10
Spring2014Newsletterof theFCIAAO
Whendidyoubeginyourcareer in theassessment field?
I beganmy career in 1981 in theAssessor’sOffice inPutnam, CTas the clerk
andworkedmyway to theCCMAII (ConnecticutCertifiedMunicipalAssessor
II) and theState-CertifiedRevaluationSupervisor certifications. In2004, I
joined
thenorthernexodus accepting thepositionasTangibleDirector in the
SarasotaCountyPropertyAppraiser’sOfficeandeventually settling in the
AlachuaCountyPropertyAppraiser’sOfficeasDirectorof TangiblePersonal
Property
(TPP) in2011.
Whydidyoupursue thePPSDesignation?
I becameamemberof IAAO in2004withan interest in furtheringmyeducation. In just
a short timeworking inFlorida, I quicklybecameawareof theunique complexitiesof
TPPappraisal. As a long timeassessor and student ofmass appraisal, I looked to the
IAAOas thevehicle todevelopmyexpertise in theTPParena. ThePersonal PropertySpe-
cialist (PPS) candidacyprovideda step-by-stepmethod forme tohonemyappraisal skills
andgain thenecessaryknowledge tobe competent inmyprofession. Finally, acquiring thePPSDesig-
nationwas the symbol ofmyachievement and competency.
Doyouparticipate inany typeofmentoringoradvisoryprograms?
I amapastChair, and current advisor, of theFCIAAOTPPSteeringCommittee. I also serveon the
FCIAAOProfessionalDesignationCommitteeas aPPSadvisor. If anyonehas anyquestions, orwould
likea soundingboard formaking theirdesignationplan succeed, please contactme
(
Inyouropinion,whyshouldsomeonepursueaprofessionaldesignation?
While some countiesoffermonetary compensation for achievingadesignation, in the long run there is
much,muchmorevalue to theachievement. Theveryprocessof fulfilling theeducational require-
ments, preparing for the case studyexamand the successful completionof themaster examwill in-
creaseyourprofessional competence.Whilegoing through theprocess, youare forced to think
“outsideof thebox” ofmerely taking individual courses andpassingexams, toutilizing thewholeof
what youhave learned toarriveat adefensible conclusionof value. Thedesignationprocess andulti-
mate receipt of designationprovideaffirmationboth inwardly for your self-confidenceandoutwardly
to yourpeersof your competency inyour chosen field.
PROFESSIONALDESIGNATIONSPOTLIGHT:BRENDAFISHER,PPS,CFE
BrendaFisher
