Security Bulletin from the Appraisal Institute
We’ve been made aware of recent phishing attempts in which cybercriminals are impersonating the Appraisal Institute to try to steal personal information. These emails may appear convincing but are not from us. Please remain vigilant and follow the guidance below to help protect yourself:
The Appraisal Institute task force composed of five non-officer Directors has begun its work in an effort to help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all staff and members. The group will be reviewing associated policies, procedures and protocols and then will consider what recommendations it might make. The task force is currently reviewing options for outside counsel who will work alongside it.
Once the task force hires outside counsel, they will coordinate and supervise work to clarify best practices; consider existing approaches; and identify and address any gaps. The task force consists of the following members:
The Appraisal Institute would like to recognize some of the brightest, most committed and deserving AI members. If you believe you know an AI member who fits the criteria below for the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, William S. Harps DEI Award, or the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award, please nominate that person. Submissions for these Awards must be completed by July 31, 2025.
J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
The J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an AI member who best demonstrates high ethical standards; contributed to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s); provided service to his or her community; and contributed to the appraisal profession.
By Greyson Morgan, MAI, NCAI President-Elect
NCAI and the Government Relations Committee have been working diligently and have made significant positive progress in recent months at the North Carolina Capitol!
By Emma Abraham, Membership Programs Manager, Appraisal Institute
We recently hosted an hour-long pilot webinar (via Zoom) entitled “Designation Requirement Overview” with the Chicago chapter and intend to host several more this year. The webinar, targeting Candidates and Associate Members, covers the policies and processes of Experience, the Comprehensive Examination, and the Demonstration of Knowledge. If you have a Candidate who has questions about these requirements, please mention that they should keep an eye out for these webinars. Advisors are welcome to attend these sessions to brush up on their knowledge of the requirements. If your chapter or region is interested in hosting one, please let me know.
The Appraisal Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual selection of new members to serve on the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) and the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB). Individuals appointed through this process will begin their term on January 1, 2026. Each appointment may be for a one-, two-, or three-year term, depending on the needs of the board.
For this selection cycle, there are up to four open seats on the AQB and up to five open seats on the ASB that are eligible for appointment or reappointment.
Thank you to everyone who came out to Congdon Yards in High Point last week for NCAI's Q2 Chapter Business Meeting. The meeting was a great success: we got a lot accomplished, we connected with old friends and industry peers, and we enjoyed an evening of socializing and fun at the Carolina Core FC game!
(L-R): Greyson Morgan, Brian Crowder, Scott DiBiasio, Mike Elwell, Laura Gourlay, Erica Butler
and NCAI President Kelli Mayhew
Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute:
Associate Member
The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to congratulate William Christopher Morris for earning the distinguished MAI designation. Chris has been employed with IRR-Raleigh since July of 2017. His coverage area includes southern Virginia and all of North Carolina. He covers all property types for lenders, owners, funds, municipalities, and government agencies for both lending purposes and eminent domain purposes.
Chris's father, Chris R. Morris, MAI, FRICS, Senior Managing Director at Integra Realty Resources, is a long time member of NCAI. Says Chris of his son, “Christopher has displayed significant perseverance in his journey from researcher to trainee to certified general appraiser to MAI. During this process, he’s quickly expanded his competency for the primary property types, along with the eminent domain sector. In addition, he has developed meaningful relationships with top brokerage professionals across NC and the Southeast. I’m ecstatic for both of us that the destination has been reached.”
We're excited to introduce the membership to our new executive director, Jonathan Lugo. Jonathan brings to NCAI a strong background in youth development and nonprofit leadership, bringing over 15 years of experience to the organization. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Jonathan relocated to Charlotte, NC three years ago to begin a new chapter, continuing his passion for helping people and building meaningful connections.
A graduate of CUNY Baruch College, Jonathan has a diverse professional background that includes program development, event planning, and sports management. He also holds a foundation in commercial dance and has always been driven by creativity, community impact, and high-energy environments. Jonathan is an avid sports fan—especially basketball—and enjoys volunteering whenever possible to give back to his community.
All,
I wanted to let you know that today the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors determined it was no longer tenable for Craig Steinley to continue as an officer. Effective immediately, he is no longer vice president nor a member of the Board of Directors.
I know this has been a painful period for our members and our wider community. This had become a matter of the wellbeing and trust of the Appraisal Institute as an organization, which is greater than any one individual. Separately, the court process will bring out the facts in the Cindy Chance lawsuit. As soon as we’re able to share more information about outside counsel investigation of these matters, we will.
Now also is the time for the Appraisal Institute to act – with the help of independent outside counsel – to ensure our policies, protocols and actions reflect best practices and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all members and staff.
I don’t want to be repetitive here, but the reality is these efforts take time. We will round back to you when we have further updates, and please know we are moving with all thoughtfulness and due speed.
Paula
By Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA, 2025 NCAI Treasurer
Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) 2025
May 14-16, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
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
