Candidate: Gary Gregor

Biography

Walton County will always be home to me. I was raised in North Walton County and graduated from Paxton High School in 1992. I loved growing up in the area and enjoying the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, playing basketball and baseball. In fact, I spent five years as a lifeguard/beach attendant on the beaches of South Walton and Okaloosa counties and loved every minute of it. After high school, I went on to receive my AA/AS in Criminal Justice Technology from Northwest Florida State College. Then, at the age of 21 I began working with the Walton County Property Appraiser’s Office. Little did I know at the time that this job would be the start of a long, fulfilling career in appraisal work (See experience below for more detail).  With a stable job working during the week, I was able to spend the weekends appreciating the beautiful beaches of South Walton, playing volleyball, softball and golf. During that time, I married my beautiful wife, Brianne Gregor. A few years later, we ended up relocating to Crestview from 2004-2012 while I worked with the Florida Department of Revenue in Pensacola and my wife served as a Guidance Counselor for the Walton County School District. In 2009 we were blessed with our first child, Chyanne and later in 2012, our sweet boy Easton completed our family. With our growing family in mind, we decided to return home to the peace and quiet of the New Harmony area of Walton County where we have so many fond memories. Over the years, beach and softball weekends got replaced by kids’ games and new adventures, but we love sharing all Walton County has to offer with them. I am a proud Walton County resident and I hope to share my knowledge and passion by serving as your next Walton County Property Appraiser.

Experience: 25 years this Aug.

Aug. 1995 Started with the Walton County Property Appraiser’s Office. (6 years)

Field Department – responsible for measuring new construction and review of existing structures

April 2001 started with the FL Department of Revenue (14 years)

Positions held at DOR

Appraiser II - responsible for residential and commercial appraisals utilized in conducting the In-Depth Review process of the Property Appraiser’s Office.                          

Appraiser Specialist - responsible for more complex commercial appraisals and review of Appraiser II and Senior Appraiser appraisal work for consistency, correctness and value conclusions.

Revenue Service Center Manager - responsible for all In-Depth and Procedural Reviews conducted by the FL Department of Revenue of all the Property Appraiser’s Offices’ in Northwest Florida. This includes approximately 13 staff appraisers, office staff, budget and covers the 12 counties located in the Central time zone in FL.

During my time at FDOR I received the majority of my appraisal education consisting of approximately 300 credit hours of International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Classes and other various classes from the Appraisal Institute and other appraisal process related course work. Also spent time on various teams and committees responsible for editing/modifying and implementing various guidelines and improvements in the appraisal process utilized by FDOR and applied to local county property appraisers.

Awards and designations received at DOR

Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE)

2011 Eagle Award – for sustained excellence in implementing and overseeing the series of property tax reforms.

July 2015 started with Okaloosa County Property Appraiser’s Office (5 years)

Land Department Supervisor – Responsible for assesssing all land value in Okaloosa County, addressing taxpayers questions/concerns and defending the Property Appraiser's assessed value at  Value Adjustment Board Hearings.

In continuation of my education I applied for and obtained an Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) Professional Designation from IAAO. According to IAAO the world leader in mass appraisal education and training for property appraisers, less than 10 percent of members attain a Professional Designation. 

2020 Anthony A. Hodge Sr. Educational Award presented by the Florida Chapter IAAO for continuation of educational advancement in the mass appraisal process.

Active Memberships

International Associastion of Assessing Officers (IAAO)

FL Chapter IAAO

New Harmony Baptist Church

I believe I am the Best qualified candidate for this position. I have the MOST appraisal experience having done hundreds of USPAP (industry standard) compliant appraisals. I have the MOST appraisal education having completed over 300 credit hours and 15+ classes related to the appraisal practice. Currently I am responsible for the valuation of nearly 110,000 parcels in Okaloosa County. I look forward to bringing advance technology and professional appraisal practices, along with an emphasis on outstanding customer service to the citizens of Walton County. It would be a tremendous honor to serve as your next Walton County Property Appraiser and I promise to work hard and produce Honest, Fair and Equitable assessments for all Walton County property owners.

Goals to Achieve:

Outstanding customer service for the citizens and property owners of Walton County, including more on-line services.

Advanced analysis technology: Two different advanced analysis tools I currently use in Okaloosa County that have been proven to save time, money and produce a better appraisal product.

Restructure Office to improve work flow and timelines. Proven system that consistently stays ahead of schedule and allows for a better appraisal product and additional time for field work to meet required inspections as mandated by Florida Statues.

Raise the level of Integrity and knowledge of office by education of current staff and employment of appraisal practice professions.

Increase the outreach of relevant information and services of the office through website, more social media and online services.

See website for more info: garygregorforpropertyappraiser.com

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Thank you for your time and support.

Gary J. Gregor