Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members:
Associate Member
The first annual Appraisal Institute Legislative Day was held in conjunction with the Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) meeting May 14-16, in Washington, DC.
(L-R): Keith Bolte, Erica Butler, Richard Earley, Brian Crowder and Laura Gourlay
This slate is presented by the North Carolina Chapter’s 2025 Nominating Committee, comprised of: Michael Elwell, MAI, SRA (Chair); Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS; Joyce Pusey, SRA, AI-RRS; Joel Tate, SRA; and Chris Johnson, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS.
The underlined below denotes the members selected to fill the positions listed. Approval of this slate will be voted on at the Q2 Chapter Business Meeting held in High Point, NC on June 11, 2025.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT)
Join AI for a candid conversation with two leading chief appraisers—one in commercial real estate and one in residential—as they share what they’re seeing across the profession today.
The Main Point
The Appraisal Institute is facing a crisis. In this message, you will learn about the events that have occurred to date, how the fallout has impacted us, and what we can do to move forward.
Background
On Thursday, May 8th, the New York Times published an article titled “Appraisal Trade Group Accused of Covering Up Sexual Harassment and Test Flaws.” You can read it here. Many disturbing allegations were made in the article including wrongful termination and sexual harassment claims by a former employee.
Byron Miller, SRA, AI-RRS, was nominated for 2026 Appraisal Institute vice president by the AI National Nominating Committee at its May 7 meeting in Chicago.
National Nominating Committee Chair Sandy Adomatis, SRA, submitted the committee’s nomination to the AI Board of Directors. Board members may file petitions for additional nominees in accordance with the Appraisal Institute Bylaws. The AI Board of Directors is expected to elect the 2026 vice president at its August 14-15 meeting.
NCAI Government Relations Committee Chair Shepherd Overton, MAI, attended the North Carolina Appraisal Board meeting on April 22, 2025.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by John Russell and Peter Fontana representing the Appraisal Foundation. The theme of their presentation was alternative experience, and the ways the Appraisal Qualification Board was exploring to allow for experience outside of the traditional appraisal writing route. The main thrust was the experience assessors have around the country, the classes they must take, and what their output looks like, i.e., a mass appraisal. The presenters spoke about a possible path for these types of alternative valuation professionals and how their experience, plus appropriate state testing, could be a pathway toward appraisal licensing. They noted some discussion is underway regarding whether assessors who might qualify for their experience would be required to submit sample reports to state boards prior to licensure. The presenters addressed how this aligns with the current problems facing the traditional path and finding supervisors.
NCAI had a very good day at the NC Capitol on Tuesday, April 29th for Legislative Affairs Day. Team NCAI was represented by a phenomenal group of members, including Kelli Mayhew, Mike Elwell, Vanessa Hall, Erica Butler, Richard Earley, Nathan Pippin, Greyson Morgan, and Shep Overton. NCAI was joined by our NC lobbyists Jon Hardister and Sebastian King of Elevation Strategies, LLC, and by AI Director of Legislative Affairs, Scott DiBiasio. Our lobbyists were absolutely pivotal in promoting and protecting our interests.
Front Row (L-R): Jon Hardister, Erica Butler, Kelli Mayhew, Linda Nelson, Greyson Morgan, and Scott DiBiasio. Back Row (L-R): Richard Earley, Vanessa Hall, Mike Elwell, Nathan Pippin, Shep Overton and Monica Long
All trainees, licensed residential, certified residential, and certified general appraisers are required to complete 28 hours of CE by May 31, 2025, to renew on time. Seven of the 28 hours must be the 2024-2025 7-Hour National USPAP Update. Hours that exceed the requirement do not carry over into the next CE cycle.
All registrations, licenses and certificates expire on June 30, 2025, and must be renewed before this date to maintain an active status. If you do not renew by June 30, 2025, your registration, license, or certificate will expire. Any person who acts as a trainee, licensed, or certified real estate appraiser while expired shall be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as prescribed by the NC Appraiser’s Act.
By Erica Butler, MAI, and Keith Bolte, MAI, AI-GRS
The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute was well represented at the recent REVCO joint regional meeting, with Kelli Mayhew, MAI, SRA; Erica Butler, MAI; Greyson Morgan, MAI; and Keith Bolte, MAI, AI-GRS in attendance. The meeting brought together professionals from multiple regions to collaborate, share insights, and discuss key developments shaping the appraisal profession.
