The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) elected Jan Wicherek of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as national president for 2020-2021. Wicherek formally was inducted during AIC’s 2020 annual General Meeting, held virtually June 5, according to a release by AIC.
Wicherek first joined AIC in 2008 working in all aspects of real property assessment, valuation, and consulting, and has been an active volunteer with the Institute for more than eight years. He has chaired several AIC committees and has served as PEI director on the AIC National Board.
"I am looking forward to my term as AIC president. I consider it a great honour and I am very humbled by the opportunity. I know our valuation profession, along with many other occupations, is facing unprecedented changes as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wicherek said in the release. “Furthermore, the complexities of reopening efforts have begun across the country. Changes which once seemed to come more gradually have rapidly accelerated and have been amplified. Perhaps the greatest difficulty of navigating through COVID-19 and all of the resulting challenges associated with the pandemic is the fact that this is not a one solution fits all scenarios.
“I look forward to the upcoming year and I am proud to be able to work with our members, volunteers, and staff to lead the organization through whatever challenges the coming year will bring." Wicherek added.
Joining Wicherek on the AIC Executive Committee are:
- André Pouliot – President-Elect – Nova Scotia
- Thomas Fox – Past-President – Saskatchewan
- Suzanne de Jong – Vice President – Ontario
- Adam Dickinson - Vice President - New Brunswick
- Keith Lancastle – CEO (Non-Voting)
Other members of the board include:
- Brad Brewster Alberta
- Dena Knopp Alberta
- Stephen Blacklock British Columbia
- Carrie Russell British Columbia
- Laura Kemp Manitoba
- Peter McLean Ontario
- Edward Saxe Ontario
- Louis Poirier Quebec
- Michael Kirkland Newfoundland/Labrador
Several awards also were presented during the annual General Meeting, including:
- The title of Fellow is granted to Designated Members who have distinguished themselves by their exemplary contributions to the profession. This is demonstrated by a high level of excellence and achievement that has contributed to the advancement of the profession. The Fellowship Award is granted at the discretion of the National Board of Directors. This year’s winner is Thomas Fox.
- The W.C. McCutcheon Award is granted to outstanding volunteers of the Appraisal Institute of Canada who have been long-standing committee volunteers and have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the Institute and profession. This year’s winner is Craig Soderquist.
- Top Appraiser Under 40 awards were presented to two exceptional young valuation professionals in Ayda Chamcham and Sanjit Singh.
- The President’s Citation is one of most prestigious awards that is granted to volunteers of the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC). The Award is granted at the discretion of the outgoing president – and granted to long-standing volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment. This year’s winner is Peter Mclean.