THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2022 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute.
Hannah Stevens is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I became a member of the API well before landing my first full time property role and soon found that the API and the Valuation industry were one and the same. I first started volunteering at the API through the Young Property Professionals, where I later became the Chair. During the last 16 years I have held numerous API volunteer roles, including;
- Chair of the South Australian Young Property Professional (YPP)
- South Australian Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee
- South Australian Committee Member (8 years)
- National Innovation Committee
- APREF Research Scholarship Judging Panel (still active)
- National Education Committee (still active)
As a result of my API membership, I have been quite fortunate to grow a network of mentors and industry friends along the way, and I am thankful to the API for providing me the opportunities to do so.
So, in answer to the above question… what is my interest to come on Board with the API? I am already on board and have been my entire career.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
As Deputy Chair of the Autism SA fundraising committee, I was responsible for planning and executing large scale charity events. Financial decision making and budgeting were critical to the success of these events, particularly how to allocate limited funds to maximise the margin of the event and the revenue returned to the charity. This had to be achieved while ensuring the sustainability of the program, which was accomplished by retaining sufficient funds to finance subsequent events and ensuring satisfaction and repeat attendance of participants.
As Senior Valuer at Adelaide City Council, I was responsible for managing and delivering the annual rates program, which is the council’s main revenue stream.
As chair of the YPP I was able to move the YPP events program from a cost negative exercise to becoming completely self-funded. This was done by increasing participation and negotiating favourable deals with vendors and sponsors.
As a member of my local preschool board, I have been responsible for the prudent allocation of government and charitable funds for the preschool’s maintenance and capital works programs.
To summarise, I have years of experience raising and allocating funds across a variety of organisations.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
Initially commencing at Land Services SA as Valuer, Governance and Audit, I was responsible for the creation and implementation of effective governance frameworks that foster Valuation experts and their career development. My role has matured over the years to also incorporate the development and implementation of effective governance frameworks for Valuation training and development as well as change management of Valuation projects.
During my time on various API committees, I also provided recommendations and feedback on the creation or review of API committee governance frameworks, including the National Education Committee and National Innovation Committee.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
My first job in the property industry as Development Analyst was a strategic planning role. This work involved creating a variety of land acquisition proposals for potential property developments, conducting initial feasibilities on those to determine viability, profit, and risk, then working with leadership and other stakeholders to take the proposal to the implementation stage.
During my 9 years on the Fundraising Committee at Autism SA effective strategic planning was critical to the success of each fundraising activity. My experience there includes defining a vision for each event that was aligned with charity goals, taking that initial concept through the early phases of feasibility and stakeholder engagement, then finally overseeing scheduling, task assignment, and project execution.
In addition to my practical experience, the MBA I am currently studying at the University of South Australia has further developed and honed my strategic thinking. I believe my research and analysis of organisational success and sustainability will allow me to provide useful input on the API’s direction and strategy.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
Advocacy
I was fortunate to devote 8 years as a committee member of the API State Committee, representing and advocating for South Australia’s API members and the Valuation Industry as a whole. During this time, I assisted members through many changes in our Industry including the shift from State/ Territory based API membership to a centralised National structure, the rise of technology within the sector, and declining Valuer numbers. I have always been a strong advocate for API members, regularly attending University networking events and career conventions on behalf of the API. I was also responsible for planning and running several industry events, especially during my time as Chair of the YPP. Through my relationship with the University of South Australia, I have helped property students gain work experience in various companies, and even gain their first and second property roles. I have also mentored several property valuers to achieve API certifications including RPV and CPV.
My charity involvement with Autism SA is another example of volunteering to advocate on behalf of others. It was my absolute pleasure being Deputy Chair of the Autism SA Fundraising Committee for well over 9 years and raising much needed funds and awareness of a disorder that over 200,000 Australians live with (source: Autism SA).
Policy
During my initial years with Land Services SA, I was on the Policy Panel during the Revaluation Initiative Project, contributing to the formation and publishing of valuation policies. In my current role as Valuation Knowledge and Change Lead I am responsible for creating and delivering valuation processes and procedures.
As Senior Valuer at Adelaide City Council, I was responsible for creating and delivering policies and procedures to enable the successfully delivery of the annual rates program.
Digital Communication
One of the key learnings I took from my PROSCI Change Management certification was that effective communication is critical to how well an organisations message and purpose is understood. A multi-platform digital approach is critical to effectively deliver a communication to different individuals. For effective change management communication, the first step I undertake is to conduct a training needs analysis plan, then I utilise a variety of platforms to deliver training including the creation of forums, internal websites, pre-recorded videos, written e-communication, webinars, and interactive virtual workshops. For marketing and promoting events I also utilise social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook & WhatsApp to deliver the message to a wider audience.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
The first reason I would ask members to consider me is the skill set I bring to the role. Through my industry experience and charitable work, I have developed a comprehensive skillset that I believe can benefit the API National Board and its members. In addition to my experience as a Residential and Commercial Valuer, I also have change management credentials, operational and project management experience, governance experience, and financial management experience. I am skilled at event planning and developing policy, procedures, and training programs. Additionally, I have a proven record of working on various committees with others to achieve strategic objectives.
The second reason I would ask members to consider me is how I can provide you representation. I believe a diverse and representative Board will be better placed to make effective all-encompassing decisions. Whilst I feel I bring youthful enthusiasm to the role, I have the right industry and life experience to understand the needs and challenges of a large portion of the membership body.
The third reason I would ask members to consider me is my passion for the industry. I am a genuine property geek who loves learning, talking about, and working in our industry. I have been an enthusiastic volunteer at the API for many years and have felt great personal satisfaction helping and interacting with others who feel the same. I am excited about this opportunity to help shape our industry’s future. I bring to the role a strong drive to see the Valuation Industry thrive during uncertainty and change, to see Valuer member numbers flourish, and to help the industry grow sustainably.
Thank you and please consider my candidature.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/2022-agm-hub/
