The Appraisal Foundation’s 2025 Fall Board of Trustees Meeting in San Antonio, TX last week was nothing short of amazing!! President Kelly Davids asked me “What’s been most surprising about my first year as a Board of Trustee member of TAF?” My response was “The way I’ve been able to contribute (with the help of my fellow TAF trustees and staff) and help move the needle forward as a new trustee, was a bit surprising to me.” & It’s less about me, but more of how receptive everyone really has been to implement new strategies, inclusive in the discussions, participatory in outreach efforts, and welcoming to new partnerships and collaborations. It’s one thing to have a seat at the table, but it’s a whole other thing to be heard, valued and appreciated. I’ll be sure to elaborate more on this at a later date. In the meanwhile be sure visit the website of The Appraisal Foundation and be on the lookout for the exposure draft coming out from the AQB (Appraiser Qualifications Board) by the end of the year. Changes are coming in 2026 and you can have input and comment on the draft as the public or as a professional. Additionally, TAF recently approved a new Practicum outline with the collaboration of FARM Credit (See website) to assist with the creation of rural appraisers. The PAREA & Practicum programs address the issue and barrier that most aspiring appraisers face with not having a supervisory appraiser that can or will assist them with the 1000+ hours of experience that they need to get licensed. TAF is currently encouraging other service providers/partners to come forward with additional Practicum programs in all areas of valuation. These are just a couple of ways that we’re breaking down barriers of entry and assisting with the creation of the next generation of appraisers, but we have soooo many more impactful initiatives on the way!! #Standby #TheAppraisalFoundation #CollaborationOverCompetition