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.

On Thursday, May 8th, a lawsuit brought by former Appraisal Institute CEO Cindy Chance against the Appraisal Institute and Craig Steinley was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois. You can obtain a copy of the suit here. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, a hostile working environment, and targeted retaliatory behavior that occurred over the entire period of Ms. Chance’s tenure.

On Thursday, May 8th, Appraisal Institute members received an email from President Paula K. Konikoff, MAI, AI-GRS, acknowledging the article and allegations of sexual harassment against Vice President Craig Steinley. President Konikoff stated “The Appraisal Institute is committed to a safe and respectful environment for all our employees and members, and nothing short of that is OK. We have policies that prohibit and are there to ensure we promptly address any reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.”

On Monday, May 12th, Appraisal Institute members received another email from President Konikoff stating, “Craig Steinley, Vice President of the Appraisal Institute, has told the Board of Directors he has decided to step away from his public AI officer appearances, effective immediately” and that the “Board of Directors has formed a task force made up of non-officer directors to work with outside counsel to guide an effort to consider policies, procedures, protocols and actions associated with ensuring a safe and respectful environment for Appraisal Institute staff and members.”

Please note that Craig Steinley is not resigning his position as Vice President, nor have any of his duties, authorities or responsibilities been removed or suspended by the board of directors. Mr. Steinley will continue to act as Vice President in all aspects except public appearances.
 
The Fallout
We have all been blindsided by this crisis. The allegations made in these lawsuits are deeply troubling. The feedback that NCAI leadership has received from NC chapter members reflects the same sentiments being shared on multiple social media platforms by AI members across the country: outrage, despair, anger, embarrassment, concern for the future of our organization and a sense of hopelessness about whether we can move forward, with or without our current leadership in place.

The emails from President Konikoff noted a thorough investigation is underway. Regardless of the outcome, these recent revelations have damaged the reputation of the Appraisal Institute. Your chapter leadership team will continue to insist on a thorough, fair, and transparent process to address these allegations, and we will continue to monitor developments as they unfold.

Your NCAI leadership team is working on an official response to the crisis our national organization is facing. In the meantime, we are waiting for more information to be released at the Second Quarter Board Meeting recap scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th at 3:00 pm ET.

Please continue to reach out to me directly and to our entire leadership team with any questions you may have and to express your concerns. You can also reach out to your national leadership team here. Your voice matters.

Who We Are and How We Recover
The North Carolina Chapter is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members. Harassment, discrimination, abusive behavior, intimidation, retaliation or bullying of any kind is not tolerated within our community.

The value of the Appraisal Institute and the credibility of our designations are not derived from our national leadership or our governance structure. Our professional credibility and collective value come from our members. It is us ~ the appraisers who pursue excellence in our work each day, the appraisers who engage with all stakeholders who rely on us with integrity, and the appraisers whose unflagging professionalism sets the standard for our organization. The power, the authority and the influence of this organization come from us: the members. Never forget that the Appraisal Institute exists because of you and your commitment to its ideals.

The world is watching and now is the time to show them that we will rise above this crisis. NCAI is filled with phenomenal professionals, and we are not tarnished individually by what is happening nationally. What we do in response to this crisis, as individuals and as a chapter, will impact the public’s perception of us. This is our chance to stand up for ourselves and be proud of our accomplishments.

The best way to move forward from here is to focus on the incredible successes we have had as a chapter this year and every year. Engaging with each other in person at our upcoming events and supporting each other through fellowship is the key to weathering this storm. Plan to join us at the second quarter chapter business meeting in High Point, NC, where we will tour the beautiful Congdon Yards development, talk about our progress on our legislative agenda, get an update from our LDAC participants, catch a ballgame, and eat some delicious food. Despite the upheaval of the past few days, we have much to celebrate as a chapter. NCAI will move forward together as a team with grace, professionalism, and an unfaltering commitment to protecting our profession.