George Opelka, senior vice president of sales and marketing for ACI, a member of the First American family of companies, today was honored with the Collateral Risk Network’s 2016 Valuation Visionary award. Opelka received the award at the 2016 Valuation Expo in recognition of his trailblazing role in advancing the industry through technology as well as his long-term vision and commitment to the valuation sector.
Each year, the Valuation Visionary award recognizes a standout collateral valuation professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and professionalism. Winners are nominated by their peers within the Collateral Risk Network (CRN).
“I’m honored to receive this prestigious award, particularly since it comes from notable influencers in our industry,” said Opelka. “It is a privilege to collaborate with thought leaders in the appraisal industry who are dedicated to creating reform that continues to move the collateral valuation process in a positive direction.”
A respected national lecturer, Opelka draws on more than 23 years of experience with ACI to speak on topics like appraisal innovation, and real estate information and data standards. Florida-based ACI is a pioneer in creating solutions for the mortgage valuation community, appraisal management companies and financial institutions.
“I have known George since the beginning of my career,” said CRN Founder Joan Trice. “His leadership and commitment to our profession spans decades, and what makes this year’s selection even more special is the legacy passed down from George’s dad, Gregg Opelka, the author of the Green Hornet."
The Professional Residential Appraisal, #17-PRA, later dubbed “The Green Hornet,” was an appraisal report form and one of the industry’s earliest initiatives to standardize appraisal reporting. It was created by the elder Opelka and adopted by the U.S. League of Savings and Loan Associations in 1962. After more than two decades of use, the paper form was retired in favor of more modern, electronic forms and evolving standards. However, the term “Green Hornet” lives on and is still used today to refer to the residential appraisal process.
The CRN is a group of valuation experts focused on resolving the many challenges facing the collateral valuation industry. With a broad membership representing lending institutions, Wall Street, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, appraisal management companies and appraisers, CRN brings influencers together to act as counsel to one another, share experiences and assist one another in solving mutual problems.
About ACI
ACI specializes in creating innovative workflow
solutions for real estate appraisers, appraisal management companies and
financial institutions. Backed by analysis-driven tools and
industry expertise, ACI’s cloud-based and enterprise software
applications empowers stakeholders with a streamlined approach
to managing forms, rules and
data, while operating with audit-ready transparency and
compliance. Through visionary leadership and dedication to client
service, ACI has served as a reliable and driving force in the valuation
industry for nearly forty years. Headquartered in Palm Coast, Florida,
ACI is a member of the First American (NYSE: FAF) family of companies.
For more information, visit www.aciweb.com.
About First American
First American Financial Corporation
(NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement
services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its
heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant
management services; title and other real property records and images;
valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and
casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services.
With revenues of $5.2 billion in 2015, the company offers its products
and services directly and through its agents throughout the United
States and abroad. In 2016, First American was recognized by Fortune® magazine
as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. More
information about the company can be found at https://www.firstam.com.
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