Leadership Change within Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal institute was first organized in 1932. Though it didn’t become the Appraisal Institute as we now know it until 1991 when two formerly separate organizations united.  Thus far, 26 presidents have been elected at AI since 1991.  Beginning January 1, 2016, Scott Robinson took the helm at the Appraisal Institute as their 26th President.  Scott joins us today to discuss the future of AI.

Buzz: Scott, thanks so much for joining us today. Firstly, can you tell our readers how you got started in the industry?

Robinson: I first became active in real property appraisal and consulting in 1987, after I graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I joined Robinson Associates, a firm in Salisbury, North Carolina, that my father had started in the mid-1960s. I still work there today with my dad, who’s now in his 80s. Through that work, and with my father’s encouragement, in 1987 I became an SRA candidate. I became actively involved with the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, a professional society that later merged with the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers to become the Appraisal Institute.

Buzz: For those who aren’t familiar, can you describe the Appraisal Institute’s mission?

Robinson: The Appraisal Institute’s mission statement, which was re-affirmed by the AI Board of Directors in July 2015, says: “Our mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide.”

Buzz: Are there any changes this year on the horizon for AI?

Robinson: We have a number of key initiatives that are in process that are multi-year projects, so we will continue on with those. As the leading organization representing the valuation profession around the world, the Appraisal Institute will continue to enhance its position as the international thought leader in the valuation profession. By promoting AI professionals, enhancing its body of knowledge, advocating for the profession and expanding the use of the Standards of Valuation Practice, the Appraisal Institute will continue to lead the way for valuation professionals around the world. Specifically, the Appraisal Institute sees the valuation profession being burdened by excessive rules and regulations, and we will continue to advocate solutions to lawmakers, regulators and other policy setters.

Buzz: Do you have any specific goals as the newly elected president of AI?

Robinson: I want to ensure that the Appraisal Institute will focus on the initiatives previously discussed as well as responding to the shrinking number of appraisers. The valuation profession offers many great opportunities, and I see the Appraisal Institute being a beacon promoting that reality.

Buzz: Why should appraisers connect with the Institute?

Robinson: Appraisal Institute professionals benefit from their association with AI in a number of ways. First, they have access to a wide variety of world-class education for all levels of appraisers and others. They can get books from the world’s largest publisher of real estate valuation books. They can pursue designations that remain the gold standard and which differentiate them in the marketplace. They’re able to network with some of the most highly advanced practitioners in the profession at local, regional and national events. They receive the benefits of state and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy from the profession’s only full-time, fully staffed Washington, D.C., office. They get online and print news publications with useful tips and tools. They and their organization are promoted through speaking opportunities, media coverage, advertising and trade shows. And they’re part of a respected tradition of real estate appraisers that has remained at the forefront of the profession for more than 80 years.

Buzz: Is there anything I may have missed that you think our readers should know about AI?

Robinson: We welcome valuers and professionals in industries related to the valuation profession who are not yet a part of the Appraisal Institute to our meetings, educational offerings and conferences. Networking with AI professionals is rewarding in many ways. To learn more about the Appraisal Institute, they can visit the Appraisal Institute website AppraisalInstitute.org, or you can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube.

Buzz: Scott Robinson thank you so much for joining us today and congratulations on being elected President of Appraisal Institute. To learn more about the Appraisal Institute’s mission, visit www.appraisalinstitute.org/about/.

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