern Virginia. She takes pleasure in the occasional golf outing and camping trip, but mostly delights in relaxing by the pool with friends and family.

Christopher M. Critcher

Assistant Vice President

Leave no stone unturned aptly applies to Chris who brings an elevated level of responsiveness and creativity in his approach to the commercial title business. In his 16 years with Terra Nova, he has honed his skills as an underwriter, working on transactions from single-unit structures to multi-state portfolios. His appreciation for the complexities and nuances of title insurance is evident in all he does.

Chris, along with his wife and young son, enjoy life in a part of the metro area that has a trendy urban feel with a suburban zip code. It’s typical to find the family in the parks and open-air markets of their neighborhood on the weekends. Also, it’s not unusual for fine music to fill the Critcher household as Chris is trained as a classical guitarist.