There really isn't a formal organization that regularly gives the title. The Roman Catholic Church has formaly recognized some where between six and ten people alive now that hold the title. Only one of those people is a lay person specificly Ed Warren(although Mr. Warren sadly is no longer to my knowledge actively working in the field because of health issues). Mr Gentile holds the title primarily because he was a student of Mr Warrens prior to his illness. He has a larger claim also based on over twenty years direct experience with violent hauntings and is well known world wide as an investigator and a radio show host(he can be heard live monday through frdiay 8-10 pm est at
www.lougentile.com and stations through out the country). Myself I'm still learning and don't have any thing like his experience. I have been present when he's gotten EVPs in a number of locations(we'll be going out tomorrow night to gather some more for further testing on our own part) and I can say its one of the most mindblowing experiences I've ever had.
