The Appraisal Institute’s national board has voted to remove Craig Steinley as vice president following a New York Times report that he was accused of sexual harassment by a dozen women.
The New York Times reported the organization said it national board was “acting in the best interest” of the group with its vote, which came after Steinley agreed to step away from public duties related to his position.
Steinley, a South Dakota-based appraiser and past president of the Appraisal Institute, issued a statement through his lawyer saying the decision to remove him was “a deliberate act of retaliation driven by internal politics,” adding that he would “vigorously defend myself” against what he said were “baseless claims.”
The Times’ investigation into Steinley uncovered a hitherto unannounced $412,000 settlement by the Appraisal Institute in May 2024 to a former employee to settle sexual harassment claims against him and the organization. Cindy Chance, a former CEO of the Appraisal Institute, sued the organization and Steinley over what she alleged were wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Steinley called Chance’s allegations were “false” and “unsubstantiated.”
