Awards

Professional Of The Year

2025- Michael Hale, SR/WA, R/W-URAC, R/W-NAC, R/W-RAC

Right-of-Way Department Manager, Cobb, Fendley and Associates

Michael Hale is the Right-of-Way Department Manager for Cobb, Fendley and Associates, Inc. Michael has eighteen (18) years of experience in the right-of-way profession and has been involved in various facets of the business. Michael has worked as a project manager, acquisition agent, relocation agent and condemnation support specialist on various projects in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He has been a member of Chapter 36 since 2007 and has achieved various IRWA designations. Michael is very active in the IRWA, just completing his service of six years on the Executive Board for Chapter 36. He also served two terms on the International Credentialing Committee (ICC) and also on the Chapter 36 Professional Development Committee. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Science degree in Business Management from Liberty University.

Previous Professional of the Year

2024 – Sarah Riebe, SR/WA, R/W-NAC

2023 – Dalton Vann, MAI, SR/WA, R/W-AC

2022 – Lora Gunter, J.D., SR/WA

2021 – Kristen Bennett, SR/WA, R/W-RAC

2020 – Marcus Boyd, SR/WA, R/W-NAC, R/W-RAC, R/W-URAC

2019 – Walt Sass, RPLS

2018 – John P. Campbell, P.E., SR/WA

2017 – Erin K. Newberry, SR/WA, R/W-NAC

2016 – Donald C. Toner Jr., SR/WA

2015 – Charles Stearman, SR/WA

2014 – Georgia Snodgrass, SR/WA, R/W-NAC, R/W-AMC

2013 – Teri Morgan, SR/WA, R/W-RAC, R/W-NAC

2012 – Doc Weathers

2011 – Denise Skinner, SR/WA

2010 – Tami Benson

2009 – John Reed

2008 – Kevin Stout

2007 – Donnie Sherwood

2006 – Sue Findley

2005 – Lisa Harrison, SR/WA

2004 – Bob Montgomery, J. D.

2003 – Connie Williford, MAI

2002 – Randall Kopfer, SR/WA

2001 – Cleo Grounds, SR/WA

Young Professional Of The Year

Miles Travis is an Appraiser with Cushman & Wakefield’s Valuation & Advisory service line and a member of the Infrastructure Practice Group, specializing in eminent domain and right-of-way valuations. With five years of experience, he has supported major infrastructure projects across Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina, including utility easements, bridge and road expansions, and litigation preparation. Miles is a Licensed Appraiser Trainee in both Texas and Arkansas and an active member of IRWA Chapter 36, where he was named Young Professional of the Year in 2025 and has held several leadership roles. He is also an Associate Member of the Appraisal Institute and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University.