PALM COAST, Fla., July 12, 2016 — George Opelka, senior vice president of sales and marketing for ACI, a member of the First American family of companies, today was honored with the Collateral Risk Network’s 2016 Valuation Visionary award. Opelka received the award at the 2016 Valuation Expo in recognition of his trailblazing role in advancing the industry through technology as well as his long-term vision and commitment to the valuation sector.
Each year, the Valuation Visionary award recognizes a standout collateral valuation professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and professionalism. Winners are nominated by their peers within the Collateral Risk Network (CRN).
“I’m honored to receive this prestigious award, particulary since it comes from notable influencers in our industry,” said Opelka. “It is a privilege to collaborate with thought leaders in the appraisal industry who are dedicated to creating reform that continues to move the collateral valuation process in a positive direction.”
A respected national lecturer, Opelka draws on more than 23 years of experience with ACI to speak on topics like appraisal innovation, and real estate information and data standards. Florida-based ACI is a pioneer in creating solutions for the mortgage valuation community, appraisal management companies and financial institutions.
“I have known George since the beginning of my career,” said CRN Founder Joan Trice. “His leadership and commitment to our profession spans decades, and what makes this year’s selection even more special is the legacy passed down from George’s dad, Gregg Opelka, the author of the Green Hornet.”
The Professional Residential Appraisal, #17-PRA, later dubbed “The Green Hornet,” was an appraisal report form and one of the industry’s earliest initiatives to standardize appraisal reporting. It was created by the the elder Opelka and adopted by the U.S. League of Savings and Loan Associations in 1962. After more than two decades of use, the paper form was retired in favor of more modern, electronic forms and evolving standards. However, the term “Green Hornet” lives on and is still used today to refer to the residential appraisal process.
The CRN is a group of valuation experts focused on resolving the many challenges facing the collateral valuation industry. With a broad membership representing lending institutions, Wall Street, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, appraisal management companies and appraisers, CRN brings influencers together to act as counsel to one another, share experiences and assist one another in solving mutual problems.
About ACI
ACI specializes in creating innovative workflow solutions for real estate appraisers, appraisal management companies and financial institutions. Backed by analysis-driven tools and industry expertise, ACI’s cloud-based and enterprise software applications empowers stakeholders with a streamlined approach to managing forms, rules and data, while operating with audit-ready transparency and compliance. Through visionary leadership and dedication to client service, ACI has served as a reliable and driving force in the valuation industry for nearly forty years. Headquartered in Palm Coast, Florida, ACI is a member of the First American (NYSE: FAF) family of companies. For more information, visit www.aciweb.com.
About First American
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services. With revenues of $5.2 billion in 2015, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2016, First American was recognized by Fortune® magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.
About Valuation Expo
Valuation Expo is the nation’s largest appraisal conference drawing appraisers and valuation professionals from across the country. The expo offers appraisers a trade show inclusive of business opportunities ranging from Lenders, AMCs, insurance companies, software companies, and much more. Valuation Expo hosts national speakers including key collateral risk managers from GSE’s, lenders and the leading valuation companies nationally who enlighten our attendees with a depth of knowledge that cannot be obtained elsewhere. www.valuationexpo.com
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| Media Contact: Marcus Ginnaty Corporate Communications First American Financial Corporation (714) 250-3298 |
Investor Contact: Craig Barberio Investor Relations First American Financial Corporation (714) 250-5214 |
