According to the Appraisal Institute, former White House aide Ken Chitester has been hired as director of communications. A communications aide in the Clinton White House, Chitester most recently was a public relations consultant with his own firm, Chitester Communications. He previously was vice president and deputy director of Midwest public affairs at Hill Knowlton. He will report to Appraisal Institute CEO Frederick Grubbe.
"We are thrilled to bring aboard someone with Ken's extensive background as we expand our internal and external communications activities," said Appraisal Institute president Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA. "The 25,000 members of the Appraisal Institute are proud of the work they do and are anxious to tell their story to a broader audience. Ken will help us increase awareness, promote understanding and communicate the value of appraisers, the appraisal profession and the Appraisal Institute."
Chitester brings more than 14 years of public relations and public affairs consulting experience to his new position. A journalism graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Chitester spent six years as a newspaper reporter and editor. He also is the author of "Aboard Air Force One: 200,000 Miles with a White House Aide" (Fithian Press).
"I'm excited about the opportunity to join such a dynamic organization that promotes professional and ethical standards in a vital profession," Chitester said. "I look forward to working with appraisers across the country and around the world to help enhance their reputation, as well as that of the profession and the Appraisal Institute."
The Appraisal Institute is a global membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with over 25,000 members and 91 chapters throughout the world. Organized in 1932, its mission is to support and advance its members as the choice for real estate solutions and uphold professional credentials, standards of professional practice and ethics consistent with the public good. The Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Members of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SPRA and SRA designations. Tags: