Rio Grande Chapter

photo Alan Gross (cc)

New Members

Our members are the lifeblood of our organization. It’s through your support that we’re able to provide the resources and networking opportunities that help you grow your business and advance your career. We’re always looking for new members to join our ranks. If you know someone who would benefit from membership, please invite them to our next chapter meeting or event.


Profiled Members

Brianna Medrano:
Hello, I’m Brianna Medrano, a Real Estate Appraiser Trainee based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I’m currently looking for an experienced appraiser to train under and learn from as I gain hands-on experience in the field. I recently completed my trainee coursework and am excited to begin building my experience in the profession. I’ve always been interested in real estate, particularly the idea of investment, but I never really considered the different career paths within the industry. When my father-in-law introduced me to appraisal, I discovered a side of real estate I hadn’t thought much about before. The more I learned, the more interested I became in the research, analysis, and details involved in determining a property’s value, and I decided it was something I wanted to pursue. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Education, which have given me a strong foundation in research, writing, and communication. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom to two little boys, a hobby beekeeper, and I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. I’m looking forward to building a career that allows me to continue learning and challenging myself while also being present for my family, and I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me.

Brianna Lemon:
I am a New Mexico native who attended Hope Christian School from K-12. After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico and briefly working as a teacher, I transitioned to the one job I swore I'd never have - appraising alongside my father, Shane. I have worked as an associate under American Property since November 2017. What originally seemed like a tedious job has proven to be the perfect fit for me, allowing me the stability and flexibility to pursue my interests and hobbies outside of work, including baking, video games, caring for my six pets, and spending time with my fiance Daniel and his two boys. As I near completion on obtaining my MAI, I've made the difficult decision to pave my own way, with plans to start my own appraisal company in late 2026.

Andrew Swanson:
Andrew Swanson is a residential real estate appraiser trainee in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working under the supervision of Mark T. Raney, SRA. A lifelong Albuquerque resident, Andrew graduated from Albuquerque Academy and the University of New Mexico. Before getting into real estate appraisal, he worked in a variety of fields, including business banking, insurance, digital marketing, and sports radio with ESPN Radio Albuquerque. He is also the author of five published children's books. Andrew is enjoying learning the appraisal profession and getting more involved with the Rio Grande Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Randy Pratt:
Prior to becoming an appraiser, I was in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. I have 1900 hours of flight time as an instructor navigator and weapons officer in F-111 and B-1 aircraft including 100 hours of combat flight time over Iraq in Desert Storm. After finishing my flying career, I was commander of the Personnel squadron for a year and then commander of the Logistics squadron for 2 and a half years before retiring.

I began training as an appraiser in 2015 working with Bonsal Henry and Michael Hamilton. I have been a certified residential appraiser since April 2019.

Brian Jackson:
Hello! My name is Brian Jackson, and I’m pleased to be joining the Rio Grande Chapter of the Appraisal Institute as a new member. With over 19 years in both residential and commercial real estate appraisal, I’ve had the privilege of learning from industry veterans like Bruce Gunderson, Dean Zantow, and Chris Lantz. I started in appraisal alongside my father in residential, and I’ve since worked in commercial appraisal with the Sandoval County Assessor’s Office and Valbridge Property Advisors New Mexico, the former offices of Commercial Appraisals, Inc. and Brooks, Piersall, and Zantow. Outside of work, I enjoy drawing and painting, visiting museums and galleries, and having a good time with my wife, especially watching cheesy movies and enjoying some flavorful hot sauce together. I’m enthusiastic about creating a warmhearted approach and positive outlook in all aspects of life. I sincerely look forward to meeting everyone.

Cheers,

Brian.

Jeff Klingbeil:
A few years ago when I worked for the Assessor’s Office in Bernalillo County (specifically, I was the one working on a standardized approach to documenting effective age). Since then, I have transitioned to the state and am now part of the Property Tax Division, where I focus on appraisal reviews, protest hearings, and oversight with the assessors' office. Currently, I'm juggling my IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers) continuing education along with materials from the Appraisal Institute. The division is working with several staff members to help them get trained and licensed, and I am one of those staff members. I see this as a great opportunity to become part of the chapter and connect with other local appraisers. Given my work, I believe it's important to be aware of local challenges and to gain a broader understanding of how other appraisers view the market and appropriate appraisal practices. Working in Santa Fe while commuting from Rio Rancho and completing two bachelor's degree programs, along with my involvement in the local Project Management Institute chapter, has certainly kept me on my toes. As a result, my ability to make in-person visits may be limited. However, I want to assure you that I am passionate about my role in appraisal and look forward to being a member of the chapter.

Recent Members

Name Member Type National Join Date Organization Title City State
Gary Bell Practicing Affiliate 12/20/2024 Wilkinson, Pendergras & Associates Appraiser Trainee Las Cruces New Mexico
Brian Russell Jackson Practicing Affiliate 01/13/2025 Valbridge Property Advisors | Houston Albuquerque New Mexico
Chelsey Paige Martinez Practicing Affiliate 02/28/2024 American Property Consultants & Appraisers Associate Rio Rancho New Mexico
Jonathan Millan Practicing Affiliate 03/15/2024 Lowery Property Advisors Director Irving Texas
Randall Pratt Practicing Affiliate 04/07/2024 Pratt Appraisals Owner Rio Rancho New Mexico
John R. Smedly, Jr. Practicing Affiliate 01/01/2024 Smedly Enterprises Appraiser Taos New Mexico
Brittany L. Umbrage Practicing Affiliate 01/01/2024 Appraiser Albuquerque New Mexico
Reynaldo Beanes, III Student Affiliate 08/15/2024 Real State Realtor Horizon Texas
Lathen Forester Student Affiliate 02/27/2024 Central New Mexico college Albuquerque New Mexico
Jeffrey Klingbeil Student Affiliate 05/03/2024 Central New Mexico college Rio Rancho New Mexico
Daniel Pavletich Student Affiliate 05/08/2024 Central New Mexico college Las Cruces New Mexico