Boston, MA The MA-RI-ME Chapter of the Appraisal Institute would like to thank all the panelists and other participants involved in our program “Appraising for the Appellate Tax Board – Expanding Your Scope of Work Services” held on May 3, 2023 at the Hilton Boston / Dedham Hotel.
The program attracted approximately 120 attendees, making it one of the largest events organized by the Appraisal Institute Chapter in several years. Attendees included a wide range of appraisers, assessors, attorneys, tax representatives, and ATB officials. Although many of the attendees were experienced in ATB proceedings, several were new to this form of valuation analysis and were presented the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with more seasoned professionals.
The MA-RI-ME Chapter of the Appraisal Institute worked closely with the Massachusetts Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) in coordinating event schedules, member notifications, and in developing the program structure. The success of the May 3rd program will likely result in future joint programs held by the three organizations.
Panelists included current ATB commissioner Steven Elliot and former ATB chair Kenneth Gurge. The program also presented the opportunity to welcome the ATB’s newest commissioner, Nicholas Bernier who was appointed by governor Baker and confirmed by the Governor’s Counsel in December 2022.
Additional panelists included Michael Tarello of Vision Government Systems, Ellen Brideau of the City of Lowell/president of the MAAO, Lane Partridge of the Town of Barnstable/president-elect of the MAAO, and Donald Bouchard of Lincoln Property Company.
The ATB program was designed to be as much a networking event as it was an educational program. Participants enjoyed having multiple professional disciplines represented providing the opportunity to reconnect in-person with both colleagues and clients. Attendees found that the presentations had good takeaways and left with a feeling of being refreshed professionally.
The program commenced with a luncheon and ended with a cocktail reception to further encourage the event’s networking component.
“I was happy to serve as program moderator as well as one of the panelists. The MA-RI-ME Chapter of the Appraisal Institute looks forward to working with both the MAAO and IAAO in the development of future joint programs designed to both educate our respective members and provide networking opportunities in developing future professional relationships between the disciplines,” said Thomas Jenson, principal and executive director of Boston Appraisal & Consulting.