Atlanta Area Chapter Newsletter

2026 Q2 Joint Region Meeting

April 13, 2026

Renaissance Hotel, 1611 Commerce St., Nashville, TN

Details and Registration Here

2026 Annual Conference

April 14-15, 2026

Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 1611 Commerce St., Nashville, TN

Details and Registration Here

Q2 Atlanta Area Chapter Meeting

May 7, 2026

Topgolf Atlanta Midtown, 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA

EVENT FLYER

Summer Social Lunch & USA Soccer Watch Party

June 19, 2026

12:00 p.m. (LUNCH) 3:00 p.m. (SOCCER WATCH)

USA vs Australia

Brick Store Pub, 125 E. Court Square, Decatur, GA, 30030

EVENT FLYER

Q4 Atlanta Area Chapter Lunch Meeting

26th Annual State of Atlanta Conference

October 8, 2026

Cobb Energy & Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, GA

Stay Tuned for More Events!

The Atlanta Area Chapter is excited to share that our very own local member, Bradley Carter, MAI, CRE, CCIM, will be on stage presenting at the 2026 Annual Conference held in Nashville, TN on April 14^th and 15^th. Our Chapter members embody a wealth of knowledge and will be sharing their expertise on the national stage for the benefit of residential and commercial appraisers, appraisal clients, and more. We are excited for Brad to represent us!

You won’t want to miss his presentation or the networking events. Register here to join us in Nashville and support your fellow member!

Here’s a sneak peek at the April 14th session:

Bradley Carter, MAI, CRE, CCIM

Managing Director, Specialty Valuation Group

Specialty Properties: The Thrill and the Traps of Niche Market Appraising

Special-use properties often come with outsized opportunities and equally outsized challenges. Experts will share the excitement and pitfalls of working in niche markets where transaction volume is low, comparables are scarce, and specialized knowledge is essential. Panelists will discuss market research strategies, highest-and-best-use considerations, and how to handle unique income streams and business components.

Plus, join us for an unforgettable night at Nashville Underground!

 We're hosting an exclusive, full buyout experience at this multi-level, high-energy venue in the heart of downtown Nashville. Enjoy a premium open bar, delicious dinner buffet, interactive games, and bowling while taking in the vibrant atmosphere and skyline views. Whether you're looking to network, unwind, or just have fun, this reception is the perfect place to connect with your fellow appraisers. Don’t miss one of the most anticipated events of the program! Tickets available in the registration portal.

See the full conference agenda and speaker bios on our website: 2026 Annual Conference!

Chapter Education Schedule

aiatlanta.org/home/education

USPAP 2026 - Same Standards, Stronger Guidance - Less Bias

By Jeff Miller, MAI, AI-GRS

I have had the opportunity to instruct the newest 7-hour USPAP update course five times to 243 students, and the feedback has been positive. Participants have found the course valuable both as a refresher on the 2024 USPAP, which remains in force, and as an opportunity to better understand the expanded guidance materials associated with USPAP.

Because The Appraisal Foundation now requires a separate 7-hour Valuation Bias course, the USPAP update course includes limited discussion of valuation bias on protected classes. Instead, the bias-related discussion focuses client pressure, advocacy versus independence, and maintaining objectivity in professional judgment.

The course format is also engaging. Approximately half of the class focuses on review and instruction, while the second half is devoted to case studies. These case studies are thoughtfully designed to challenge participants and often lead to meaningful differences of opinion. Rather than presenting simple scenarios with obvious answers, the cases demonstrate how intended use, intended users, and scope of work can legitimately lead to different appraisal conclusions.

The Scope of Work Rule in USPAP provides the critical framework for developing a credible value opinion by an unbiased appraiser. Clients seeking a predetermined or irrelevant value can often find it outside of the appraisal profession. What distinguishes professional appraisers is that their value opinions are independent, impartial, and objective. In that sense, USPAP is not merely a regulatory obligation, it is a competitive advantage.

