by Linda Whittlesey, SRA
I have recently observed that our Chapter and indeed our industry are currently comprised of a combination of the old guard and the new. We primarily consist of two factions: established appraisers – elder statesmen and elder stateswomen making their mark at the top of their game as leaders within the litigation space, diminution in value, eminent domain, mediation and trust and estate assignments. Additionally, we have an impressive cadre of up-and-coming gen-x appraisers, cutting a path in the mortgage appraisal world, litigation and a myriad of additional appraisal types and consulting specialties. One of these groups may think that perhaps we spend too much time on social media and the other is quite certain that we spend too little. One feels that our Chapter events have devolved into something “unprofessionally casual” and the other feels that we are still a bit too stuffy for their taste.
Our Chapter has lost four past presidents in the past several months: Vince Maher, MAI, Rolland Stephens, MAI, George Hamilton Jones, MAI and Skip Ogle, SRA. All four gentlemen enjoyed successful multi-decade careers in the appraisal industry. I have been privileged to attend memorial services for three of these impressive leaders. At each of them, I was humbled by their dedication to service. Most recently, at Skip’s service, I was impressed, and in truth, a bit tearful, to see both Skip’s SRA Designation and his Volunteer of Distinction Award prominently displayed among his treasures.