2021 J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
In the spirit of its namesake, the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an AI professional who best demonstrates high ethical standards; contributed to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s); provided service to his or her community; and contributed to the appraisal profession. A minimum of 20 years of service is recommended for recipients of this award.
2021 J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Arlen C. Mills, MAI, SRA
Arlen C. Mills has been a practicing appraiser for 65 years and an Appraisal Institute Designated Member since 1965. He has served in numerous positions with the Appraisal Institute at the chapter and national levels, including national External Affairs Committee and the national Vice Presidents’ Committee. He contributed to the development of the USPAP Guidelines and Appraiser Qualifications, as well as the original USPAP course.
He has worked as an Appraisal Institute instructor for decades and he has been selected on multiple occasions to write valuation courses and served as a consultant to the Appraisal Institute in developing curriculum. He has been a prolific writer throughout his career, contributing significantly to the Appraisal Institute’s body of published work.
He has served the Northern California Chapter as president and as a committee member for decades of Northern California conferences, seminars and events.
Read more about Arlen’s contributions to the real estate appraisal profession.
Outsanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award is presented to an AI professional who has contributed ideas, service hours and dedication to ensure a specific program or effort is implemented at either the chapter, region, national and/or international level(s). This AI professional must be instrumental to the success of the program or effort, which also must be far enough along to measure and provide proof of success. Additionally, the program or effort must be beneficial to chapters, regions, national, international, designated members, candidates, affiliates, practicing affiliates and/or the profession.
2018 Outstanding Service Award Winner
Timothy “Tim” Runde, MAI
Tim Runde has been regional representative for the Appraisal Institute’s Northern California Chapter since 2017. He co-authored the book, “The Valuation of Green Commercial Real Estate,” published by the Appraisal Institute in 2017, and co-developed the course, “Practical Applications in Appraising Green Properties.” He has served as an instructor and reviewer for courses in the Appraisal Institute’s Valuation of Sustainable Buildings Professional Development program.
Volunteer of Distinction Award
The recipient of this award is chosen by the Appraisal Institute at the National level. Any member in good standing who makes significant contributions to the appraisal profession, local community or the Appraisal Institute is eligible. A panel of regional executive directors select the honorees each month for their respective regions. More information can be on the Appraisal Institute’s website here.
2024 Volunteer of Distinction
Joe Cormier-Knopp, MAI, AI-GRS
It is hard to find something that Joe has not been involved in!
In 2024, Joe wrapped up his final year as the Northern California Chapter’s Candidates Guidance Chair. He has been instrumental in working with Candidate Advisors to help candidates cross the finish line and earn their Appraisal Institute Designations. He currently serves on the Chapter’s
Board of Directors, and as a Regional Representative. Joe served on several 2024 Fall Conference subcommittees and moderated a session titled Adapting to the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Joe served on the 2024 Spring Conference Committee (and did such a great job he was tapped as
Vice Chair for 2025!). Most recently, Joe accepted the leadership role of Education Chair (which oversees all education presented by the Northern California Chapter) and will be a returning delegate at LDAC (Leadership Development Advisory Council) in Washington, DC in May.
Joe is the Assistant Commercial Chief Appraiser with Comerica Bank in Walnut Creek.
Past Northern California Chapter VOD recipients
2023 – John A. Hillas, MAI, SRA
2023 – Gary S. DeWeese, MAI
2022 – Gary S. DeWeese, MAI
2022 – Matthew Atwood
2022 – Michelle Patton, MAI
2020 – Norm Hulberg, MAI
2019 – Nick Cadigan, MAI
2018 – Terry Larson, MAI
2018 – Paul Chandler, MAI
2018 – Melissa Downing, MAI
2017 – Neil Lefmann, MAI, SRA
2017 – Kurt Reitman, MAI, SRA
2016 – Kathryn Sturgis-Bright, MAI
2010 – Jeff Enright, MAI, AI-GRS