USPAP also represents the legal and regulatory framework that maintains the relevance of appraisers at a time when the profession is approaching an inflection point. Advances in artificial intelligence, demographic changes within the profession, and modest industry growth are reshaping the future of appraisal practice. Like any profession, appraisers are influenced by economic forces such as supply and demand, substitution, and obsolescence.

Maintaining rigorous professional standards will be critical to ensuring that appraisers continue to play a meaningful role in the valuation process and remain trusted advisors in an increasingly complex real estate market.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding USPAP.

Jeff Miller, MAI, AI-GRS, ASA, CCIM

Southern Skyline Valuations

404-354-2331

jmiller@skylinevalue.com

skylinevalue.com

Highlights from the Q1 Chapter Meeting & Reception

January 29, 2026 - Thank you to everyone who joined us on 1/29/26 for the Atlanta Area Chapter Appraisal Institute’s 1st Quarter Chapter Meeting, Education Program, and Networking Reception at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Vinings.

We had an outstanding turnout and an engaging afternoon of continuing education and professional discussion centered on “Advancing the Real Estate Appraisal Profession: Governance, Growth, and the Future.”

Thank you to our discussion leaders: John Baldwin, SRA, AI-RRS; Talani Casariego, MAI; Peter Lamas, MAI; and Andy Sheppard, MAI, AI-GRS, for sharing their expertise and facilitating discussion, and to our Silver Sponsor, Newmark, for supporting this program and helping make high-quality education and professional connections possible. If you weren’t able to attend, we hope you’ll join us at the upcoming May 7, 2026, Chapter meeting and seminar at Topgolf Atlanta Midtown.

Lights, camera, gratitude! Thank you, Joe Hernandez (Associate Member), for capturing the magic with your creative eye and videography talent! Relive the moments that made this 1st Quarter Chapter Meeting unforgettable - check out the recap video HERE.

Meet Our New Designated Members - Congratulations!

Matt Curl, MAI

CBRE, Valuation Advisory Services

Matt, a Vice President in CBRE Atlanta's Valuation and Advisory Services Group, specializes in complex office and retail valuations, and his expertise incorporates all types of valuation services including appraisals, real estate portfolios, financial reporting, estate planning, going concerns, and sale-leaseback transactions. Matt's team has appraised many large portfolios and numerous high-profile properties including Buckhead Village, Krog Street Market, Bank of America Plaza, Campanile, 8West, Fourth Ward, 1105 West Peachtree, 14th & Spring, Salesforce Tower, Live Oak Square, Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Southern Dairies, Ansley Mall and Ponce City Market, among others. Matt rejoined CBRE in 2018 after gaining a broad range of commercial real estate experience in investment underwriting, valuation/consulting and acquisitions/development at various firms including JLL, CBRE, and Trimont Real Estate Advisors. While at JLL, Matt was involved in the disposition of over $3 billion of retail assets for clients such as Blackstone, DDR (SITE Centers), CBL and Brixmor. Matt has worked throughout the Southeast and is licensed as a Certified General Real Property Appraiser in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. He is also licensed as a real estate salesperson in the State of Georgia. Matt is an Alternate Regional Representative for the Atlanta Area Chapter Appraisal Institute. Matt has a BBA in Real Estate from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business.

Paxton Poppell, MAI

BBG, Inc.

Paxton A. Poppell, MAI, is a Director at the Atlanta, GA office of BBG, Inc. He has significant multifamily apartment appraisal experience, including new construction, substantial rehabilitation, market, HAP subsidized, LIHTC, and rural development in properties across the southeastern United States. He has appraised all types of affordable housing for banks, Freddie lenders, Fannie lenders, and HUD lenders, including the 223(f) and the 221(d)(4) programs. Additional experience includes valuation of tax credits, valuation of tax abatements, rent comparable studies, and analysis of conversion from affordable to market as properties have reached the end of their compliance periods. Prior to joining BBG, Mr. Poppell was a student at Florida State University, studying mathematics while working as an auditor.

Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA)

Are you working to become a real estate appraiser but finding it challenging to meet the experience requirements? We’ve got you covered. Struggling to find the right mentor? The Appraisal Institute will choose one for you.

PAREA, the Appraisal Institute Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal program, is a standardized and convenient approach to gaining the experience you need to become a real estate appraiser.  AI PAREA FAQs

In Memory

Rhonda Black Anderson, MAI

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Rhonda Black Anderson, MAI, a member of the Atlanta Area Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, from Cleveland, GA. Rhonda was deeply loved and appreciated by her family, friends, and colleagues. She brightened every room with her warm smile and was a genuine friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mrs. Rhonda Black Anderson, age 50, of Cleveland, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Mrs. Anderson was born in Hall County to Ray Black and the late Bulah Brooks Black. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law, A.D. and Jean Anderson, and brother-in-law, Jerry Anderson.

She received her Real Estate degree from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in Business from Georgia State University, and had her MAI Certification for Appraisals.

Mrs. Anderson was on the Apex Bank Board of Directors and was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Aaron Anderson; daughter, Ruby Sue Anderson; father, Ray Black (Ruth); sister, Tina Palmer (Barry), brother, Eddie Black; sisters, Kina Hester (Scott), and Kimberly Rankl (Albert); sisters-in-law, Doris McNelley and Sharon Conoley (Chris); and many nieces and nephews and friends.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Family Placed Obituary

In Memory

Bryan Almand, MAI

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bryan Almand, MAI, a dedicated and longtime member of the Savannah Area Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Bryan served as the Savannah Area Chapter President in 2014, while also serving on the Appraisal Institute’s Region IX Committee. His leadership, service, and friendship left a lasting impact on the Chapter and the broader Appraisal Institute community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.



Bryan Almand, 79, of Valdosta, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 19, 1946, in Macon, GA, he was the son of Otis Hale Almand, Sr. and Doris Rowland Almand. He grew up in Warner Robins and graduated from Valdosta State College in 1968 with a major in biology. He began a career in real estate appraisal and in 1977 moved to Valdosta and opened Almand & Co., where he was known as a knowledgeable, fair and well-respected appraiser until his retirement in June.

He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church where he was baptized in 1983. He attended the Men's Bible Class and served as a deacon, elder, and most recently as the greeter at the Magnolia Street door. He cherished his church family.

Bryan was a founding member of the Whiskey River Club. What started as an occasional poker game became a monthly gathering for food, fellowship and the telling of tall tales. This unique group of men enjoyed these get-togethers and generously gave to the Empty Stocking Fund, raising thousands of dollars each year.

In his earlier years, he was an avid golfer and spent many afternoons playing with "The Herd" at Valdosta Country Club. In 1988 he won the prestigious Jack Oliver Golf Tournament. Granted, the tourney was shortened by a day because of rain, but a win is a win!

Bryan was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed creating all kinds of projects in his shop. He made everything from jewelry boxes to plant stands, tables and a prayer bench for the church. He loved sharing his handiwork with family and friends.

His greatest joy was gardening which was an almost year-round activity. He loved sharing his produce, pole beans, broccoli, peppers and the best tomatoes! He turned the side yard into the "Grove" with all kinds of citrus trees. It wasn't unusual to see friends and neighbors wandering through the trees harvesting grapefruit, kumquats, satsumas and lemons.

Bryan was a generous and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he is pre-deceased by his brother, Hale Almand, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sissy, his children, Jenny (Donny) Creel, Missy (Matt) Huddleston and Will (Erica) Almand and grandchildren Bryan and Josi Howe, Dori Creel, Dillon and Emma Huddleston, Evan, Micah and Ella Kayte Almand.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made First Presbyterian Church General Fund or Break Bread Together, PO Box 1094, Valdosta, GA 31603. Online memories and condolences may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com