on the total number
of members. It’s
because of this
focus that Stephens
emphasizes that
“our effort to des-
ignate MAI and SRA
members is one of
the most important
components for the
continued success
of the Appraisal
Institute.”
Magdziarz agrees and says that the shift in
AI’s mission comes at the right time because the
current business model has run its course.
“A major weakness in our current business
model is that we are not designating a sufficient
number of members to be a sustainable market
force in the future,” Magdziarz says. “To be suc-
cessful, we need to understand that the number
of members is not a solution for success. The
solution is to have highly qualified Designated
members who provide professional services that
the market is demanding today, and to educate
and train our members to provide services that
will be demanded in the future.”
Magdziarz says that his biggest accomplish-
ment as president was the opportunity to be
part of a team involved in setting a new strategic
direction that would position the Appraisal
Institute as a professional society rather than
a professional association.
“I am most pleased that I was charged with
implementing the changes necessary to enhance
the meanings of designations and to create a
sustainable business model that will ensure that
the Appraisal Institute will lead the valuation
profession into the future,” Magdziarz says.
Ken P. Wilson,
MAI, SRA
DEDICATED TO DESIGNATIONS
“This is an exciting direction for the Appraisal
Institute, and we will focus our resources on
assisting our MAI and SRA candidates through
the designation program,” Stephens says about
the Candidate for Designation program, which
the AI Board of Directors was expected to vote
on in November (after Valuation’s print deadline)
and, if approved, would begin Jan. 1, 2013. The
program would include three primary categories:
Designated members, Candidates for Designation
and Affiliates (practicing and non-practicing), as
newly defined.
“This is the first, small part of the new business model … but it will establish who we are,”
Magdziarz adds.
The Executive Committee, however, acknowledges that there are current Associate members
who do not want to be designated at this time,
and they want to assure those members that the
Appraisal Institute is an inclusive organization and
that there will still be
a place for them.
As immediate past
president, Magdziarz
says his plan for 2012
includes assisting “in
implementing new
policies and procedures that will allow
candidates to have
a simplified path to
designations so they
Joseph C. Magdziarz,
MAI, SRA
“To be successful, we need
to understand that the
number of members is
not a solution for success.
The solution is to have
highly qualified Designated
members who provide
professional services that
the market is demanding
today, and to educate
and train our members
to provide services that
will be demanded in the
future.”
— Joseph C. Magdziarz, MAI, SRA
understand the requirements and to ensure that
the support facilities are created to assist them
in becoming designated.”
Borges, as president-elect, is also geared up
and pledges to “continue my long-term passion of
encouraging and assisting Associate members to
earn their designations.”
“I truly believe the appraisers who are best
able to serve the public are (Appraisal Institute
Designated) members who have proven their
mettle by meeting
AI’s rigorous admis-
sions and designation
requirements,” says
Borges. “The future
of AI and the real
property appraisal
profession only
benefits when more
individuals become
designated — the
Stephens agrees with Borges that designations
significantly enhance the reputation of the valua-
tion profession — a reputation that has suffered
a few blows over the past few years as a result of
a difficult economy and a few bad appraisers.
“We have to continue to dispel the idea that
quick and cheap is the valuation vehicle that is
needed in today’s climate,” Stephens says. “I will
continue to talk about the importance of requir-
ing the services of a professional, well-educated
appraiser, which is the perfect description of our
Designated members,” she says. “And we have
to continue to speak out about the use of poorly
qualified appraisers … and the use of unregulated
valuation services … and the harm that these valu-
ations present in today’s economic climate.”
Magdziarz agrees and shares Stephens’ frustra-
tions about the heat appraisers have taken in this
economy and the general lack of respect for the
valuation profession of late, especially with accusa-
tions of poor appraisals, the proliferation of clients
using AMCs and alternative valuation products.
However, he also shares her optimism that the
shift the Appraisal Institute is making toward a
Richard L. Borges II,
MAI, SRA
