President's Message, January 2023
Dear Appraisal Institute Colleague:
I hope you've enjoyed the first few weeks of the new year. I know I have. Stepping into the role of 2023 Appraisal Institute president has been exciting and I am eager for the great things we have in store this year.
With my first message to you as AI president, I'd like to share something that you might not know about me. One of my favorite hobbies is motorcycle riding. The Black Hills of South Dakota are ripe with opportunities for scenic rides which allow me to unwind after a long day at the desk and on the phone. Given the proximity of Sturgis, S.D., the bike of choice in my region is overwhelmingly a Harley Davidson. I own two Road Kings and some of my favorite memories involve cycle rides along the roads that wind through the lakes, streams, pine trees, rugged granite outcroppings and numerous small communities that comprise the Black Hills National Forest. Visiting Sturgis each August, when the community grows from about 10,000 residents to hundreds of thousands for two weeks, is the perfect way to meet and connect with fellow riders and see custom bikes from around the country.
I look forward to sharing more in future President's Messages, but for now I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to serve as AI president and look forward to seeing many of you at events throughout the year.
Follow the Appraisal Institute on Instagram!
The Appraisal Institute is now on Instagram! To celebrate the new channel, I thought I'd include a few fun facts about the platform:
- Instagram was launched on Oct. 6, 2010, and gained 25,000 users on its first day.
- As of 2018, there were over 45 billion photos shared on the platform.
- As of October 2022, soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed person on Instagram, with over 490 million followers.
Please follow Instagram.com/appraisalinstitute for the latest and greatest information from AI - and to help us catch up to Ronaldo!
Call to Service for 2024 Third Regional Director and National Nominating Committee Positions
The Appraisal Institute's 10 regions are seeking the names of members who are interested in or recommended for serving in 2024 as:
- Third regional director;
- Regional representative to the national Nominating Committee; and
- Alternate representative to the national Nominating Committee.
If you are interested in serving or would like to recommend an individual that you feel meets the qualifications for the position, please contact your regional nominating committee chair, your regional executive director or Joan Barngrover at jbarngrover@appraisalinstitute.org by Feb. 28.
Bias Research Solutions Project Team Publishes Report
As you might have heard, in 2021, a Bias Research Solutions Project Team was created whose charge was to review available research and recommend appropriate next steps for the Appraisal Institute.
Consideration was given to any proposed solutions in the research, and the anticipated impact the proposed solutions would have on the profession, the real estate industry and consumers.
You can read the Project Team's report here.
I had the opportunity to testify Jan. 24 at the Appraisal Subcommittee hearing on appraisal bias and provide the AI and appraiser perspective. I invite you to listen to my testimony here.
Appraisal Institute Chicago Office to Relocate
The Appraisal Institute's Chicago office will be moving later this year, but not very far. The Chicago headquarters, currently found at 200 W Madison, Suite 1500, will move to a new space on the 20th floor of the same building. Please stay tuned for updates on the new office.
AI Sends to 45-Day Notice Proposed Amendments to Appraisal Institute Bylaws
The Appraisal Institute Board of Directors on Jan. 6 sent to 45-Day Notice proposed amendments to Appraisal Institute Bylaws regarding Audit Committee member service. The notice is available on the Appraisal Institute website (AI log-in required).
Other News Around the Appraisal Institute
And here's some other important news from the Appraisal Institute:
- Appraisal Institute professionals are invited to view the open session portions of the 1Q 2023 Board Meeting, Feb. 22-23 at 8:30 a.m. CST.
- On a very unfortunate note, Stephanie Coleman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, is battling a serious health issue. For those of you who have questions about AI's Standards or Code of Ethics, Stephen Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, who is a past president and currently on AI's staff, is here to help with those inquiries. He can be reached at swagner@appraisalinstitute.org. I know we'll all keep Stephanie in our thoughts.