By Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA, NCAI Treasurer

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.

Itinerary:

• 5:00 PM - Tour of Congdon Yards: Start the evening with a tour of several spaces within Congdon Yards, a vibrant hub that blends history, creativity, and business development. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a space that’s central to High Point's growth and revitalization.
• 5:30 PM - Chapter Business Meeting: The meeting will kick off in the Commons area of Congdon Yards, where you’ll get an update on what’s in store for the Chapter this year and hear from three special guest speakers. These local leaders are shaping the future of High Point and the broader Carolina Core region.
• 6:30 PM - Catered Meal and Soccer Game: After the business meeting, we’ll walk across the street to Truist Point Stadium for a roped-off, catered meal, followed by a thrilling match featuring Carolina Core FC against Orlando City U-23 in MLS Next Pro. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and connect with colleagues while cheering on the team!

Featured Speakers:

• Megan Oglesby
  Megan is a community-driven leader who has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of High Point. As the founding Executive Director of the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, she helped create the vision behind Congdon Yards. Megan is also a principal investor and majority female owner of Carolina Core FC, a professional soccer team that is helping drive economic development and regional pride. At the meeting, she will speak about the creation of Congdon Yards, the importance of investing in local communities, and how she is involved in fostering growth and opportunity across the region.
• Alex Field
  Managing Broker/Partner with DeLille Field Commercial Real Estate, Alex is a commercial real estate broker specializing in High Point’s downtown furniture showroom district, Alex will discuss the impact of the High Point Furniture Market on both the local and state economies. He’ll also provide insight into the trends and opportunities within the furniture showroom real estate market, making this a must-hear for anyone involved in commercial real estate.
• Christi Barbour
  Christi is a visionary interior designer and founder of Barbour Spangle Design, an award-winning luxury design studio. As Chairman of the High Point Market Authority and founder of High Point Discovered, Christi is deeply involved in preserving and promoting the creative culture of High Point. Her talk will focus on the power of design, particularly in the redevelopment of spaces like Congdon Yards, and how design can breathe new life into older buildings, contributing to the revitalization of entire communities.

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!

North Carolina's Virtual REVC Centers on Timely Topics

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 31^st, 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.

Multiple bills were introduced in the NC legislature last week that will have broad implications for real estate appraisers. The NCAI Government Relations Committee is working closely with Scott DiBiasio, Director of Government Affairs for the Appraisal Institute, to address each of these bills through educational outreach to legislators and through communications with the North Carolina Appraisal Board.

As these bills progress, chapter members will be given an opportunity to assist in outreach to legislators when necessary. In the meantime, you can read drafts of NC SB 690 here  and NC SB 451 here.

The NCAI Scholarship Committee awarded six chapter members a total of $5,255 in scholarships for 2025.  With the approval of the Board of Directors, the total invested in scholarships for 2025 was increased to allow all six qualified applicants to receive tuition credit for Appraisal Institute courses.

Scholarship winners included:

Appraisal Institute members impacted by wildfires in North Carolina may be eligible for emergency assistance relief funding through the Appraisal Institute Education & Relief Foundation (AIERF). If you have been impacted, you can apply for funds here. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application,  please call 312-335-4133 or email [email protected]. If the North Carolina Chapter can be of assistance, please reach out to [email protected].  

Scholarships - Appraisal Institute Education Relief Foundation

Course Scholarships are awarded to Associate Members active in real property valuation who need financial assistance to complete Appraisal Institute courses leading to state certification or the MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, or AI-RRS designations.

College Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who concentrate on or demonstrate an interest in real estate appraisal and/or valuation.

Learn More

Originally published on February 25, 2025 

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) held its second Valuation Modernization Summit on Feb. 26 in Washington, D.C., bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss the future of real estate valuation. The Appraisal Institute was represented at the Summit by Immediate Past President Sandra Adomatis, SRA; Director of Government Affairs Scott DiBiasio; and Senior Manager of Federal Affairs Brian Rodgers.

“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.

The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to congratulate Barry Grant Hitchner, Jr. for earning the prestigious SRA designation. Mr. Hitchner is a graduate of Appalachian State University (Go Mountaineers!!) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Real Estate and Urban Analysis. He obtained his state appraiser’s license and real estate broker's license while still in college. He later became state-licensed in 1990 and state-certified in 1993. Mr. Hitchner is the owner of PGI Appraisals, which was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Mooresville, NC. His work primarily focuses on Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Cabarrus Counties, and the entire Lake Norman market. 

Mr. Hitchner and his wife, Jennifer, are both native residents of Charlotte and currently reside in the Mooresville area. They have two adult sons: Jackson, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, who resides in Houston, TX, and Greyson, who holds appraiser certifications in North and South Carolina and resides in Charlotte, NC. As a native Charlottean, Mr. Hitchner enjoys the Hornets and the Panthers. When not working or subjecting himself to Charlotte professional sports torture, he and his wife enjoy spending time on Lake Norman.

NCAI Honors Leaders for International Women's Day

Saturday, March 8, 2025

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.

Welcome to our newest #NCAI members! We're thrilled to introduce the latest additions to our community:

• Evan Beale
  Associate Member
  

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The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to congratulate Barbara A. Johenning for earning three prestigious Appraisal Institute designations. Ms. Johenning earned her MAI in 2012, the AI-GRS in 2020, and, most recently, the AI-RRS.  Her appraisal career started at Integra Realty Resources – Miami in 2000.  She began taking AI courses shortly afterward and immediately became involved with the South Florida Chapter. 

“From the start, I realized that the coursework and education provided by the Appraisal Institute was superior to any other courses I had taken, and being the personality type that I am, I continued my appraisal education in search of designation after achieving my state certification.  I have not regretted that decision in the least, as achieving my designation(s) has been a keystone of my career achievements.” ~   Barbara A. Johenning, MAI, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to congratulate David Wortman for earning the prestigious MAI designation. Mr. Wortman is located in Hickory, NC, and is part of the Infrastructure Practice Group with Cushman & Wakefield. His work is focused on right-of-way and eminent domain appraisals in North Carolina and beyond. His wife, Tammy, is also an appraiser trainee with Cushman & Wakefield. Mr. Wortman and his wife were both teachers before moving into the appraisal world full-time.

Mr. Wortman was in attendance at the NCAI Q1 Chapter Business Meeting, held March 12th at HopFly Brewing Company in South End. As part of the business meeting program, Mr. Wortman, along with our recent designees, was recognized for earning his MAI designation.

Welcome to our newest #NCAI members! We're thrilled to introduce the latest additions to our community:

• Karen Drury – Affiliate Member
• Diamond Staton-Williams – Associate Member
• Stephanie Forloines – Associate Member
• Tracy Simpson – Associate Member

Please give them a warm welcome when you see them around! We can't wait to see how their unique talents and perspectives enrich our community.

The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to congratulate Zachary Northcott for earning the prestigious MAI designation.  Mr. Northcott owns NorthStar Valuation Services, LLC, which is based in Hickory, NC.  Mr. Northcott’s work is focused on general commercial appraisal assignments in western and central North Carolina.  He also specializes in appraising convenience store properties in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Mr. Northcott would like to extend special thanks to his wife, Elisabeth, for her support during long hours taking courses and studying while working on his designation, and to his daughter, Penny, for keeping his spirits up!