Commercial Real Estate Valuation Manager

Overview

The Appraisal Division Manager leads the bank's appraisal management functions, overseeing the valuation of real estate collateral for commercial and multifamily lending portfolios. This role will manage a roster of appraisers, appraisal review forms, vendors, and internal staff, collaborating closely with lending, credit, and compliance teams to maintain high-quality asset valuations in a dynamic banking environment. This role also ensures compliance with regulatory standards, works with appraisers to ensure delivery of accurate and timely appraisal reports.

In addition to governing these processes this role also performs appraisal reviews to ensure the bank’s collateral valuations are of high quality and reliable for lending purposes. This role will report directly to the Enterprise Credit Administration Officer and will support the Collateral and Construction Management Officer in assuring that policies and procedures are consistent with the Bank’s appetite for risk and for compliance with banking regulation.

• Leadership and Team Management:
  Directly supervise and mentor the bank’s Appraisal Division team. Coordinate with external appraisal vendors to ensure efficient workflow and high performance. Foster a culture of accuracy, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Appraisal Oversight:
  Develop and maintain a sound appraisal, appraisal review, and evaluation program for Tompkins Bank. Establish and maintain controls that promote compliance with federal and state appraisal regulations.
• Review and approve complex real estate appraisals for compliance with USPAP, Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, and bank-specific policies. Identify and address valuation risks or discrepancies.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert and resource in lending and workout strategies for all commercial real estate and appraisal matters.
• Establish and maintain selection criteria and procedures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing performance of individuals and vendors who perform appraisals and evaluations.
• Process Optimization:
  Develop and streamline appraisal processes to reduce turnaround times while maintaining accuracy. Integrate technology and best practices to support the bank's lending operations.
• Collaboration and Support:
  Partner with commercial lending, credit risk, and underwriting teams to provide valuation insights for loan approvals, portfolio monitoring, and portfolio reviews. Advise on market trends, property types, and risk assessments for collateral such as multifamily properties, commercial real estate, and residential developments.
• Vendor Management:
  Maintain an adequate panel of qualified appraisers, periodically review appraiser performance, remove poor-quality vendors, and continuously recruit and qualify new vendors where needed.
• Assist the Commercial Collateral and Construction Management Officer with developing a pricing structure for Real Estate valuation-related services offered by Tompkins Collateral and Construction Department.
• Risk Management:
  
  Contribute to enterprise risk management by analyzing appraisal data to identify emerging market risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  Prepare executive reports on appraisal activities, including volume metrics, compliance rates, and key valuation trends. Present findings to senior leadership and regulatory examiners as needed.
• Training and Development:
  Provide training to internal stakeholders on appraisal standards, market analysis, and regulatory updates to enhance lending acumen.
• Contribute to the Bank’s Credit Policy Committee Working Group with improvements to collateral and construction administration processes, ensuring compliance with regs and sound risk management.
• Review Environmental Site Assessment reports for completeness, accuracy, and potential risks as needed.
• Adhere to internal policies, risk management practices, and regulatory requirements; ensure unit personnel comply as well.
• Manage assigned team as required and perform special projects as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• MAI or AI-GRS certification.
• A minimum of twelve…