2017 WinterNnewsletter

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MELISSA CHANDLER, SRA, CFE

Name: County:

Melissa Chandler, SRA, CFE

Orange

Title:

Residential Real Estate Assessment Manager

What do you do for the PA? I work in the residential real estate assessment department. In Or- ange County, we value about 345,000 residential parcels and

Melissa Chandler

56,000 condominium parcels valued at almost $72 billion. In addition to residential valua- tions, I chair the department’s unofficial Fun Committee, bringing food, friends, and fun to- gether. How long have you been employed by the PA? I have started working for OCPA just over two years ago. I came from fee appraisal work and am still learning the ropes of ad valorem valuation. I still feel like I’m new! What do you like most about your job? Along with my team, I enjoy the ever-changing tasks. With the cyclical nature of the ad val- orem business, you never have a chance to get bored. Just when you’ve finished your val- ues, it’s time to switch gears and get ready for hearings with the VAB. No to mention, we get to see some luxurious homes of celebrities, like Prince Fielder, Shaq, and Tiger Woods. What do you find challenging about your job? No two properties are alike. It’s a double edge sword. The complexity of property valuation and statutes make it difficult and intriguing at the same time. What was your first job? When I was 16, I was a life guard and taught swimming lessons at Camp Echockotee, a local Boy Scout Camp. I taught elementary and special needs children. What are your hobbies?

Sports are a big part of my life. In addition to traveling to sporting events, I also enjoy scuba diving, traveling, going to the beach,

and pretty much anything with water. What was your best vacation ever?

I won tickets to the last home game at Texas Stadium and the first home game at Cowboys Stadium. As a huge Cowboys fan, I loved getting to stand on the star at midfield and wave to the crowd as

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Winter 2017 Newsletter of the FCIAAO