New York, August 18, 2008 - Matt Bruck, RICS Americas' managing director, announced today that valuation industry executive and former Appraisal Institute CEO John W. Ross has joined the RICS Americas team as senior advisor. Ross will work with RICS Americas to expand membership in diverse real estate industry segments, develop research programs and implement training programs for real estate professionals affiliated with RICS Americas member firms.

"John Ross brings tremendous experience as former CEO of the Appraisal Institute, a leading real estate professional society, and we look forward to building upon his knowledge of U.S. real estate professions," stated Bruck. "RICS Americas has established a reputation for involving leaders across the property and construction disciplines to establish a unique network of professionals serving all segments of these professions. Bringing an executive with Ross' background and relationships to our team is both an indication of our commitment to continue building professionalism in real estate, and an opportunity to build robust programs to serve the property professions."

Ross recently served as managing director of corporate development for Zaio, Inc. and will continue to work with Zaio on building its innovative business model for residential real estate valuation and data management. In addition, he served as CEO of the Appraisal Institute for nine years and was executive vice president for the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers for seven years.

"I am pleased to return to the real estate and property professional society environment," Ross said, "particularly with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which is clearly the preeminent global property professional society. This represents a great opportunity to continue work over the years to improve collaboration across property disciplines and build programs that capitalize on common interests and diverse expertise to establish effective professional development programs."

About RICS & RICS Americas
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), with headquarters in London, is the largest organization for professionals in property, land, construction and related environmental issues worldwide. We promote best practice, regulation and consumer protection to business and the public. Over 145,000 members in more than 146 countries operate across
17 disciplines, from development, brokerage and construction to environmental issues, valuation and fine arts appraisal. RICS is the preeminent source of real estate-related knowledge, providing independent, impartial advice to governments and global organizations.

The RICS credentials - MRICS and FRICS - are granted to practitioners who demonstrate professional competence and the highest standards of business practice and ethics through stringent evaluation procedures. RICS Americas, based in New York and covering North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, has over 2,800 members in commercial and residential development, ownership, construction management, brokerage, planning and finance.
For further information visit www.ricsamericas.org or e-mail RICS Americas at ricsamericas@rics.org.