Message from the CEO

ASA’s CEO letter to members and friends

On July 1, we welcomed the Pacific Northwest Chapter, ASA’s newest addition. This is the first of ASA’s region-based chapters, a new model that encompasses a wider area designed to foster expanded networking opportunities. Members interested in joining the new Pacific Northwest Chapter, please contact ASA’s Membership Services team by phone at (703) 478-2228 or by email at asainfo@appraisers.org. I look forward to greeting these professionals and see it unfold.

I also want to announce that ASA’s Summer 2021 ARM e-Journal has been released. This issue is filled with informative articles containing pertinent details on expert deposition testimony, impeachable ad valorem appraisal reports, and common mistakes in appraising premodern Chinese painting; as well as informative updates on everything ASA—Appraisal Review & Management. I encourage you all to view and download your free copy.

We are working to put the finishing touches on the website refresh project, including integration with new Association, Learning and Financial Management Systems; and collaboration with discipline volunteers to develop and design their individual home pages. Anticipated launch of the updated site is expected prior to the 2021 ASA International Conference in October.

I had a great conversation with the MODUS publication about unconscious bias and why inequality in American home valuations is not just about discrimination. ASA is doing its part by attracting more diversity to the industry. One thing we’re doing is trying to partner with organizations that are representing these individuals. For example, NSREA (National Society of Real Estate Appraisers), that caters to African American appraisers again this year. We are also looking to find ways to work with HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) schools. For the full interview, click here.

On our advocacy front, ASA and MBREA jointly submitted formal comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in response to the agency’s proposed consent agreement regarding its case against the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board (LREAB). ASA and MBREA asked that the FTC clarify the basis of the consent agreement is the absence of active supervision by the state of Louisiana, and not the underlying “customary and reasonable” fee provisions from the Dodd-Frank Act.

Lastly, I would also like to remind everyone that we have created hybrid educational offerings being held in conjunction with this year’s 2021 ASA International Conference at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, NV OR online. We’ve organized a list of 8 classes being held between October 21-24. Save on travel expenses while accumulating CE and enjoy a special registration discount for ASA’s International Appraisal Conference when you register for one of these fundamental courses for appraisers.

To read other important news visit my Message from the CEO column on ASA’s Blog, or follow me on Twitter @johnniewhiteCEO and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnniewhiteceo/ for more ASA updates.