What is the American Society of Appraisers?
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international organization of professional appraisers representing all major appraisal disciplines, including real property, personal property, business valuation, gems and jewelry, machinery and technical specialties, and appraisal review and management.
Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1952, ASA is one of the oldest and most respected appraisal organizations in the world. Its headquarters is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
ASA helped establish The Appraisal Foundation in 1987, which has been recognized by the U.S. Congress since 1989 as the authority for appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications in the United States.
Members earn professional designations through rigorous examination, peer-reviewed appraisal reports, and demonstrated adherence to strict ethical standards.
The Los Angeles Chapter played a key role in ASA’s founding and remains an active part of the organization today. Founded in Los Angeles in 1936, ASA has grown to include thousands of members across the United States and internationally. The LA Chapter continues to support professional development, education, and leadership within the appraisal community.
ASA Los Angeles Chapter
Our chapter is guided by a team of volunteer officers who give their time, energy, and expertise to keep the Los Angeles Chapter active and connected. Their commitment helps foster education, collaboration, and professional growth across our community.
We’re always looking for members who want to get involved. Even a small commitment can make a meaningful impact. Meetings are held once a month via Zoom, and new members are welcome to participate. Members interested in officer roles should have at least two years of chapter involvement. Activity on this level earns Continuing Education (CE) credits.
Los Angeles Chapter Board 2025 – 2026
President
Cindy Cronk Vukovic is a Personal Property appraiser specializing in fine art and has been a member of the ASA for over fourteen years. Since joining the board, she has held several roles, including Social Media Coordinator, Personal Property Chair, Secretary, and Executive Director. She has played a key role in developing and facilitating both educational programs and social events.
Vice President
Alexey Nechay served as President of the ASA Los Angeles Chapter during the 2024–2025 term and has been an active member since 2019. He holds the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation through NACVA and is a candidate member with ASA. Alexey is the founder of Nechay Appraisals, where he specializes in medical practice appraisals and business brokerage services.
Treasurer
Patricia A. Thomson Graham, ASA, is a real property valuation specialist with Klaris, Thomson & Schroeder, Inc. (“KTS”) located in Long Beach, California. Patricia holds a senior Real Property designation with the American Society of Appraisers and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in California. Mrs. Thomson Graham is a Senior Valuation Consultant with Klaris, Thomson & Schroeder, Inc. (“KTS”) and has been there over 20 years.
Gems & Jewelry Director
Charles Carmona, ASA, GG is an Accredited Senior Appraiser and Graduate Gemologist with decades of experience in gemology, jewelry, and numismatics. He founded Guild Laboratories in 1980 and has expanded its presence internationally, including ventures in Asia, and has completed appraisal training through ASA and ISA. Charles has worked on assignments across the U.S. and internationally, served as a consultant to the World Bank, helped establish gemology schools in Madagascar and Tanzania, and is the author of The Complete Handbook for Gemstone Weight Estimation. He remains active in the global gemstone and jewelry trade through travel, education, and speaking engagements.
Machinery & Tech Specialties Director
David Eichner, ASA is an Accredited Senior Appraiser with over 36 years of experience as an appraiser, machinery broker, consultant, and project manager. He specializes in the valuation of industrial and commercial assets and brings a broad base of hands-on industry knowledge to his work. David is the owner of SMS Appraisal Services and served as President of the ASA Los Angeles Chapter from 2009 to 2010. Throughout his career, he has built manufacturing plants, installed specialized production systems, and consulted on projects for major companies, including work in defense and aerospace.
Real Property Director
Gazelle Wichner, ASA, MAI, CCIM is a real property valuation specialist domiciled in Pasadena, California. She has held a senior Real Property designation with the American Society of Appraisers since 1997 and served as President of the ASA-LA Chapter in 2021-2022, as well as Vice President for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 fiscal years. She has also served the Board of the ASA-LA Chapter in various roles since 2010, including Real Property Chair, Mentor Chair and Government Relations Liaison. Active in the valuation profession for over 30 years, she most recently served as Real Estate Appraisal Review Manager for First Republic Bank and JP Morgan Chase and is currently Director, Quality and Risk Management (QRM), Americas at CBRE.