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The Central Appraisal District of Johnson County (JCAD) has retained Mackenzie Eason & Associates to help find its next Chief Appraiser & Executive Director. We are seeking a forward-looking, principled executive to serve as the next Chief Appraiser & Executive Director. This is not a routine succession; it is a rare opportunity to modernize, elevate, and reestablish trust in an organization poised for reinvention. The previous Chief Appraiser, who recently retired, spent over 40 years at the Appraisal District, including more than 20 years in the role of Chief Appraiser.

JCAD operates at the heart of one of North Texas's fastest-growing counties, overseeing the valuation of thousands of properties that sustain local schools, cities, and public services. With the recent retirement of the long-serving Chief Appraiser, a newly engaged Board of Directors, and shifting policy directives at the state level, the District now enters a period of strategic renewal. The next Chief Appraiser will not simply maintain the status; they will define a new standard for transparency, leadership, and appraisal excellence.

The Role Ahead

The incoming Chief Appraiser will be expected to operate with the executive discipline of a CEO: aligning technical operations with fiscal accountability, developing staff into a high-performing team, and serving as the district’s public face to taxpayers, taxing entities, and elected officials.

This includes implementing a vision of professionalism and trust, managing through significant policy and legislative shifts (including ongoing interpretations of SB 973), and navigating the complexities of maintaining the district’s unique three-year appraisal cycle while others continue with annual valuations. JCAD is the only appraisal district in Texas to have implemented a three-year cycle, and the Board hopes that its success will set a precedent for peers across the state.

What’s Needed Now

JCAD’s next leader must bring a combination of technical credibility and strategic maturity. While a deep knowledge of ad valorem tax systems is required, this role is not about writing valuations; it’s about managing and leading employees and the Board, overseeing processes, building trust, and ensuring accountability.

The ideal candidate will:

+ Bring RPA and CTA certifications, with at least a decade of experience in the property tax or appraisal field;

+ Demonstrate clear leadership, professional integrity, and the ability to restore public trust following a period of leadership change and transformation.

+ Build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including a highly engaged Board, historically under-empowered staff, and taxpayers seeking greater clarity, fairness, and transparency;

+ Have the financial acumen to lead budget development from scratch, building detailed, line-item documentation with KPIs, dashboards, and regular board reporting, which has previously been absent;

+ Lead cultural transformation, elevating professionalism, accountability, and staff empowerment without losing the district’s tradition of strong customer service;

+ Offer strong interpersonal skills, especially when guiding board governance, navigating policy conflicts, or supporting staff with empathy and firm expectations.

A Time to Set a New Standard

This moment represents both a challenge and a mandate. The District’s leadership team is small but passionate. The staff is eager for a vision and direction, empowerment, and a clearer structure. The Board is committed to transparency, accountability, and legal compliance, but needs an expert partner to guide those conversations with clarity and tact.

This is a place where leadership still matters. Where faith, family, and freedom are lived values. And where the right person can not only lead an appraisal district, but also help shape the next generation of property tax administration in Texas.

About the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County

JCAD is a political subdivision responsible for establishing fair market values for more than 140,000 parcels across Johnson County. These values form the basis for assessments by local governments and taxing entities, including cities, school districts, hospitals, and colleges. Unlike other Texas appraisal districts, JCAD operates on a three-year reappraisal cycle, a system that demands rigorous planning and high-quality data to remain legally compliant and fiscally responsible.

The District currently employs approximately 30 FTEs across four divisions (residential, commercial, personal property, and support services). The District’s leadership has full budget authority, and the incoming Chief Appraiser will be responsible for rebuilding the annual budgeting process, establishing line-item transparency, and instituting financial reporting protocols that align with evolving Board and state-level expectations.

With a Board and staff committed to improvement, and a county poised for continued growth, the opportunity for leadership, and lasting impact, is substantial.

The Ideal Candidate

The next Chief Appraiser will be a principled and seasoned leader, part valuation expert, part executive manager, and part civic ambassador. They will bring a clear-eyed understanding of appraisal law and policy, but also the people skills to unify a diverse team and reestablish credibility across the organization.

They will lead through influence, not intimidation, creating clear expectations, modeling accountability, and developing a culture of mutual respect. They will understand that excellence is built not just on compliance, but on service: to taxpayers, to taxing entities, and to the integrity of the public trust.

The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complex Board dynamics and public discourse, while quietly driving internal systems toward measurable improvement. They will be energized by a turnaround challenge, but patient enough to build sustainable change. This is not a political role, but it requires someone with political acuity, legal discernment, and an unwavering ethical compass.

Key Responsibilities

+ Serve as the chief administrative officer, Chief Appraiser, and legal steward of the appraisal district.

+ Provide leadership and develop a clear vision, strategic direction, and plan for the district and staff.

+ Develops and manages the annual district budget, including full financial planning, cost allocation, and reporting in coordination with the Board of Directors.

+ Oversee and improve all aspects of the property appraisal process, ensuring fair, legal, and timely valuations across residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property classes.

+ Lead, mentor, and evaluate staff across appraisal and administrative functions, establishing a clear leadership structure, professional expectations, and pathways for development and accountability.

+ Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors, offering policy advice, technical clarity, and transparent communication.

+ Provide direct oversight and quality assurance of the three-year appraisal cycle, including roll development, property discovery, protest resolution, and certification.

+ Maintain clear and proactive relationships with local taxing entities, school districts, community leaders, and taxpayers.

+ Ensure compliance with USPAP, the Texas Property Tax Code, Comptroller standards, and any applicable state or federal mandates.

Key Qualifications

+ Certification as a Registered Professional Appraiser (RPA) and Certified Tax Administrator (CTA) in Texas.

+ At least 10 years of experience in property appraisal, tax administration, or related fields; prior executive or chief appraiser experience strongly preferred.

+ Demonstrated success leading professional teams, developing budgets, and driving measurable organizational improvement.

+ Strong knowledge of Texas appraisal law, the Property Tax Code, and recent legislative reforms.

+ Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to work constructively with boards, staff, taxing entities, and the public.

Culture, Values & Why JCAD

JCAD offers an opportunity to lead with purpose in a community that values integrity, accountability, and service. With strong regional momentum, a Board committed to support for the Chief Appraiser, and a professional team ready for development, this is a place where leadership still makes a difference.

The District’s next leader must embody values such as:

+ Transparency: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

+ Professionalism: Modeling ethical standards and industry best practices.

+ Responsiveness: Serving all stakeholders with clarity and respect.

+ Growth mindset: Willingness to modernize systems, develop people, and embrace constructive change.

Compensation & Benefits

+ Salary range: Commensurate with experience

+ Competitive healthcare, retirement, and leave benefits

+ Relocation assistance and professional development support available

Ready to Lead?

This is a defining opportunity to modernize a vital public institution and shape a respected appraisal district for future generations.

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