2014 Spring Newsletter

PROFESSIONALDESIGNATIONSPOTLIGHT:BRENDAFISHER,PPS,CFE

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.

BrendaFisher

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 ( bfisher@acpafl.org ).

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.

10

Spring2014Newsletterof theFCIAAO