William Healey Takes Office as 2026 IAAO President
William Healey, also known for his role as the Chief Assessor for the City of Lewiston, Maine, has officially begun his presidency with the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) as of January 1, 2026. In this capacity, Healey will serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors and will oversee all essential Board and membership meetings. This appointment marks a significant responsibility for Healey, who has dedicated over 25 years to the IAAO and achieved the prestigious Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES) certification in 2019.
A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
Before his presidency, Healey played a crucial role in the IAAO's Board of Directors from 2020 to 2022. His leadership skills came to light as he chaired the Ethics Committee and contributed to various committees including Membership Services, Nominating, and Governance. In 2024, he progressed to the position of IAAO Vice President and transitioned to President-Elect/Treasurer in 2025, building a strong foundation for his upcoming term.
New Executive Committee Members
Alongside Healey, the IAAO recently elected new members to its Executive Committee for a one-year term. Terry Taylor, CAE, RES, AAS, and FIAAO, who serves as the Director of Real Estate Residential Valuation in Orange County, Florida, has been elected as the IAAO President-Elect/Treasurer. Kara Endicott, also a dedicated member from Johnson County, Kansas, will fulfill the role of Vice President. The 2025 IAAO President, Donna VanderVries, will continue her contributions as Immediate Past President on the Executive Committee.
In addition, new regional board members were elected for three-year terms: Damian Lara from Bernalillo County in New Mexico, Timothy Hall Sr. from Mobile County in Alabama, and Kirk Boone from the University of North Carolina's School of Government, who will represent Region 3.
Advancing the Assessment Profession
The IAAO is recognized as a leading nonprofit organization focused on education and research within the assessing profession. Its mission is to foster a diverse community of professionals dedicated to advancing fair and equitable property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy through comprehensive professional development, research initiatives, and tailored technical assistance. The organization currently boasts a global membership base of approximately 8,000 individuals.
As Healey embarks on his presidency, he aims to continue the IAAO's commitment to its core mission while addressing contemporary challenges in property valuation and assessment. His extensive experience and leadership are expected to guide the IAAO toward achieving its strategic goals, enhancing educational resources, and promoting collaboration among members worldwide.
With his proven dedication to the field, Healey's leadership is likely to influence positive transformations within the IAAO, ultimately benefiting practitioners in the assessment community and the public they serve. As the year 2026 unfolds, all eyes will be on Healey as he navigates this crucial role in enhancing the future of property assessment.
Looking Ahead
As Healey takes the helm, the IAAO anticipates a year filled with significant progress and innovation. The organization aims to bolster its educational offerings, improve communication among members, and ensure a responsive approach to the evolving dynamics of property assessment. The steps taken under Healey's leadership could set new precedents in assessment education, cultivating a global community that values ethics, accuracy, and fairness in property valuation.