Cheryl B. Bella, MAI, AI-GRS

FICRAS National Chief Compliance Officer

FICRAS enjoys the national leadership of Cheryl Bella, MAI, AI-GRS. Her tremendous knowledge of compliance gained over years of practice experience in both the banking community and private practice provides bank clients a compliance assurance level unparalleled in the industry. As a Founding Member of the Designated Appraiser Coalition (DAC), Cheryl established FICRAS based on her knowledge of what banking and other regulated financial clients needed to achieve true compliance.

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M. Ralph Griffin, MAI, AI-GRS, MBA

FICRAS National Appraisal Review Panel Chair

M. Ralph Griffin, MAI, AI-GRS is a DAC Founding Member and serves as the DAC-FICRAS National Appraisal Review Panel (NARP) Chairman. Ralph has been a member of the Appraisal Institute (AI) for more than 40 years and has served in chapter and national leadership positions, education and professional development within the AI for most of that time. He has a unique level of expertise working with financial institutions to solve their appraisal review and risk management needs. Ralph is a designated member of the AI, holding the MAI designation and the AI-GRS general review speciality designation. Ralph's expertise has elevated his practice from his South Carolina roots to national presence. He is noted as leading one of the nation's top commercial and residential appraisal and review practices. His skills in developing and marketing real estate as well as appraising it are widely noted among his professional peers. We are pleased to enjoy Ralph's leadership skills and know each of our clients will be pleased with the professionalism he brings to the table.

Nick A. Tillema, MAI
(Formerly CRE, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CCIM)
Attorney at Law (MBA/JD)

DAC Governance – Executive Committee Chair

Nick has been involved in the real estate/finance industry since 1972. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business (Finance) from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University–Indianapolis. His background includes leasing and management with a regional shopping center owner; mortgage banking (origination, underwriting, secondary market and management); title company (co-owner); property management; real estate development; and valuation, consulting, and appraisal services. He has taught broker and appraiser pre-licensing and continuing education and has served on boards and committees for national and state professional organizations. As an attorney and appraiser, he has supported litigation matters, including appraisal review and complex assignments involving easements, eminent domain, and special-purpose properties.

Ted Whitmer, CRE, CCIM, MAI, Attorney

DAC-FICRAS Education and Legal Advisor

Ted Whitmer, CRE, CCIM, MAI, Attorney is a Founding Member of the Designated Appraiser Coalition (DAC). In his career, Ted has demonstrated leadership in education and legal services to hundreds of appraisers and clients. Ted organized and served as chairman of the board for Brazos Valley Bank in Texas, giving him a unique level of experience in the financial institution community. He is a nationally and internationally recognized educator, author and contributor to the appraisal profession.

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