The Burt L. Thornton President's Award is given at the President’s discretion to a person(s) who is: committed to the organization, currently engaged in its activities, an effective spokesperson, representative at all times, and in touch with both the needs of other AI professionals and the changes that the organization must help its AI professionals to meet.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an AI professional who best demonstrates high ethical standards; contributed to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s); provided service to his or her community; and contributed to the appraisal profession. A minimum of 20 years of service is recommended to be eligible for this award.

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to an AI professional who has contributed ideas, service hours and dedication to ensure a specific program or effort is implemented at either the chapter, region, national and/or international level(s). This AI professional must be instrumental to the success of the program or effort, which also must be far enough along to measure and provide proof of success. Additionally, the program or effort must be beneficial to chapters, regions, national, international, designated members, candidates, affiliates, practicing affiliates and/or the profession.

Contact Joan Barngrover (JBarngrover@appraisalinstitute.org) with questions.

2013 Burt L. Thornton President's Award Winners

Sandra K. Adomatis, SRA

Sandra K. Adomatis, SRA currently serves on AI’s Admissions and Designation Qualifications Committee. She previously served on the Education, Strategic Planning and Residential Demonstration Report Writing Committees. Sandy previously served as president of the West Coast Florida Chapter, along with numerous other Chapter positions; notably her extensive role with the chapter’s Education Committee.

She has developed and taught several AI education offerings and has been instrumental in the development of AI’s Valuation of sustainable Buildings Professional Development Program. She has also mentored appraisers on the path to receiving their SRA designation and has represented AI at many high-level events and conferences around the country, expertly conveying the organization’s efforts relative to green and energy-efficiency.

Over the last few years Sandy has become the voice of “green” from the Appraisal Institute, both within and outside the organization. She has spoken to thousands of appraisers, Realtors, brokers and others in the real estate industry at national events hosted by groups such as the National Association of Home Builders, the Best Practices Research Alliance and the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability.

William D. "Otto" Spence, MAI

William D. “Otto” Spence, MAI, has been continuously involved in the development and instruction of AI education, having received the prestigious Jack E. Shanahan Award for his dedication and excellence to teaching when inducted into the Appraisal Institute Chicago Chapter’s Instructor Hall of Fame.

In addition to service in all the offices and various committees of his Chapter, he has served nationally on the Continuing Education Committee, the Professional Standards and Guidance Committee, and the Finance Committee. He is also a three-year LDAC participant. William D. “Otto” Spence, MAI, has changed the lives of numerous appraisers by first getting them involved in the Appraisal Institute in the Blue Grass Chapter. He has met these individuals through his role as a nationally-recognized instructor of the highest level AI courses, then he has personally shepherded several dozen people through the MAI or SRA designation processes.

Roscoe W. Shiplett, MAI

Roscoe W. Shiplett, MAI, began his AI service with the North Carolina Chapter more than 30 years ago and has been actively involved in the in the areas of admissions, education and finance. At the national level, he has served on a variety of committees and is serving on the Board of Directors for the second time. Rocky is also an instructor and developer for Appraisal Institute education offerings.

In addition to his extensive AI roles, he has worked in the valuation profession for nearly forty years and is qualified as an expert witness in several states and counties.

In addition, Rocky has served the Appraisal Institute as a nationally-recognized instructor of courses and seminars, particularly in the litigation area, and also has served on the Educational Programs Committee, Instructor Subcommittee, including terms as Chair and Vice-Chair, Long-Range Planning Committee, including terms as Chair and Vice-Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, General Appraiser Board Member, Seminars Division, Executive Committee, and, Two terms on the AI National Board of Directors, one of which he is serving now.

2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Harry B. Holzhauer, MAI, SRA, SRPA

Holzhauer served the valuation profession for 35 years. He was qualified as an expert witness in several California federal and superior courts, and the Los Angeles and Orange County Assessment Appeals Boards. In addition he served as an arbitrator on numerous occasions. For 25 years, his independent appraisal business served the real estate and banking industries, mortgage bankers, city governments, state agencies, school districts, attorneys and developers. He taught beginning and advanced courses for professional organizations and universities and colleges since 1983. He had also been active in legislative matters, especially licensing and appraisal standards issues on behalf of AI and its predecessor organizations since 1985.

2013 Outstanding Service Award Winner

Robin C. Amorin, MAI

Known for her efforts in helping develop the next generation of valuation professionals, Amorin has supported the Appraisal Institute’s Leadership Development and Advisory Council through three years of participation, one year as a discussion leader, one year as vice chair and one year as chair. She has supported the organization through her work with LDAC, as well as service on National committees and workgroups, including the Admissions and Designation Qualifications Committee and the Diversity Committee. She has been tireless in her efforts for LDAC from fundraising to speaking out to encourage attendance, leading by example and supporting the teaching of leadership skills to AI professionals.