Bowe Digital CEO Wayne Stanley dies at 38

“Wayne wasn’t just our leader. He was my mentor, my best friend and a part of my family,” said Heather Lunsford, Bowe Digital’s chief operating officer. “We talked every single day — about work, life, nonsense and everything in between.”

Wayne Stanley

Bowe Digital, which Stanley launched in 2017, was named in honor of his maternal grandfather. The company began with the involvement of several family members. His brother Glen designed the original logo, his sister Koko Davis helped with content and planning, and his mother Dorinda Davis remains a key part of the company as director of special projects.

Deep industry connections

Stanley’s professional roots ran deep in the title industry. From 2012 to 2017, he worked at the American Land Title Association (ALTA) as director of public affairs and manager of external communications.

He led initiatives such as the Homeowner Outreach Program and helped shape the organization’s branding and communication strategies. ALTA remembered Stanley as an irreplaceable presence.

“Wayne was a force of nature — an innovator, connector and friend to so many in the title industry,” ALTA said in a statement. “He made people feel like family, brought energy and heart to everything he touched and never waited for good things to happen — he made them happen. We are grateful for the legacy of leadership, creativity and kindness he leaves behind. Wayne, you will be deeply missed.”

Mary O’Donnell, CEO and president of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. and a former ALTA president, echoed these sentiments.

“Wayne had an extraordinary gift for storytelling and communication,” O’Donnell told HousingWire. “During my time as ALTA president, he helped put my thoughts and emotions into words. He made everything better with his insight, calm presence, and genuine care for the people around him.

“Wayne wasn’t just a colleague; he was a trusted partner and a true friend. His impact on our industry, and on all of us who were lucky enough to work with him, is immeasurable.”

Stanley’s career began in Washington, D.C., where he worked for longtime U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) after graduating from Franklin College in 2008.

He returned to Indiana to launch Bowe Digital, which quickly grew into a marketing partner for title companies and real estate professionals nationwide. Stanley became a regular speaker at major industry conferences hosted by ALTA, the Real Estate Services Providers Council (RESPRO) and various state land title associations.

Lifelong commitment to learning

In 2024 and 2025, HousingWire recognized Stanley as a Rising Star for his leadership and vision. He was also named a HousingWire Marketing Leader in 2023.

In accepting his Rising Star award, Stanley credited his success to a lifelong commitment to learning.

“It was a pillar of what the institution believed kept your eyes open to new possibilities throughout your life and career,” Stanley said. “As I’ve gotten older, I think that philosophy has morphed into more of a ‘stay curious’ mentality.”

Following Stanley’s passing, Bowe Digital has activated its business continuity plan and will communicate next steps to clients and partners in the coming weeks. The company asked for grace and privacy as it navigates the transition.

The Bowe Digital team also expressed deep gratitude to the community of friends, colleagues and partners who have reached out with condolences and memories. Plans for a memorial ceremony to honor Stanley are in the works.

In the meantime, contributions in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society or the LOVE Pet Project in Zionsville, Indiana.

“Wayne’s legacy will continue through the values he instilled in all of us,” Bowe Digital stated. “We are heartened by the outpouring of love and memories. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”