William S. Harps DEI Award
Recognition of Diversity
The William S. Harps DEI Award recognizes an Appraisal Institute Member who exemplifies the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in the valuation profession, and has contributed to making the profession reflective of all the communities we serve.
William S. Harps, MAI, was the first African American to earn the MAI designation (1960). He was a past president of American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (1981) and a leader in breaking racial barriers in the appraisal profession. Harps passed in 2009.
Sharon B. Harbin
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
William S. Harps DEI Award 2026
Submit a Nomination
Help us recognize an Appraisal Institute member who is advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and helping make the valuation profession more reflective of all the communities we serve.
Nominations for the 2027 William S. Harps DEI Award are now open and must be submitted by December 1, 2026.