The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) President Kelly Davids recently sent TAF’s November Newsletter highlights for appraisers to take notice of. Specifically, Davids pointed out the many positives that came from TAF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting.

“I am so invigorated coming out of last week’s (Oct. 24-26) Board of Trustees meeting,” Davids wrote in the newsletter. “This month, I wanted to use this space to reflect and share my deep appreciation for everyone who has contributed to our work this year. From our boards to our partners, stakeholders, regulators, councils, and panels, none of this work would be possible without their tireless contributions to prioritize the public trust.”

There were a few quick takeaways Davids pointed out from the meeting, which, as she put it, “inspired” her. Davids said TAF’s Our SAVVY Award winner Rachel Beam has an incredible story about welcoming the next generation of appraisers and promoting diversity in the profession. The TAF president also was so “invigorated” to hear from the first PAREA graduates as they shared their stories.

“From our board trainings to the general session, there was inspiration around every corner,” Davids wrote. “We set some attendance records with this (BOT) meeting. With over 70 people in person and over 200 joining us via livestream, this Board of Trustees meeting reached more people than ever before. I’m thrilled that so many people can play an active role in the work that we are doing to build public trust.

“One of the things we’ve been intentional about with our Board of Trustees meetings this year is creating more opportunities for engagement and discussion,” Davids added. “Dr. Brent Ambrose’s presentation on his research into appraisal bias was a wonderful opportunity for our audience, both in person and virtual, to start a conversation. We will continue to identify exciting speakers and panels like this one to ensure our meetings are relevant to our audiences.”

Davids mentioned that while all of those were incredible moments, there was one that she wanted to spend a bit more time reflecting upon with her newsletter readers.

“One of the most moving moments of the meeting for me was the grace and leadership displayed by this year’s AQB (Appraiser Qualifications Board) and ASB (Appraisal Standards Board) Chairs, Brad Swinney and Michelle Czekalski Bradley,” the TAF president said. “These two incredible leaders have steered our standards and qualifications boards through incredibly trying times. I don’t think they fully understood the depth of the workload they were in for when they took the helm of our independent boards. But they both stepped up in ways that I have rarely seen leaders do.

“Michelle spearheaded the rewriting of the Ethics Rule with an energy and deep knowledge of USPAP that ensured the final product would be a critical asset for appraisers and consumers alike. The entire profession owes her a debt of gratitude for this revolutionary work,” Davids went on to say. “Brad’s calm leadership was critical as the AQB came under close scrutiny by federal regulators. He ensured that the Board could be responsive to federal regulators while also being laser focused on their goal to conduct a comprehensive review of the Criteria. We haven’t even begun to see the full fruits of this labor yet, but I know that it will be a game changer for the profession.”

Davids further noted that both Swinney and Czekalski Bradley “cemented” their legacies at TAF during that week, when, for the good of their boards and the profession, they agreed to welcome the next generation of leadership to their respective boards during their final year of tenure.

Additionally, the TAF president shared that Swinney and Czekalski Bradley’s generosity of spirit and continued commitment to the profession over their personal careers is an “example for us all.”

Furthermore, Davids emphasized that TAF and the profession will be in their debt for a long time to come.

“This past week has been an incredible reminder of why we aim for the big, bold and impactful projects that will shape this profession for the next generation,” Davids said. “I am so energized as we head into the end of the year and begin planning to make 2025 just as much of a change maker as 2024 has been.”