Jeff Olson

President

Jeff has 35 years of experience in the Lake States as an appraiser and forester. In the past 25 years, appraisal experience has centered on eminent domain appraisal assignments. He specializes in multiple parcel appraisals for highway and utility projects (pipelines and transmission lines). He has had numerous appearances in jury trials and civil hearings in several counties in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and North Dakota. Since 2014, he has prepared reports for over 125 cases. 

Norman Pawelczyk - SR/WA

President Elect

Norman has been employed at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation since 1997. He has held Real Estate Specialist positions at WisDOT in the areas of negotiation, appraisal, relocation and appraisal review. He was a past Real Estate/Plat Development Supervisor and is now currently the Bureau of Technical Services Chief in the areas of real estate, access management, and utility coordination. He has an associate degree in Real Estate Appraisal and Assessment, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Development. He holds licenses as a WI Certified General Appraiser, WI Assessor 2 and WI Real Estate Broker and holds the SR/WA designation.

Laura Heier

Treasurer

Laura is a Certified General Appraiser and professional forester who has focused on eminent domain assignments in Wisconsin and North Dakota. She formerly worked in the private consulting industry managing the appraisal side of numerous eminent domain related projects. Currently Laura works for AgCountry FCS performing appraisals for agricultural financing.

Paul Gibson - SR/WS

Secretary

Paul has been a Project Manager with JCG Land Services since 2009. He has provided acquisition and management services for several clients during his tenure. He has experience in infrastructure, utilities, and renewables throughout the Midwest. He currently manages the JCG office in Madison. Paul holds the certification of SR/WA and is a real estate salesperson, licensed in the State of Iowa.

Michelle Somers - Past President

Michelle is currently serving as Past President for Chapter 17.  Michelle earned her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Chippewa Valley Technical College and started working as a ROW agent after graduating in 2014.  She is currently employed by Coleman Engineering as a contract Right of Way Agent for Wisconsin Public Service in Green Bay, WI.   She has been a member of IRWA since 2014 and along with being Past President she also Co-chairs the Education and PDC Committees and serves as Newsletter Editor from 2015 – 2019.  In 2018, Michelle was awarded Chapter 17’s Professional of the Year.