Leadership in the NC Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and the NC Professional Appraisers Coalition continue to work together to oppose Senate Bill 690. In fact, today, NCAI President Kelli Mayhew, MAI, SRA, and NCPAC President Linda G. Nelson, submitted a letter to Senator Danny Earl Britt, Jr.; Senator Todd Johnson; and Senator Eddie D. Settle of the Committee on Commerce and Insurance concerning SB 690 (see the letter below).
The chapter is immensely grateful to the tireless efforts of NCAI Government Relations Committee Chair Shep Overton, and Scott DiBiasio, Director of Government Affairs for the Appraisal Institute, for leading our legislative push to protect NC appraisers from the unintended consequences of multiple bills introduced this spring, including SB 690.
The first annual Appraisal Institute Legislative Day will be held in conjunction with the Leadership Development and Advisory Committee (LDAC) meeting on May 14-15. This is an opportunity for all appraisers to help shape the future of the appraisal profession by engaging in grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill:
Your Voice. Your Advocacy. Your Impact.
The time to act is NOW. Please join your leadership team in Raleigh, NC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to lobby and educate our legislators on Senate Bill 690. Reach out to Government Relations Committee Chair Shep Overton ([email protected]) to confirm your availability, obtain more information about the bill, and for assistance in scheduling an appointment with your elected representatives.
Important Legislative Day Documents
At its May 8-9, 2025, meeting in Chicago, Illinois, the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors will consider proposed amendments to the Appraisal Institute Bylaws. The proposed amendments include in part:
The Board Meeting and Motions Project Team (BMMPT) believes that the proposed amendments will help clarify and streamline processes for special and regular meetings of the Board of Directors. The proposed amendments are expected to have minimal financial impact.
During recent Fair Housing Month forums hosted by the Maryland and New Jersey Civil Rights Commissions, Scott DiBiasio, the Appraisal Institute’s Director of Government Relations, delivered a series of pointed, public questions challenging ongoing claims about appraisal bias. His remarks, made during two separate events on April 11 and April 14, raised critical concerns that continue to go unanswered.
Speaking during both sessions - each focused on equity in valuation - DiBiasio challenged the narrative that appraisers are the root cause of racial disparities in property values:
The process for nomination and election of the Appraisal Institute’s 2026 vice president has begun. The following individuals (listed alphabetically) have announced their candidacies and will come before the National Nominating Committee at its May 7 meeting in Chicago:
AI Members may view the candidate biographies and questionnaires (log-in required) and provide letters of recommendation by 5:00 PM CT on May 2.
Join us on June 11th for an exciting and dynamic Q2 Chapter Business Meeting in High Point, NC! This is an event you won’t want to miss. Not only will you get an update on what’s in store for the Chapter this year, but you’ll also have the opportunity to hear from three outstanding local leaders, tour the transformative Congdon Yards, enjoy a catered meal, and experience the energy of a professional soccer game at Truist Point Stadium.
This meeting is a perfect blend of professional development, community engagement, and fun. You’ll leave with valuable insights, a stronger connection to your peers, and an exciting evening to remember. Don’t miss out: once registration opens, please sign up early to secure your spot for an unforgettable evening of learning, networking, and excitement!
The 2024 virtual Real Estate Valuation Conference hosted by the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in September "was a resounding success, offering appraisers valuable continuing education on essential and timely topics," says 2025 NCAI Chapter Treasurer and 2024 REVC Committee Chair Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA. "Attendees left quipped with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of the evolving real estate landscape, enhancing their ability to provide accurate and informed appraisals in a rapidly changing industry."
REVC organizers like Rocky McElhannon, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, were pleased with the sessions and the turnout. "Our 2024 conference offered a Residential segment that attracted more than 45 participants, followed by a Commercial segment two days later that was attended by more than 90," he says.
On Monday, March 31st, NCAI President Kelli Mayhew, MAI, SRA; Vice President Erica Butler, MAI; and Treasurer Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA, presented to the Chapter Presidents’ Summit about three of the North Carolina chapters’ most successful events. Erica Butler covered the creation of our newest event, Valuation Law Symposium; Brian Crowder presented how our Real Estate Valuation Conferences are produced successfully year after year; and Kelli Mayhew addressed how we use our NCAI Connect series to keep our members informed and engaged.
The focus of the summit was sharing chapter successes so that other chapters can benefit from the lessons we’ve learned. The participation of our leadership team allowed NCAI to shine on the national stage, and the feedback received from participants was positive. NCAI leadership also brought home new ideas for educational offerings and networking opportunities to consider implementing this year.
