Background:
My hometown is Farmer City, which is where my family resides today. I grew up on a grain farm at the southeastern corner of McLean County, still farmed by family. I was a proud 4-H and FFA member throughout school and those organizations are where I attribute my skills for public speaking and leadership. I resided and served in officer positions at 4-H House Sorority at the University of Illinois. I was active in the college of ACES, completed two short study abroad trips, and obtained a degree in Agribusiness Markets and Management. I truly believe that I was positioned in the “right place at the right time” to get to know many other agricultural professionals and my future boss in my college days. I was hired as the first female appraiser trainee Farm Credit Illinois ever had in 2009. I obtained my certified general license four years later. My husband, Sig, and I have two cute-as-can-be kids, both under 5 years old. The two of us are active in our hometown community; he is a small business owner and we’re in community outreach and school parent groups.
Hobbies/Interests:
Sewing, flower arranging, vegetable gardening, hiking or anything my kids are up to.
Employer:
Farm Credit Illinois
Role/Position:
Certified General Appraiser
How many years have you been in your profession? 13
What influenced you to choose your profession:
My mentor in college
What do you enjoy about your profession?
I enjoy mapping, finding solutions, driving the countryside, and deciphering data.
What do you see for the future of your profession?
A need for appraisers to evolve by use of new technology and adapt to constant regulation. I don’t know what it’ll look like in 30 years, but only 15 years ago appraisers were still using hard copy soil map books to plot and color soil types.
What is a suggestion you would give to a young person that is considering a career in your profession?
Obtaining a mentor is the hardest part about it. Take on assignments on all kinds of properties while you have seasoned professionals to help you. The licensing process is hard, but worth it.
Favorite song:
The best song to get things done “Under Pressure” by Queen/Bowie. My co-worker saw me jamming to it to settle nerves before I gave a presentation with A+ performance. I’ll never live that down, so you all may as well know it too.