AI Taking Big Steps Toward Achieving Strategic Plan Goals

One thing you might notice about me is my affinity for bow ties. I was required to wear a tie and blazer every day during middle and high school, so I became accustomed to a more formal look day-to-day. About 10 years or so ago, I noticed more folks wearing a bow tie and got interested in them. It took a few years to get bow ties worked into my wardrobe and they are now the standard. Tying a bow tie is an art and when properly tied (it should not look perfect), a bow tie adds more personality to my look and sets me apart from the traditional tie wearers.

FWIW, earlier this year, I was required to wear a traditional necktie for an event and chose one from about 20 years ago. It took me four or five tries to properly tie it. Funny how quickly I forgot something I have done hundreds of times. There is no substitute for repetitive learning.

Whether it’s in your attire, your work life, your home life, or your hobbies, I’d encourage each of you to find a way to stand out and make a difference. They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so make sure to make yourself – and your priorities – known by standing out and setting yourself apart in a meaningful way.

This month, I’m pleased to share with you some updates about the Appraisal Institute’s priorities and the work we’re doing to ensure that our organization continues to stand out in the valuation profession.

AI Taking Big Steps Toward Achieving Strategic Plan Goals
I am proud to share that the Appraisal Institute has worked hard toward achieving the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan adopted by the AI Board of Directors in August 2021. We have taken some key steps over the past few months, and I’m pleased to share these updates with you.

Modernize AI’s education delivery system and products. Outside consultants with significant expertise in this area have completed studies, and their recommendations for processes and delivery are being evaluated. Implementation is expected to begin soon and will initially focus on the AI website, the event registration process and the overall user experience.
Modernize technology, such as social media and communication methods, and a review of the website. These efforts will focus on a campaign to refresh the AI brand, social media, communications and the website. We have identified an outside firm to handle the rebranding campaign and website redesign. Changes to the website will include an updated look and feel and, equally important, an enhanced user experience. AI’s Communications Department has already implemented changes to its social media and communications efforts, and will continue to focus on generating more visual content and enhanced interaction to appeal to a wider audience.
Develop a plan to recruit and retain AI professionals. A recruitment and retention plan will follow AI’s new branding and messaging, and will involve input from the Residential Appraiser Project Team, among others.
Implement PAREA. Development and testing are underway and will continue for the next several months.
Develop a DE&I action plan. A DE&I statement was adopted last year, and I have more exciting news to share below on the DE&I front.

I’m very proud of the excellent work that’s been done so far and excited about what it all means for the future of the Appraisal Institute and the valuation profession as a whole. Read more in the latest issue of Valuation magazine.

DE&I Action Plan Recommendations
As you’ve likely heard, the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors at its Nov. 11-12 meeting approved the Strategic Plan strategies that will guide the organization’s efforts in 2022, and beyond. The organization will pursue those goals with a focus on five Board-approved strategies, including development of a DE&I Action Plan.

A Project Team comprised of AI Designated Members, in collaboration with an outside consultant, spent several months developing a DE&I Action Plan, including recommendations, that the Board reviewed and discussed during its third quarter meeting. The Action Plan and recommendations include input from AI membership, which was provided via survey responses and stakeholder interviews.

The Appraisal Institute’s Strategic Plan includes goals to provide leadership toward a unified and inclusive profession with diverse perspectives and to improve the diversity of its affiliated professionals. The approved recommendations represent a significant step forward as the Appraisal Institute continues to pursue these important goals.

As these recommendations are investigated and components of the plan implemented, we’ll continue to keep membership informed accordingly.

Check out other updates from the Board meeting.

Paula Konikoff Elected 2023 AI Vice President
Congratulations to Paula K. Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS, who was elected 2023 Appraisal Institute vice president by its Board of Directors during the Board’s Aug. 4-5 meeting in Las Vegas.

Konikoff’s one-year term as vice president will begin Jan. 1, when she’ll also serve for one year as chair of the Finance Committee. She’ll serve as president-elect in 2024, president in 2025 and immediate past president in 2026.

Learn more about Paula Konikoff.

Appraisal Institute Honors 15 of the Best and Brightest in the Profession
It was my privilege to celebrate and honor the contributions of 15 individuals who make a big difference in our profession during the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference earlier this month. Attendees celebrated the award winners at an Aug. 3 luncheon sponsored by Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation. Congratulations to the following individuals:

Appraisal Institute awards:

J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award – Steven L. Marshall, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
Outstanding Service Award – Arthur “Rocky” McElhannon, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
Outstanding Service Award – Jacinto “Jay” Munoz, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award – Claire M. Aufrance, MAI, SRA
President’s Award – Elaine Liz-Ramirez, MAI, AI-GRS
President’s Award – Mark E. Verrett, SRA
President’s Award – Claire M. Aufrance, MAI, SRA
President’s Award – Rodman Schley, MAI, SRA
President’s Award – Suzanne Brockway

AI Education and Relief Foundation awards:

George L. Schmutz Award – Brad Carter, MAI, and Tyler Leard
Dr. William N. Kinnard Jr. Award – Larry Wright, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
James H. Pritchett Award – Henry J. Wise, MAI

The Appraisal Journal awards:

Armstrong/Kahn Award – Richard J. Roddewig, JD, MAI
Swango Award – Sandra K. Adomatis, SRA
Richard U. Ratcliff Award – Stanley D. Longhofer, Ph.D

Latest Face Value Podcast Highlights DE&I Efforts
In episode four of the Face Value podcast, host Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, is joined by Ayako Marsh Miranda, SRA, Claire Aufrance, MAI, SRA, and Elaine Liz-Ramirez, MAI, AI-GRS. The group covers leadership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Appraisal Institute’s current and ongoing efforts in this space. You aren’t going to want to miss this episode.

Click here to listen and subscribe.

If you haven’t already heard, The Appraisal Foundation’s Appraisal Standards Board announced that the current edition of USPAP will be extended by another year and will now be effective until Dec. 31, 2023. This change will not impact the current qualifying and continuing education courses on appraisal standards required for all appraisers. Learn more about the Appraisal Institute’s “15-Hour National USPAP” classroom course here.

Do you have expertise you’d like to share with your peers? I’d welcome you to submit your ideas for consideration in Valuation, AI’s quarterly magazine, or The Appraisal Journal, our peer-reviewed journal.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Face Value, the Appraisal Institute’s monthly podcast.
The Appraisal Institute continues to expand its social media activities. Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn, YouTube, and its blog, Opinions of Value.

Other News Around the Appraisal Institute
And here’s some other important news from the Appraisal Institute: