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.
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.
| Q1 Chapter Business Meeting
(In-Person & Virtual) |
Valuation Law Symposium
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT |
| Get an update on what the Chapter has planned for the year, congratulate our newly designated members, and connect with friends and colleagues! We will have a virtual option if you cannot attend in person. | This two-day appraisal program explores fundamental concepts and expert testimony on Day 1, followed by an intensive study of valuation terminology and its applications across professional contexts on Day 2. |
| Register Now | Register Now |
Welcome to our newest #NCAI members! We're thrilled to introduce the latest additions to our community:
Evan Beale
Associate Member
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:
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 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.
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 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!
Keeping You Informed
One of my goals for the year is to keep members better informed. Members often write me with their concerns and I answer each one. I have also been posting responses to the most frequently voiced concerns on LinkedIn. Members most often ask about governance and operational matters. Transparency is a priority, and I want to ensure you have clear, accurate information on important topics like financials, membership trends, advocacy efforts, international travel and PAREA.
This year's Nominating Committee will meet soon to nominate qualified chapter members for 2026 elected positions.
Participation from our designated members, candidates, and practicing affiliates is vital to the Chapter and is critical in advancing our organization and the profession.
This year's Nominating Committee will meet soon to nominate qualified chapter members for 2026 elected positions.
Participation from our designated members, candidates, and practicing affiliates is vital to the Chapter and is critical in advancing our organization and the profession.
An unparalleled opportunity to enhance your professional toolkit and network with industry peers!
The National Nominating Committee seeks the names of members interested in serving as the 2026 Vice President of the Appraisal Institute. The 2026 Vice President succeeds to the offices of 2027 President-Elect, 2028 President, and 2029 Immediate Past President.
If you are interested in serving or would like to recommend an individual who meets the qualifications for the position, please email your written recommendation to Sandra Adomatis, SRA, who will serve as Chair of the 2025 National Nominating Committee, c/o Joan Barngrover at [email protected]. All recommendations must be received by February 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CT. The National Nominating Committee will contact potential candidates with the requirements for continuing the process.
Originally published on January 21, 2025, by The Appraisal Institute for EINPressWire.
In the wake of recent natural disasters, including the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and hurricanes across the southeastern United States, the Appraisal Institute urges property owners and businesses to seek expert advice before accepting direct cash buyouts from insurance companies to settle claims. Understanding the complexities of insurance settlements requires a clear property value assessment, especially during such challenging times.
Insurance companies often offer cash settlements to expedite claims after disasters. While these offers may seem straightforward, they may not fully reflect the real value of the property or its recovery potential. The Appraisal Institute emphasizes the importance of working with highly trained and objective real estate appraisers, including SRA-designated professionals for residential properties and MAI-designated professionals for businesses and commercial properties.
In a statement, Paula Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS, President of the Appraisal Institute, underscored the value of consulting designated appraisers:
“Natural disasters create significant challenges for property owners and businesses, particularly when navigating insurance settlements. Consulting with SRA- or MAI-designated appraisers provides access to highly qualified professionals who can deliver unbiased, accurate valuations to help owners make informed decisions. These insights are critical to ensuring that settlements align with the property's true value, protecting financial interests during recovery and rebuilding.”
Learn from 3 different appraisers in South Carolina how they got started in the appraisal business and how they got to where they are today—moderated by our own Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS.
The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to thank Barry and Tracy Pomeroy for their $5,000 donation to the Scholarship Fund in honor of their son, Rudy Pomeroy, MAI, SRA. Mr. Pomeroy has been an active member of NCAI since 2009 and is currently serving as a member of the chapter's Board of Directors. Mr. Pomeroy has also served as a Region V Representative on behalf of NCAI, as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee, and as a member of the Candidates / Practicing Affiliates Committee.
Mr. Pomeroy owns AAA Valuations, headquartered in Belmont, NC, and has provided professional real estate appraisal and valuation services in North and South Carolina since 2017. The company specializes in eminent domain and condemnation appraisals for public entities throughout the state. Their projects involve valuations of uneconomic remnants, damages from various sources including but not limited to access and visibility, the estimated cost to cure analysis, and typical diminution damages from right-of-way and easement acquisitions. AAA Valuations takes pride in providing service excellence daily and works hard to communicate early and often with their clients. Their primary objective is to provide professional real estate services that are timely and cost-effective for their clients. The ultimate goal at AAA Valuations is “To make our client look good. We pride ourselves on our strong work ethic and sound judgment in assisting our clients with their valuation needs. AAA Valuations is proud to have women and minority representation within our ownership structure, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion. AAA Valuations’ commitment to staff engagement supports our initiative to attain and maintain a diverse workforce, leading to high performance and productivity.”
