IRV Appoints Katherine Brunacci as Vice Chair

02 Nov 2026

The Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) Professional Community Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Brunacci FIRV as Vice Chair, supporting Chair Sammantha Maclachlan FIRV as the Institute enters its next stage of development.

Katherine Brunacci was one of three candidates to stand for the role alongside Georgina Southam FIRV and Rachel Kinsella MIRV. All three put themselves forward with a shared commitment to supporting the growth, development and future direction of the community.

In her manifesto, Katherine Brunacci emphasised three priorities: maintaining and promoting high professional standards; making the Institute increasingly accessible and supportive for new and aspiring valuers, including through mentoring and peer learning; and strengthening the connection between valuation figures and real-world manufacturing costs and practices. A practising bench jeweller as well as a valuer, Katherine Brunacci highlighted the perspective this gives her on manufacturing practices and costs. She also brings experience as a trained expert witness, involvement in the NAJ's professional and technical standards standing group, and specialist knowledge of Asian jewellery.

Katherine Brunacci, Vice Chair of the IRV, said,

“I am honoured to have been appointed Vice Chair of the Institute of Registered Valuers. I look forward to listening to and working collaboratively with our members, the wider trade and fellow valuers to help ensure the Institute remains accessible, supportive and responsive to the needs of the valuing community, while continuing to uphold the highest professional standards.”

A strong field supporting the Institute

The Institute also thanked Georgina Southam and Rachel Kinsella for standing for Vice Chair and for their commitment to the profession. Both will continue to support the work of the Professional Community Group, helping to bring different perspectives, skills and experience into its work as the Institute delivers its emerging strategy.

As part of that rotation, the group thanked Barry Sullivan and Sandra Page for their contribution as they stood down from the Group.

Sammantha Maclachlan, Chair of the IRV, said,

“I’m delighted to welcome Katherine as Vice Chair. She brings a combination of professional expertise, practical experience and real enthusiasm for the IRV community, and I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we move our plans for the Institute forward. I also want to thank Georgina and Rachel for putting themselves forward. Having three members willing to stand and contribute their ideas demonstrates the strength of commitment within our community. The community group is delighted their involvement absolutely continues, and both have an important contribution to make as we develop the Institute.

“Our emerging strategy is about making sure the IRV remains ambitious and relevant: continuing to raise competency and professional standards, building the commercial strength and recognition of the Institute, and creating a professional community in which people genuinely want to participate.

"Finally, our thanks go to Barry and Sandra for everything they have given to the group. Rotation is important because it creates space for new voices, but stepping down from a committee certainly doesn't mean stepping away from the IRV. We know both will continue to support the Institute and its members in their own ways.”

New strategy takes shape

The meeting also considered the top-level direction of a new IRV strategy, bringing activity together around three areas:

Competency

Strengthening the knowledge, skills and professional standards expected of valuers, while supporting clearer development pathways into and through the Institute.

Commercial

Supporting a strong and sustainable professional Institute and helping ensure that IRV status continues to have clear relevance and value to practising valuers and the markets they serve.

Community

Building a connected, engaged and supportive professional community, led through the Professional Community Group, with greater opportunities for members to contribute, share expertise and support all valuers.

The IRV Professional Community Group is: Sammantha Maclachlan, Chair, Katherine Brunacci, Vice Chair, Jonathan Seth Solomons, Rachel Kinsella, Heather Callaway, Rosamond Clayton, Nick Hadler, Anna Rogers, Shelley Keating, Georgina Southam, Lady Anna Robertson, Peter Goodman (Observer). 

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Source: Institute of Registered Valuers