Pritchett, Ball & Wise, Inc. was originally founded by Mr. James Hill Pritchett, MAI, SRA, in 1954. Mr. Pritchett led a remarkable life, serving as a submariner with the Navy in the Pacific during WWII, followed by obtaining degrees from Georgia Tech and Emory, then finally embarking upon a career in construction, brokerage and then ultimately in real estate appraisal.

Mr. Pritchett taught 67 courses in real estate, with an emphasis in the area of litigation; Mr. Pritchett completely revised the litigation course in 1978. Mr. Pritchett served as President of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers in 1967 and on its Board of Directors from 1981 to 1983.

Sadly, Mr. Pritchett passed in January 2002; however, the firm retains his principals and ideals, and Mr. Pritchett's influence guides us today.

In 2002, the Appraisal Institute established a national award in Mr. Pritchett's honor. The award is presented annually and recognizes outstanding contributions to the appraisal profession in a manner that reflects the character and life-long commitment of James H. Pritchett, MAI, SRA, whose greatest attributes include his leadership and integrity, often demonstrated by his exceptional work in teaching, writing, mentoring and professional practice in litigation support and eminent domain.

Past award recipients include:

Dr. James Eaton, MAI, SRA [2002]; Mr. Roscoe Shiplett, MAI [2003]; Dr. James Vernor, MAI [2004]; Mr. Nelson Bowes, MAI, PE, CRE [2006]; Mr. David Lenhoff, MAI [2007]; and Mr. Richard Parli, MAI[2008].

Mr. Henry J. Wise, MAI, CBA, BVAL, CRE [Emeritus] served as Senior Vice President for the firm until his retirement in 2008.

Mr. Wise is one of the few appraisers in the United States designated in both business and real estate appraisal. He is a frequent contributor of educational articles and papers, as well as teaching for both the Appraisal Institute and the Institute of Business Appraisers. Henry remains an active member on various committees of The Appraisal Institute.

Although retired, Mr. Wise continues his relationship with the firm by taking on occasional assignments that are of special interest to him.

The firm's partners are active within the Atlanta Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, the nation's most well-known and respected organization for appraisers.

Joe Ball, MAI, has served on the Regional Ethics and Counseling Panel, been a Regional Representative, served on the Board of Directors, served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, then President of the Atlanta Chapter, as well as chariman of the Leadership Development Panel.

George Petkovich, MAI, CCIM, has served the Atlanta Chapter as Chairman of the Associate Leadership and Membership Development and Retention Committees, as a Regional Representative, and serving on the Board of Directors. Mr. Petkovich also attended the Leadership Development and Advisory Council in Washington, DC.