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.

NCAI Needs Your Help

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

• Access our NCAI Legislative Day Scheduling and Lobbying Tips here.
• Printable talking points regarding SB 690 can be found here.

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:

• No longer requiring four (4) regular meetings each calendar year of the Board of Directors, allowing for flexibility to have additional or fewer meetings as deemed necessary.
• Streamlining and aligning processes for calling meetings of the Board of Directors.
• Adjusting the notice requirement for special meetings of the Board from at least forty-eight (48) hours, which is the current requirement, to at least forty-eight (48) hours but less than fifteen (15) days in advance.
• Adjusting the quorum requirement for special meetings of the Board to majority of Directors with voting rights. Currently, special meetings require a 2/3 quorum in certain instances.
• Except where otherwise provided, adjusting the voting threshold for special meetings of the Board of Directors to 60% of Directors with voting rights present at the beginning of the special meeting. Currently, the voting threshold for special meetings is majority except where provided otherwise.
• Elimination of the Past Officers section.
• Clarification and non-substantive housekeeping changes.

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.

Tough Questions on Appraisal Bias Deserve Real Answers

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:

• Ryan Hlubb, MAI, SRA
• Byron Miller, SRA, AI-RRS
• Steve Stiloski, MAI

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.

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!

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.

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:

“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.

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

• Evan Beale
  Associate Member