#United States #Kansas City #Michigan #IAAO #Donna VanderVries

Donna VanderVries Ascends to the Presidency of IAAO

On January 1, 2025, the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) welcomed Donna VanderVries, CAE, AAS, PPS, Esq., as its newest president. This prestigious position marks a significant milestone in what has been a distinguished career dedicated to the field of property assessment. As the president, VanderVries will chair the Board of Directors, overseeing all board meetings as well as membership gatherings, reinforcing her commitment to enhancing the organization’s mission.

VanderVries, a member of IAAO since 2001, has held various leadership roles within the association. From her tenure on the Board from 2019 to 2021 to her roles as Vice President in 2023 and President-Elect/Treasurer in 2024, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has also contributed to key committees within IAAO, including Governance, Finance, Planning and Rules, and Professional Development, showcasing her versatility and leadership skills. Additionally, her participation in a myriad of boards and committees outside of IAAO—including those at The Appraisal Foundation—underscores her deep involvement in the assessment profession.

In her capacity as Muskegon County Equalization Director for over 17 years, VanderVries has gained practical, hands-on experience that informs her leadership style. Complementing her extensive career, she has also served as an adjunct professor for 18 years, sharing her expertise with emerging professionals in the field. Her educational background is equally impressive, with degrees in accounting from Wright State University, a law degree from The Ohio State University, and a master’s in Tax from the University of Cincinnati.

VanderVries has acquired several IAAO designations, including Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS), Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE), and Personal Property Specialist (PPS). Her credentials extend to receiving the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers, along with certifications as a Certified General Appraiser and a Michigan Master Assessing Officer. Notably, she is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and attorney, further cementing her status as an authority in her field.

Joining VanderVries in the IAAO Executive Committee for the year are William Healey, who has been elected as Vice President, and Terry Taylor, who will serve as Vice President as well. Continuing to lend her experience is the past president of IAAO, Rebecca L. Malmquist, who remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

In addition to VanderVries’ election, new Board members were announced, reflecting a commitment to providing fresh perspectives and strategic leadership within the association. Members elected for three-year terms starting January 1 include:

• - Allen Jolley, Principal Appraiser, Los Angeles County, as Region 1 Director.
• - Ginny Whipple, AAS, Bartholomew County Assessor, as Region 2 Director.
• - Scott Russell, AAS, PPS, RES, Property Appraiser, Monroe County, as Region 3 Director.
• - Billy Burle, Director of Sales and Customer Service, Data Cloud Solutions, as Associate Director.

Under VanderVries' leadership, IAAO aims to continue its support of a diverse community of professionals dedicated to property appraisal and taxation. By continuing to advance fair and equitable property appraisal, IAAO will strive to support its more than 8,000 members worldwide through comprehensive professional development, research, standards, and technical assistance. The organization is dedicated to its mission of being a global community of appraisal professionals.

As she steps into this new role, Donna VanderVries is expected to amplify IAAO’s efforts and help pave the way for further advancements in property assessment and valuation practices, impacting the field for years to come.