The R.I. chapter of the Appraisal Institute held its annual installation of officers and directors on December 12th, at the Italo-American Club. The Appraisal Institute is the largest professional real estate appraisal organization in the world with approximately 24,000 members and 92 chapters. Thomas Andolfo, MAI, SRA of Andolfo Appraisal Associates, Inc. and chapter president in 2007 was re-elected president for 2008. He has been involved with the local chapter since 1986, having held every leadership position therein. Other officers include: Gerald Roch, SRA as vice president, education; Frank Cofone as vice president of administration and assistant vice president of education; Edward Stachurski, SRA as vice president of membership admissions, development & retention; and Evelyn Spagnolo as vice president of finance. New directors include: Jacalyn Haggarty; Bradford Hevenor; with William Coyle, III, MAI, SRA to serve as ex-officio. Incumbent directors are: Mary Coyle; Paul Cunningham, SRA; Erin Angel; William McGovern, SRA; and Paul Sczerbinski, SRA. Lastly, out-going directors were Noreen Flint, SRA and Michael O'Leary. The officers and directors were sworn into office by Edward Bowler, MAI, SRA, the Appraisal Institute's Region IV chair and a member of the Appraisal Institute's national board of directors. The event was enjoyed by 50 members and guests. Of the approximate 24,000 membership base of licensed and certified appraisers, the Appraisal Institute has approximately 5,900 commercial/industrial MAI designated members and 2,600 residential SRA designated members. President Andolfo noted that the chapter gained 14 new members in 2007 bringing its total membership to 90. This number was contrasted to 2003 when chapter membership stood at 53. He identified as contributing factors to this increase the breadth and quality of the Appraisal Institute's offerings for both continuing and qualifying education and the networking opportunities afforded its members. He thanked Gerald Roch, SRA for his work as education chair and chapter webmaster (www.riai.org ); Edward Stachurski, SRA for membership development; Evelyn Spagnolo in her dual capacity as treasurer and golf tournament chair; and executive secretary, Elsie John for her 22 year involvement with the chapter.