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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“It’s great to be back in person,” said several of the attendees of the NCAI 2025 Valuation Law Symposium, held March 12-13 at Canopy Realtor® Association building in Charlotte. Chapter members came from across North Carolina for two days of continuing education on crucial legal and theoretical valuation aspects.
(L-R): NCAI Vice President Erica Butler, MAI; Valuation Law Symposium speaker Josh Wood, JD, MAI, AI-GRS; and Appraisal Institute President Paula Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS
Josh Wood, JD, MAI, AI-GRS, a valuation expert, educator, and adjudicator whose practice centers on the intersection of appraisal theory and the law, led both days of study. Day 1 featured sessions on the “Unit Rule” and its misapplications; expert reports on federal civil procedure; and "The Calling," examining the profession's history and significance. Day 2 tackled the complex distinctions between “Fair Value, Market Value, and Fair Market Value” across different professional contexts, using case studies and practical examples to clarify these often-misinterpreted terms.
In honor of International Women’s Day, the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to recognize the women in past and present leadership.
As a Chapter, expanding our inclusion of women and encouraging leadership makes us stronger. We would like to highlight those that are currently serving in Chapter leadership positions along with the NCAI Presidents that came before us.
