Last week, four delegates from the Northern California Chapter attended Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) in Washington, D.C. In light of the current crisis of confidence, they ensured our concerns were voiced clearly and directly.
The LDAC Report below outlines what took place and includes their recommendations: (1) immediate removal of Craig Steinley from leadership, (2) an independent, third-party investigation into the conduct of any Executive Officers, Board Members, or staff named or referenced in the lawsuits, and (3) that the results of that investigation be made available to all members.
The mood at LDAC was tense. Attendees were told that the New York Times article and the Steinley issue would be addressed in the final General Session. Woodhouse requested time in the opening session to raise these issues. Migdale made a similar request during the open forum.
The four delegates compiled a list of questions focused on:
- Who knew what, and when
- Why Steinley has not been suspended
- Whether an independent investigation will take place
- What steps are being taken to restore trust
- The need for bylaw changes to ensure open board meetings and greater transparency
The delegates came up with the following initial requests for the Board of Directors:
- Review and amend the National Bylaws to ensure open meetings to the extent possible
- Immediate suspension of Craig Steinley
- Commission an independent investigation separate from the pending litigation into Craig Steinley, and that the results of that investigation be made public to membership
- Commission an independent investigation separate from the pending litigation into members of the executive board, and that the results of that investigation be made public to membership. If board members are found to have been negligent or complicit into Craig’s behavior, move that they be removed.
Executive Remarks during the Conference compiled by our Delegates
The opening session included a presentation by former President Jody Bishop, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, on the traits and characteristics of great leadership. While not intended to comment on the current situation, it was difficult to ignore the irony of such a message given the perceived lack of leadership from National at this critical moment.
President-Elect Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, also spoke, emphasizing that legal settlements are not admissions of guilt and should be viewed as practical financial decisions.
No discussion of the Times article or the Steinley issue took place during the session.
Later that evening—after the reception—a Q&A was held with Executive Officers Paula Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS; Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS; and Sandra K. Adomatis, SRA. Roughly 75% of attendees participated. Woodhouse led with our pre-drafted questions. Konikoff declined to answer many of them, citing pending litigation. The officers were evasive, asked for patience, and appeared unprepared for the level of membership frustration. Several attendees shared personal stories of harassment and expressed deep dissatisfaction. There was strong consensus around the need to suspend Steinley. The officers warned that doing so could jeopardize AI’s legal defense.
Roman and Daniel each had individual private conversations with President Konikoff. Roman and Daniel reiterated the need for immediate action and increased transparency.
That evening, Daniel started a group text with Darwin Ernst, SRA, AI-RRS (Region I Chair), Paul Chandler, MAI, 2025 Northern California Chapter President and the other Northern California LDAC attendees to convey the overall mood and explicitly called for Steinley’s removal from leadership.
Breakout Sessions and Hill Visits
On Wednesday, Migdale and Woodhouse attended a communication session led by Walter Krzywicki, MAI, AI-GRS. Woodhouse had arranged in advance for space to be made for the Steinley issue, which Krzywicki allowed. It was a productive and candid exchange.
Daniel attended sessions led by Peter Lamas, MAI, and Michael Tidwell, SRA. Attempts to raise the Steinley issue were redirected or shut down.
That afternoon, the group met with congressional offices to advocate for:
- AMC fee transparency
- The PAL Act
- GSE waiver reform
- IRS appraisal panel reform
Congressman Jimmy Panetta offered strategic insight and was generally supportive. Other staffers were engaged and receptive.
Shift in Tone
On Thursday morning, Roman and Daniel attended Krzywicki’s session, which also included President Konikoff. Krzywicki allowed the conversation to shift to the Steinley issue and the Times article. We urged attendees to contact their Regional Chairs and Vice Chairs—many of whom were unaware these individuals are also National Directors. Konikoff’s tone had shifted dramatically from the day before. She began encouraging members to reach out to their Regional Chairs and Vice Chairs and emphasized the need for a motion, stating, “I need help.” Later that day, National sent an email to all LDAC attendees containing contact information for all National Board Members, reinforcing the call for action.
That afternoon’s final General Session was a Q&A specifically focused on the Steinley issue and the Times article. The Executive Officers now openly urged members to contact their Regional Chairs and Vice Chairs to make and/or support a motion to remove Steinley from leadership.
Recommendations from LDAC Delegates
It is the recommendation of our LDAC Delegates that every Northern California Chapter Member contact all Regional Chairs and Vice Chairs. Northern California Chapter members can find your region representatives here. The National Board of Directors is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, so time is of the essence. Members should express their views on the Steinley issue and the Times article and request that our board representatives support and approve the following motions:
- A motion to immediately remove Craig Steinley from leadership
- An independent, third-party investigation into the conduct of any Executive Officers, Board Members or staff named or referenced in pending lawsuits
- Make the independent investigation available to all members.
We further note:
- Failure by the Board to act does not preclude accountability. Individual members may file complaints directly with the Ethics Committee, which does not require Board approval.
- The current Bylaws provide no clear mechanism for suspension, only removal from the Board.
However, a substantiated ethics violation may result in an expulsion from the Appraisal Institute altogether.
This concludes the LDAC report from the Northern California Delegates. If you have any questions, concerns, or input you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your attention and continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
– Chapter Vice President, Carmel Valley
– Chapter Treasurer, Walnut Creek
– 2025 Coastal California Conference Chair and USPAP Instructor, Monterey
– Board of Director, Sacramento