Army of The Foster Company earns MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute

Leominster, MA According to The Foster Company, Inc., Francis Army has achieved the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. 

Allan Foster, president of The Foster Company said, “Frank has been a tremendous addition to our firm as an appraiser and in helping to manage the business. His accomplishment of obtaining the MAI Designation is a landmark. We look forward to Frank’s contributions as we near our 100th year in business.” 

Army has worked in the real estate profession for over 25 years. His experience began as a broker in 1996 and then as a property tax consultant. He joined The Foster Company in 2018 and has been an integral part of the team, working closely with Allan Foster on complex appraisal assignments and the strategic vision of the firm, all while working tirelessly to earn the MAI designation in under two years. 

Army said, “MAI designation is a team effort and is a direct reflection on the care all the appraisers at Foster Appraisal took in training me. Their superior training allowed me to accomplish this difficult and worthwhile goal in less time than I had expected. Heartfelt thanks to the Foster Appraisal team.” 

The MAI Designation is the most highly regarded commercial appraisal designation. According to the Appraisal Institute, only about 10% of all appraisers nationally hold the MAI designation. It typically requires intensive work in areas of professional experience, education, an exhaustive demonstration report, a two-day examination, and thorough peer review in order to receive the coveted designation. 

Army graduated from the University of New Hampshire, and worked in real estate brokerage in Florida and South Carolina for several years. Later, as a property tax consultant, Army gained extensive valuation expertise with a full range of tax-related assignments, from some of the largest REITs in the United States to single property owners. Properties he has valued include commercial and industrial facilities, retail properties, apartment complexes, subsidized and affordable multi-family housing, senior living facilities, office buildings, and special purpose properties. His years of full-time employment in the real estate field lend an astute perspective to Army’s appraisal and consulting assignments. He is currently a licensed certified general appraiser in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.