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    Great Lakes

    Welcome to the Great Lakes Chapter! 

    The  Great Lakes chapter is proud to be your local chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Our professionals are committed to the highest standard of professional appraisal practice and have been tested and trained to the highest levels of educational standards in the business. Confident in our rigorous standards of appraisal practice, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of professionalism and quality through a commitment to life-long learning. We encourage you to consider the benefits of the Appraisal Institute if you are looking for an appraiser or an appraisal career.

    2026 Golf Outing

    Join the Great Lakes Chapter for the 2026 Golf Outing at Shepherd's Hollow!

    Spend the day enjoying one of Michigan's premier golf courses while catching up with old friends, making new connections, and networking with fellow appraisal professionals. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a fun day outdoors, this outing is a great opportunity to build relationships and connect with colleagues from across the industry.

    We look forward to seeing you on the course for a day of golf, networking, great food, and fun!

    Developing Capitalization Rates: It's More Than Math

    This seven-hour seminar provides elective renewal credit for Michigan appraisers and assessors, designed for certified general appraisers and MAAO/MMAO assessors. A background in the income approach and familiarity with a financial calculator (HP12C or equivalent) is recommended.

    Explore direct and indirect methods for developing capitalization rates, drawing on local market interviews and national published data. Topics include relevant USPAP standards, Michigan case law, investor characteristics, yield capitalization, and the financial factors driving cap rates. The course features real transaction data, a case study, and group problem-solving exercises.

    Now approved for continuing education for appraisers and assessors.

    Creating Practical AI Solutions for Appraisal Work

    This demonstration-driven workshop shows real estate appraisers how to put artificial intelligence to work in daily practice through three live demonstrations matched to beginner, intermediate, and advanced experience levels. Participants will learn the practical differences between chatbots, skills, connectors, and AI agents; watch each category applied to real appraisal tasks; and learn structured verification techniques for confirming AI output before it enters an appraisal report. Delivery is demonstration-based: participants watch live demonstrations on screen and are not required to bring a device, create accounts, or install software.

    Now approved for continuing education credit for appraisers and assessors.

    Partnership in Appraisal Firm Available

    Retirements at Northern Michigan Real Estate Consultants has open opportunities for partnership in our appraisal firm. Here’s your chance to move to Traverse City and join a firm that has an established record for 50 years. We have a steady work flow. Call me to discuss.

    Michael Tarnow
    231-590-2453

    Chapter News

    Chapter News Archive
    Great Lakes May Newsletter

    Great Lakes May Newsletter

    Jun 1, 2025
    Dear Members, As summer begins, it’s a good moment to reflect on the year so far and recognize the people who’ve helped keep things running smoothly.

    Chapter Courses

    Explore All Events & Education

    This chapter offers a comprehensive selection of educational programs, from introductory courses to advanced seminars on appraisal topics throughout the year. We provide certification and continuing education courses that meet the requirements for appraiser licensing and professional designations within the market.

    With flexible online and in-person options, our programs and educational opportunities cater to various learning preferences and schedules, so you're sure to find something that works for you. See our upcoming courses and lock in your registration so you can advance your appraisal career!

    This image features the harbor of Mackinac Island in Michigan, showcasing the iconic steeple of St. Anne's Church with the Appraisal Institute Great Lakes Chapter Logo
    Sep 23, 2026 • Livonia, MI
    $75.00
    Real estate investment concept. Businessman analyzing mortgage loan home and insurance real property mortgage. interest rate, Investment planning.
    Oct 27, 2026 • East Lansing, MI
    $100.00
    audience-watching-a-presentation-defocused-blurred-presenter-during-conference-meeting
    Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026 • Chicago, IL
    $525.00
    audience-watching-a-presentation-defocused-blurred-presenter-during-conference-meeting
    Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026 • Indianapolis, IN
    $550.00
    doctor-s-malpractice-lawsuit-judge-s-gavel-on-desk
    Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026 • Indianapolis, IN
    $285.00
    analyzing-financial-performance-using-digital-devices-and-advanced-graphs
    Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026 • Chicago, IL
    $1,000.00
    Chicago Skyline for Appraisers
    Oct 8, 2026 • Chicago, IL
    $60.00
    real-estate-broker-agent-s-signature-on-the-contract-finalized-the-mortgage-agreement-marking-a-significant-investment-in-the-housing-property-for-business-purposes-homework
    Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026 • Oak Brook, IL
    $900.00

    Leadership

    Kenneth Siegle

    MAI

    President

    Kenneth R. Siegle, MAI, M.S.F., was a commercial real estate loan servicing officer for seven years and a staff appraiser for six years. He has expertise in appraising a variety of properties, including: apartments, general office buildings, medical office buildings, retail centers, subdivisions, industrial buildings, vacant land, single-family residential, self-storage facilities, car washes, and more. Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in systems analysis from Taylor University, and a master’s of science degree in finance from Walsh College. He is a Designated Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI), as well as a state certified general real estate appraiser.

    Joe Calvaneso

    MAI

    Vice President

    Joe Calvaneso, MAI, began his appraisal career in Michigan, earning his Certified General license and honing his craft across the valuation of office, retail, industrial, multifamily, and special purpose properties. He holds the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards of appraisal practice and professional ethics.

    Joe currently serves as Vice President (2026) of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, having previously served as Chapter Treasurer in 2025.

    Outside the office, Joe is a husband, father of four, and firm believer that a sharp wit is as valuable as a sharp pencil.

    Frank Segura

    MAI

    Treasurer

    Frank Segura is a Managing Director for the Detroit office of BBG Inc., a real estate appraisal and consulting firm doing business throughout the United States. He has over 13 years of appraising and consulting experience and holds the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute.  
     
    Frank’s primary focus is covering various commercial real estate markets including multifamily, office, retail, vacant land, and industrial properties. He has extensive experience appraising conventional multifamily properties for agency lenders, banks, and mortgage companies.  
     
    Frank has worked on numerous affordable housing assignments involving programs associated with HUD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, USDA, and various state and local agencies. He has also prepared appraisal market studies for pre-development purposes. His work includes complex assignments and has completed appraisals of special purpose properties such as hotels, gas stations, indoor sports facilities, and television/radio broadcasting studios.  
     
    Mr. Segura provides valuation services for tax appeal assignments in the State of Michigan and has been accepted as an expert witness by the Michigan Tax Tribunal. He has also completed tax appeal assignments for the Minnesota Tax Court. Frank’s tax appeal assignments have included office buildings, bank branches, television broadcasting studio, shopping centers, industrial facilities, commercial parking garage/lot, and multifamily properties. 

    Brian M. Sinclair

    MAI

    Secretary


    Chapter Board of Directors

    Michelle D. Barth

    Board Member

    Marc S. Denton, SRA

    Board Member

    Beth L.Graham

    Board Member

    Maxwell G. Katsarelas, MAI

    Board Member

    Donna J. List, SRA

    Board Member

    Kaylee Marcum, MAI

    Board Member

    Rachel Massey, SRA, AI-RRS

    Board Member

    James R. Navarre, MAI

    Board Member

    Andrew E. Sill, MAI

    Board Member

    Eric Sobotka, MAI

    Board Member

    Daniel J. Van Stensel, MAI

    Board Member

     

     


    Contact Us

    Great Lakes Chapter
    Appraisal Institute

    PO Box 147
    c/o Chicago Chapter
    Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

    Sarah Walsh, Executive Director

    312-616-9400