Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC), 2014 by Michael Leahy, PR Chair of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Chapter of the Appraisal Institute

LDAC 2014

The 2014 Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) took place last month (May 19^th-21^st).  I was honored to be among the 100 appraisers from around the United States and Puerto Rico to be in attendance for this three day think tank and lobbying event.  This year’s discussions developed by the Appraisal Institute Steering Committee were as follows:

1. Defining and Promoting the AI Designated Member Difference
2. Embracing and Using Technology – Becoming a Technology Savvy Real Estate Appraiser
3. Defusing the Succession Time Bomb - Solving the Trainee/Supervisor Dilemma
4. Create New and Expand Existing Client Relationships (through unique, value added enhancements and market diversification that cause AI Designated members to stand out from other appraisers)

The discussions were lively, informative and provided a lot of interesting perspectives from appraisers working in various fields and locals.  The resulting discussions, led by a panel of capable discussion leaders, will be distilled and presented to the Appraisal Institute’s Steering Committee to help shape the focus and direction of the Appraisal Institute in the future.

Michael Leahy and U.S. Representative Tom Murphy

In addition to the internal discussions, the Appraisal Institute turned the LDAC attendees loose on Capitol Hill where we broke into regional groups to lobby our respective Congressmen on the following issues impacting the appraisal profession.  This year, we focused to on two issues:

1. Small Business Administration (SBA) “Going Concern” Appraisal Policy Change
2. “Protecting the Integrity of the Appraisal” through Government Sponsored Entity (GSE) reform bills addressing the proposed Uniform Mortgage Database.

The first issue addressed a loophole that currently exists in SBA policy regarding the valuation of special purpose properties, i.e. loans that fall under the 7(a) program, which currently prevent appraisers from providing going concern valuations for special purpose properties (hotels, car washes, etc.) thus requiring small businesses to hire two separate valuation professionals.  This loophole increases costs and is a particular burden to small business. 

The second issue relates to bills that are in the respective Chambers of Congress, the “Corker-Warner” bill in the Senate and the “Path Act” in the house, both of which contain language related to and allowing for appraisal data to be collected in a publically accessible database.  This is problematic for a myriad of reasons ranging from personal privacy to the misappropriation of data.  In both bodies we urged our Congressman to address that language to ensure that the database is not open to public and private entities outside of the GSE.

Impromptu Bike Tour

While the LDAC experience is and endurance test at times, all work and no play would make “Jack” a dull, dull boy.  Needless to say, everyone, including the Appraisal Institute staff, does everything in their power to make the event as enjoyable as possible.  I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this event if the opportunity arises. 

Pennsylvania Lobby Team

I cannot thank the staff of the Appraisal Institute as well as my fellow LDAC participants for a wonderful, enlightening and fulfilling experience, particularly the excellent group of professionals from the PA lobbying team, (left to right): Erin Hannan, MAI; Susanne Curran, MAI and Michele Glower, MAI.