
In my 37 years in the valuation profession, I’ve learned just how important it is to make valuable, meaningful connections with others in the profession. I started that journey many years ago with the South Carolina Chapter of AIREA (now AI) and The Society of Real Estate Appraisers. I continued it at LDAC and after that, chapter, region and national leadership events, including the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference. The connections made over the years have resulted in close friendships, collegial relationships and professional connections throughout AI and the appraisal profession.
The value of these relationships cannot be monetized. From a personal leadership growth standpoint, they are the reason I am writing this message as the 2022 Appraisal Institute president. Most of the folks with whom I have crossed paths, whether in a single casual encounter or closely working with for years, will never understand how they have positively impacted me. I would like to extend a larger THANK YOU to everyone I have met along this journey because I am what I experienced from each of you.
We’ll have the chance to continue this at the Appraisal Institute’s 2022 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Each year, the Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones at a fun-filled, educational event. Read on to learn more about this year’s event. I am looking forward to seeing each of you there!
Keynote Speaker Announced for 2022 Annual Conference
I am pleased to announce this year’s keynote speaker, Ryan Leak, who is a motivational speaker and author. Ryan helps leaders better understand where their teams are capable of going by addressing the friction of where teams stand today. Using humorous wisdom and poignant narrative, he inspires audiences to recognize the value in chasing failure to become even more than they are – to become the best version of themselves.
In his new book, “Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success,” Ryan blends personal stories, motivating anecdotes, relevant psychology and practical step-by-step guidance to show how chasing failure just may be the quickest way to success.
Registration will soon be open for this year’s Annual Conference, to be held Aug. 2-3, in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel. I’d encourage you to join us for the valuation profession’s best event of the year, where you can connect with old friends, make new acquaintances, learn a lot and have fun doing it!
Visit the AI website to learn more.
Appraisal Institute Rejoins TAF as a Sponsor
As you might have heard, the Appraisal Institute was pleased to officially rejoin The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) last month as a Sponsor. While that exciting news became official when TAF’s Board of Trustees voted March 30, AI rejoining was years in the making, with significant collaboration during the past couple of years.
As our organization began to face the challenges of today, my predecessors, especially Immediate Past President Rodman Schley, MAI, SRA, wisely saw great value in collaborating with TAF, and other appraisal organizations, to present a united front. Regarding TAF specifically, we were able to work together on some meaningful changes to their Code of Conduct, jointly presented webinars on critical topics such as appraisal bias, partnered on a study to gather valuation profession demographics and had many meetings and discussions to foster good will and get us to this point.
While rejoining as a Sponsor is a great step, know that this is the beginning, not the end. Our profession will continue to face key challenges in the coming months and years, along with some tremendous opportunities, and working together, and having a seat at TAF’s table, will go a long way toward enhancing the Appraisal Institute’s role, and reputation, as a true leader in the valuation profession.
5 Candidates Seeking to Become 2023 AI Vice President
The Appraisal Institute’s National Nominating Committee is scheduled to interview five candidates for 2023 AI vice president during its May 11 meeting. The committee is expected to submit its nomination(s) for the 2023 vice president at the Board of Directors’ May 12-13 meeting.
The candidates (listed alphabetically) are Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS; Eric P. Haims, MAI, AI-GRS; Ryan M. Hlubb, MAI, SRA; Paula K. Konikoff, MAI, AI-GRS; and L. Steven Noble, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS.
AI professionals may view the candidate biographies and questionnaires (log-in required) and provide letters of recommendation by 5 p.m. CDT May 6. Correspondence should be addressed to Rodman Schley, MAI, SRA, chair, 2022 National Nominating Committee, and emailed to Joan Barngrover, board secretary and special assistant to the CEO, at jbarngrover@appraisalinstitute.org.

Appraisal Institute Podcast to Launch Next Month
I am thrilled to announce that the Appraisal Institute will soon launch its monthly podcast series, Face Value. This promises to be an exciting new way to learn from Appraisal Institute professionals and other credible experts from across the real estate profession.
Rotating hosts Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, and Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, will share appraiser stories, news, and experiences. Face Value will provide listeners with a convenient new tool to learn about the latest trends in valuation, association updates and education offerings, insights into legislative and regulatory issues, and more.
Stay tuned for our first episode in the coming weeks.
Appraisal Institute Recognizes 1 Individual as ‘Volunteer of Distinction’ for Q1
The Appraisal Institute on April 13 announced the recognition of one individual as “Volunteer of Distinction” for the first quarter 2022.
The individual honored is Frank Notaro, MAI, SRA (Long Island Chapter).
Find more on the AI’s Volunteer of Distinction program.