Awards and Recognition
Proudly Celebrating Your Contributions
Appraisal Institute members make a difference every day through their leadership, service and commitment to the valuation profession. Our awards and recognition programs celebrate those contributions and the people behind them.
Know someone whose work deserves to be recognized? Explore the awards below, learn more about the criteria and past recipients, and submit a nomination.
Nominations for the 2027 Appraisal Institute Awards are open!
Nominations for the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, William S. Harps DEI Award and Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award must be submitted by December 1, 2026.
Volunteers of Distinction nominations are accepted throughout the year.
Bert L. Thornton President’s Award
Given at the president’s discretion, this award is given to a person who is committed to the organization; currently engaged in its activities; an effective spokesperson; representative at all times; and in touch with both the needs of other AI members and the changes that the organization must help its AI members to meet.
J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to an AI member 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.
Outstanding Service Award
This award is presented to AI members who have contributed ideas, service hours, and dedication to ensure a specific program or effort is implemented at the chapter, region, national and/or international level(s).
William S. Harps DEI Award
This award recognizes an AI member who exemplifies the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in the valuation profession and has contributed to making the profession reflective of all the communities we serve.
Women's Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award
This award recognizes an AI member or other individual associated with the Appraisal Institute who has made an important contribution to fostering the growth of women in the valuation profession.
Volunteers of Distinction
Each quarter, the Appraisal Institute recognizes members whose volunteer service has made a meaningful impact on the organization. Honorees are selected for their contributions to the Appraisal Institute, including to their chapters, as well as their service to the real estate valuation profession and their local communities. Any member in good standing may be nominated by a peer.
AI Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) Awards
- Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award
- George L. Schmutz Award
- Dr. William N. Kinnard, Jr. Award
- James H. Pritchett Award
- Armstrong/Kahn Award
- Swango Award
- Richard U. Ratcliff Award