President's Message

Advocacy That Moves the Needle

Our profession needs a strong, credible voice. The Appraisal Institute is and has been that voice where it matters most—in the halls of government, in state legislatures, and in the courts. That’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity in today’s environment. The rules that govern our work are being rewritten in real time, and if we’re not at the table, we risk being left out—or worse, written out. One of my priorities is to ensure the Appraisal Institute remains that strong, credible voice.

That’s why I’m especially proud of the work being done by our Government Relations team, led by Scott DiBiasio and Brian Rodgers. They’re showing up in every forum that matters and making sure the voice of the appraiser is not only heard—but respected. I also want to recognize the leadership and dedication of our Government Relations Committee Chair, Justin Slack, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS and Vice Chair Deb Clark, MAI. Justin, Deb and the other GRC members are volunteers who are giving of their time, knowledge and energy. Their guidance and commitment are critical to keeping our efforts member-focused, strategic, and aligned with the needs of the profession.

This month, we achieved a major advocacy milestone as we led outreach to the Senate sponsors of the Appraisal Modernization Act. Working together, Scott and Brian helped shape a unified industry response. We voiced strong support for the bill’s inclusion of a national Reconsideration of Value (ROV) process—something the Appraisal Institute has long championed as a fair and structured way for consumers to raise legitimate concerns. At the same time, we raised serious and well-founded concerns about the bill’s proposed public appraisal database. We laid out the real risks: intellectual property loss, privacy violations, increased legal exposure, and the chilling effect on new entrants to the profession. Our message was clear: modernization must not come at the cost of professional integrity. We didn’t just oppose—we proposed. AI worked closely with Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and Senator Raphael Warnock to convey appraisers' concerns with the public database, and the database is not expected to be considered in next week's planned markup, suggesting a GAO study would be most helpful to the discussions. By recommending a GAO study, we offered lawmakers a practical, evidence-based path forward. That’s leadership.

We’re also delivering real results at the state level. In Montana and Colorado, new statutes of repose have been signed into law—thanks to Scott’s leadership and the strong engagement of our chapters. These laws limit how long appraisers can face civil claims after completing an assignment. For most appraisers—especially small business owners—this kind of legal certainty isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. No professional should have to defend their work 10 or 15 years later, and these new protections bring meaningful peace of mind.

We’re seeing momentum on the education and licensure front as well. In North Carolina, Scott worked hand-in-hand with our chapter to improve a bill authorizing PAREA. The original version included unnecessary hurdles that would have limited the usefulness of PAREA as a true alternative to the traditional experience model. Thanks to our efforts, those barriers were mitigated, and the final legislation reflects a much more balanced and forward-looking approach.

Even more encouraging: just days after North Carolina’s bill was signed into law, Oregon finalized its rules to allow PAREA as a pathway to licensure—making it the 42nd state to become PAREA-ready. We’re getting close to national coverage, and that’s a testament to the persistence and credibility we’ve built with policymakers across the country.

On the legal front, we saw a resounding victory last week in Connolly et al. v. Lanham et al., a high-profile bias lawsuit in Maryland. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of the appraiser on the claim of racial discrimination. While we must always remain vigilant against true instances of bias, this ruling confirms a broader trend: the highly publicized complaints lodged against appraisers in recent years have not resulted in appraiser liability. This decision affirms the need for careful, balanced evaluation over headline-driven reaction.

And there’s more to come. In the weeks ahead, we expect to see the reintroduction of the Portal for Appraiser Licensing (PAL) Act—a commonsense, bipartisan bill that we strongly support. The PAL Act would create a single-entry point for licensing across all 50 states, reducing delays, cutting red tape, and improving mobility for working appraisers. It’s the kind of modernization that actually makes the system better—for appraisers, regulators, and consumers alike.

Each of these wins—whether legislative, regulatory, or judicial—shows what’s possible when we lead with facts, credibility, and strategic focus. Advocacy doesn’t always make headlines, but it shapes the foundation of our work. Without it, everything else is more vulnerable: our independence, our professional standards, and our ability to attract and retain the next generation of appraisers.

I’m deeply grateful to Scott and Brian for their tireless efforts—to Justin, Deb and the whole Government Relations Committee for their leadership—and to the many members and chapters who amplify our message through testimony, outreach, and engagement. Your voices matter, and they’re being heard. If your voice isn’t part of the conversation yet, please join by completing the Leadership Resource Registry (LRR) by August 31, 2025 to serve on a national committee or visiting our new Chapter Directory to contact your chapter and learn how you can get involved and make a difference locally.

We’re not just responding to change—we’re helping shape it. And we’re doing it together.