Appraisal Institute names 2006 officers and directors.

The Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, the Manhattan arm of the international membership association of leading real estate appraisers, today announced its officers and directors for 2006.

The announcement follows a December installation ceremony at Manhattan's Bouterin restaurant, at which many of the organization's most prominent New York members were in attendance.

Marilyn Weitzman, MAI, of The Weitzman Group Inc., was appointed president for 2006. She succeeds Mark Pomykacz, MAI, of Federal Appraisal & Consulting, immediate past president.

Four prominent members were also appointed to officer posts for 2005. John M. Pearson, MAI, of Pearson Partners, was appointed first vice president; Joel Leitner, MAI, of Leitner Group, was appointed second vice president, Matthew C. Mondanile, MAI, of Cushman & Wakefield, was appointed secretary, and Kenneth Wong, MAI, of Regional Appraisal Associates, was appointed treasurer.

Former chapter president Brian Corcoran, MA1, of Cushman & Wakefield, served as the installation officer.

"The Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Appraisal Institute values the many contributions of Mark Pomykacz, and the entire leadership team in 2005, for their leadership in continuing the Appraisal Institute's tradition of professional real estate education here in New York City," said Ms. Weitzman. "Together with my fellow officers, we're looking forward to making 2006 an eventful year of growth and success for the Appraisal Institute and its members."

In addition to the installation of officers, four new members were appointed to the Board of Directors.

The 2006 Board will consist of Ruth A. Agnese, MAI, of Appraisers and Planners; Brian R. Corcoran, MAI, of Cushman & Wakefield; Cynthia Gibbons, MAI, of Washington Mutual; Dov Goldman, MAI, of CB Richard Ellis; Eric Haims, MAI, of Jerome Haims Realty Inc., Daniel J. Houlihan, MAI, of Houlihan & O'Malley Appraisal Co., Eric Lewis, MAI, of Cushman & Wakefield; Theresa Nygard, MAI, of KTR Newmark Real Estate Services; Alan Perl, MAI, of Metropolitan Valuation Services Services; Joseph Petrocine, MAI, of Regional Appraisal Associates; Gerald Sanders, MAI, of Weiser Realty Advisors LLC; and Steven J. Schleider, MAI, of Metropolitan Valuation Services.

The Appraisal Institute is an international membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with more than 18,000 members and 99 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. More information can be found at AppraisalInstitute.org. For additional information and upcoming events visit www.aimetrony.com.