2018 Fall Newsletter

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTOPHER MITTS, PPS, CFE

Name: Christopher Mitts

County: St Lucie

Position: Senior Personal Property Appraiser

Briefly describe your appraisal/assessment experience. I have been working for the Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser’s office for over 13 years. For the past 5 plus years I have been processing returns for the majority of the largest accounts on our TPP roll, which include telecoms and utilities. In addition to working the big accounts and many of the small- er accounts, I create valuation tables, I assist the Tax Roll Department to en- sure accurate TPP submissions to the DOR, and I help oversee version testing for CAMA upgrades.

Chris Mitts, PPS, CFE

Why did you pursue the PPS designation? Six years ago, I became involved with FCIAAO by joining the TPP Steering Committee and 2 years later be- came the chair. I accepted the invitation to be on the executive board where I am currently serving as Treas- urer. My involvement in the FCIAAO, along with my desire to advance my career, motivated me to get my PPS designation. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced while pursuing your PPS designation? I am the first professional from our office to pursue and achieve the PPS designation, and although my office was very supportive, I had to reach outside of our organization for mentorship. FCIAAO put me in contact with Lisa Hobart, the former City Assessor from Detroit, who provided study materials and coaching through- out the process. What advice/suggestions would you give to someone considering an IAAO designation? I would suggest that anyone interested in obtaining a designation should over-estimate the time needed to study. Also, the designation’s case study exam workshop was optional, but I highly recommend taking it as I found the additional preparation very helpful in successfully completing the exam. Most importantly, be very familiar with the material before you submit your application. What is your favorite vacation and/or hobbies you enjoy? When vacationing in Florida I enjoy St. Augustine and Disney. Outside of Florida, I like to visit Savannah and San Diego. Hobbies that I enjoy are football and anything nerdy, geeky, or sci-fi.

Who is your favorite (all time) Miami Dolphins player? Why? Dan Marino because he is the best period. Still looking for even a good quarterback 18 years later…sigh

12

Fall 2018 Newsletter of the FCIAAO