Chapter News and Awards

President's Message - January 2026

Dear Chapter Members,

Happy New Year—and thank you for your membership and the opportunity to serve as your 2026 Chapter President! I am excited for the year ahead and grateful for the chance to give back to an organization that has helped propel my career and continues to elevate the appraisal profession through education, advocacy, and valuable resources. We truly have a special and dynamic chapter, and I look forward to carrying forward the momentum of those who led before me.

By way of introduction, I am a commercial real estate appraiser and owner of The Appraisal Group (www.tagmn.com). I began my appraisal career as an intern while attending the University of St. Thomas. One of my first responsibilities involved navigating the downtown Minneapolis skyway system to develop photos for the staff appraisers—photos that I would then tape into appraisal reports before printing and binding the final copies. Technology has come a long way since then, though I still use my HP 12c every day!

In 2026, we will resume a full schedule of tours and interactive education offerings that provide both continuing education credits and meaningful opportunities for engagement. Several upcoming programs include:

• 2026–2027 USPAP 7-Hour National Course – January 16 • Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR – January 21 • Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course – January 26

Our first Chapter Meeting will take place Wednesday, January 28 at the University of St. Thomas – St. Paul Campus. We will kick off with a tour of the Schoenecker Center (also known as the STEAM Building), followed by lunch, the Chapter Meeting, and a presentation on the economic outlook.

Java Time with former North Star President Byron Miller will be held monthly at various Caribou Coffee locations. The first session is January 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Osseo, MN. These casual, caffeinated gatherings are great opportunities to connect with fellow appraisers, discuss career development, and stay informed on current events and legislation impacting our profession.

I am also excited to announce the formation of a committee to launch the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) within the North Star Chapter. We are planning several gatherings this year, including a WIN Retreat. These events are open to everyone, with the goal of supporting and advancing women in the appraisal industry.

Additional events in development include the 27th Annual Trends Seminar on May 7, and a collaborative event with the WYDAK Chapter in Fargo, ND on June 11.

Thank you again for your commitment to the North Star Chapter. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and successful 2026.

Sincerely, Kelsey K. Hornig (Malecha), MAI, CCIM

2026 President, North Star Chapter, Appraisal Institute

Just for Fun –

Last month, my husband and I visited the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul. If you—or anyone you know—are fans of trains or LEGOs, it’s a wonderful place to explore!

President's Message - Q2 2026

North Star Chapter of the Appraisal Institute
President’s Letter
Spring 2026

Dear Chapter Members,

As we move into spring the lovely sight of green grass and flowers, I wanted to share a few updates and highlights from around the North Star Chapter.

Earlier this month, the Appraisal Institute hosted its Annual Conference on April 14–15 in Nashville—the first in-person annual conference since COVID-19. The event featured dedicated tracks for both residential and commercial appraisers and was well attended by professionals eager to grow and advance their careers.

Our college outreach efforts continue to gain traction. Brett Hall, MAI, SRA, and Jack McGrane represented the North Star Chapter at the University of Wisconsin–Stout Career Fair on February 26. With approximately two dozen employers and 50–75 students in attendance, this was a valuable opportunity to introduce the appraisal profession to students—many of whom had not previously considered it as a career path. About a dozen students engaged in meaningful conversations, and 10 expressed interest in learning more. We directed them to the Appraisal Institute website for additional resources and plan to invite them to an upcoming Chapter meeting.

In addition, Byron Miller, SRA, and Sam Adesiji, SRA, participated in a panel discussion at the University of Wisconsin–Stout focused on the residential appraisal profession. They engaged with approximately 15 students, discussing key aspects of the field, including barriers to entry and the evolving expectations facing the next generation of appraisers. The conversation also highlighted the pros and cons of working as a residential appraiser—touching on both the flexibility and demands of the role—and provided a practical overview of how appraisers value single-family homes in today’s market.

A quick reminder—if your license is renewing this year, be sure to complete the required bias course. The Appraisal Institute offers an online option of the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Course:

 https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/search/valuation-bias-and-fair-housing-laws-and-regulations-ai/525502

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events planned:

• The 27th Annual Trends Seminar (Approved for 7 hours of CE) will take place on May 7^th at the DoubleTree Hilton Park Place in St. Louis Park; Details & Registration:

https://north.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=144&ts=1776708205

• Our 2nd Quarter Chapter Meeting (Approved for 3 hours of CE) will be held on May 26^th at the North Loop Green Building in Minneapolis; Registration:

https://north.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=119&ts=1775585010

At the May Chapter Meeting, Justin Gohn, MAI, will provide a two-hour seminar on Artificial Intelligence for Appraisers, followed by a one-hour building tour of North Loop Green with representatives from ESG Architecture and Hines. We will conclude the event with a social gathering on the North Loop Green terrace.

We are also excited about our collaborative event with the WyDak Chapter. An upcoming event on June 11- 12 in Fargo, North Dakota, will feature presentations from the City of Fargo on planning and development, as well as insights and walking tours from the Kilbourne Group of several downtown redevelopment properties. The day will conclude with a social event at Brewhalla / Drekker Brewing Company. We will have a formalized schedule for the event prepared within the next week.

The Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) Committee is actively planning a fall WIN Retreat, which will take place October 10–11 at Madden’s on Gull Lake. This event will be open to all Appraisal Institute members and will include opportunities to earn continuing education credits, a boat cruise on Gull Lake, and additional networking and retreat activities. Additional details will be shared in an upcoming email.

Finally, we are currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. This is a two-year commitment and a great opportunity to get involved, build connections, and help shape the future of our Chapter. Please reach out to me if you are interested in serving.

Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and support of the North Star Chapter. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events.

Sincerely,
Kelsey K. Hornig (Malecha), MAI, CCIM

2026 President, North Star Chapter

Appraisal Institute

Just for Fun –

Our cat “Panda” adopted us two years ago after being born under our deck in a litter of six kittens. I was adamant that she remains mainly an outdoor cat; however, she got the last laugh since now she sleeps on our bed and judges the March blizzards!! We love our fur baby 😊