The Federation of Exchange Accommodators established the CES Program or Certified Exchange Specialist designation as a way to “certify” Qualified Intermediaries. It is another checks and balances precaution that will allow the consumer to feel more confident that their CES designated Qualified Intermediary is both competent and a honest and legitimate business. The importance of this certification could have positive ramifications for the Exchange industry moving forward. It is too early to gauge the effectiveness of the CES certification but it is the right step in the evolution of the Exchange industry.
According to www.articlecenter.com: “The CES Program was established by the FEA in 2003 to formally recognize individuals who have satisfied an experience requirement and demonstrated through testing their comprehensive knowledge of Section 1031 and the facilitation of like-kind exchanges. Currently there are 246 CES® Designees nationwide.”
“It’s exciting to see the commitment that our members have to continuing education and furthering their credibility in the industry,” said Hugh Pollard, CES®, 2007 FEA President. “The CES® designation is a designation that anyone executing an exchange should have on their business card. It provides customers with confidence in knowing that they are working with the highest level of professionalism within the industry.”
The following is a list of professionals, provided by the article center, who passed the exam and can now use the CES® designation in their title:
• John Boyd Greenville, SC
• Melanie Brienza Providence, RI
• Tacha Bromber Petaluma, CA
• Brooke Collins Tallahassee, FL
• Angela Fortune Morrisville, NC
• Amy Gustin Bellevue, WA
• Alan Lichtenstein Dix Hills, NY
• Carla Linskey Virginia Beach, VA
• Matthew Linville Pilot Mountain, NC
• Adam Mishcon Coral Gables, FL
• Stephen Rogers Scottsdale, AZ
• Scott Rotkowitz Armonk, NY
• Esther Silberberg Lakewood, NJ
• Sarah K. Smith Las Vegas, NV
• Justin Swift Roseville, CA
For more information on CES certified Exchange industry professionals in your area please go to the “member locator” section of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators website at www.1031.org.
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