New York's Oldest Nonprofit Appraiser Group

Columbia Society
Our Mission is to educate and guide Real Estate Appraisers and those in related fields to the highest level of professionalism.

Guiding Our Members to the Highest Level of Professionalism Since 1945

The Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers, Inc. is a leading professional organization committed to elevating standards across the real estate industry, serving real estate appraisers, real estate brokers and salespersons and other related real estate professionals.  Founded in 1945, we are proud to be the oldest non-profit organization of real estate professionals in New York State. We have a long-standing tradition of supporting the real estate profession through education, collaboration, and the promotion of the highest ethical standards.

In addition to our educational programs, we are actively building a dynamic community and professional platform, where appraisers and real estate agents collaborate, share expertise, and grow professionally. Our focus is on bringing individuals together, encouraging open communication, sharing industry insight, and strengthening relationships across all sectors of real estate.

Our courses are designed to deliver practical, real-world knowledge and current industry understanding that real estate professionals can immediately apply in their daily work.

Through our on-line and in-person courses, events, and initiatives, we foster a network that supports professional development, industry awareness, and meaningful connections.

We are a growing community dedicated to advancing professionalism and supporting the success of real estate professionals.

The Society offers computer-based distance learning and       in-person education in New York, as well as live online continuing education via Zoom.

Classes for appraisers and real estate brokers/salespersons.

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Membership in the Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers offers many benefits.

Membership Info

Be part of the largest regional appraiser group in the New York metropolitan area.

Get Your Real Estate Appraiser or Broker/Salesperson License

Looking to change careers? Check out our licensing courses.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Get reduced rates on continuing education seminars, including LIVE and ONLINE Zoom classes.

Find an Appraiser

Get listed in our online directory so clients can find you.

Upcoming Continuing Education Seminars

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July 2026

Mandatory Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations Seminar

Join our Zoom class designed for continuing education for appraisers renewing their license after 1/1/2026 This 7-hour course covers information to ensure the appraiser understands valuation bias and fair housing laws and regulations related issues. Case studies will be included.   The Mandatory Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations Seminar presented by the […]
14 - 21 Jul
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Zoom
August 2026

2026-2027 7 Hour National USPAP Update Course

7-Hour National USPAP Update Course Required for Real Estate Appraiser License Renewal The Columbia Society of Real Estate Appraisers offers the mandatory 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course designed to keep appraisers current with the latest USPAP changes. This course reinforces ethics, competency, scope of work, and reporting standards while providing practical guidance for today’s assignments. […]
14 - 20 Aug
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Zoom
September 2026

AI in Real Estate – What You Need to Know

Are AI tools changing the way you appraise and market real estate? Don’t get left behind — join us for this 4-hour online course taught by industry expert Len Fiore. You’ll explore AI fundamentals, machine learning, and natural language processing, then dive into how these technologies are transforming property valuation through automated valuation models, predictive […]
15 Sep
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Zoom

Marketing & Appraising Distressed Properties

Do you know how to identify, market, and appraise a distressed property? Join us for this 4-hour continuing education course designed for real estate professionals. You’ll explore the many sources of distressed properties from landlord-tenant disputes and divorce to foreclosure and environmental issues — and learn how government regulations, code violations, and market conditions impact […]
22 Sep
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Zoom

“City of Yes” – Understanding NYC Zoning Reform

Join us at the Columbia Society for our next LIVE, in-person seminar! This will be an exciting and unique opportunity to gain critical insight into the various recent changes to NYC zoning regulations under Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” revisions to the zoning code. The “City of Yes” initiative represents the most sweeping modernization of […]
24 Sep
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Il Bacco
253-24 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 1136
October 2026

Marketing & Appraising Rural Properties

Build the expertise you need to tackle every unique aspect of rural property assignments. This 4-hour continuing education course for appraisers and real estate agents will help you master the classification of rural property types, site and improvement inspection processes, environmental issues, fixtures, and equipment. You will also explore how to apply valuation approaches specific […]
07 Oct
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Zoom
No event found!

Meet Our Platinum Corporate Sponsors

We are saddened by the passing of our longtime CEO Linda Fusco on January 17,2025 . Linda was not only a CEO and colleague but a friend to many. She will be profoundly missed.
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Past Presidents

DeWitt Van Buren, 1945-62 Maxwell R. Ginsberg, 1962-68 Michael P. Galgano, 1968-69 Robert Thomsen, 1970 Warren J. Ziegler, 1971 Frederick G. Eggers, 1972 Robert A. Gregory, 1973 Cornelius P. Mahon, 1974 Theodore J. Powers, 1975 Bernard Goodman, 1976 Ronald J. Matuza, 1977 Robert A. Brancato, 1978 Patricia J. Marshall, 1979 Joseph Montemarano, 1980 David H. Buchanan, Jr., 1981 Edward T. Rule, 1982 Richard Marchitelli, 1983 Joseph M. Pirog, 1984 Richard G. Hoesch, 1985 Anthony Volpe, 1986 Charles C. Booth, 1987 Edward J. Glowaski, 1988 John P. Tiernan, 1989 John J. Ford, 1990 Richard C. Berntsen, 1991 Thomas J. Pirog, 1992 Michael Palermo, 1993 Robert H. Dressler, 1994 Steven L. Corte, 1995 David J. Mount, 1996 Michael Haberman, 1997 Martha L. Schneider, 1998 Patricia Roche, 1999 Domenick Neglia, 2000 Frank X. Romito, 2001 Jeffrey C. Kjellgren, 2002 Robert Eisenoff, 2004 Eric Davidson, 2005 Robert K. Duffy, 2006 Christopher E. Deutsch, 2007 Arleen E. Goscinski, 2008 Walter D. Messina, 2009 Jeffrey J. Beal, 2010 Michael Schlesinger, 2011 Stephanie Cilla, 2012 William H. Green III, 2013-14 William G. Smolen, 2015 John F. McCullagh 2016–19 William H. Green 2020

Publications


Shelley Langenauer
Domenick Neglia

Outreach

Len Fiore, Chair
Tim Flanagan
Richard Hahn

Sponsors

Lawrence Samsky, Chair
Richard J. Scheeler
Tim Flanagan

Programs

Richard J. Sheeler, Chair
Lawrence E. Samsky
John F. McCullagh

Nominating

Henry Salmon-Chair
Domenick Neglia
Tim Flanagan
Peter Caputo

Membership

Lawrence E. Samsky, Chair

              Dick Berntsen               

Jenn DeFlorio

Henry Salmon

Sherry Gans

Executive

Lawrence E. Samsky, Chair

Richard Sheeler

Shelley Langenauer

Michael Drazner

Jennifer DeFlorio

Sherry Gans

Ethics

Stephen S. Deutsch, Chair
Tim Flanagan

Education

 
Richard C. Berntsen

Len Fiore

Jennifer DeFlorio

Domenick Neglia

Michael Drazner

Sherry Gans

Admissions

Richard C. Berntsen, Chair
Michael Drazner
Jennifer R. DeFlorio