Get to know a few of the faces behind GreenStone's appraisal team!
Andrew J. Warner
Lead Appraiser, 13 years of service
What is your favorite part about your role?
Where to begin? It is truly a privilege and honor to be the “boots on the ground’ with our members. I’m always seeking to understand the ‘why’ behind people, places, and decisions, and I have a deep appreciation for the generational history, stories and legacies that shape our members, their families, and our communities.
What is something people might not know about GreenStone’s appraisal department?
Due to the unique blend of commercial and agricultural property types, the real-estate appraisal team is required to hold the highest licensure known as a Certified General License. This grants authority to appraise all real property including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and complex properties, with no transaction value limit. Because Farm Credit is a federally regulated lender, all appraisals must meet strict federal standards for accuracy and compliance.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with GreenStone?
Valuation requires separating personal opinion from market facts, basing conclusions on evidence rather than assumptions or emotions. Ethics and integrity are non-negotiable — being a trusted appraiser means upholding professional standards, even under pressure. At the same time, compassion and empathy are essential; understanding the stories, challenges, and legacies behind each property allows me to provide valuations that are not only accurate but also respectful of the people and communities involved.
Heidi Pettis
Lead Appraiser, 15 years of service
What is your favorite part about your role?
I enjoy working with our customers and seeing their homes and operations. I enjoy watching them expand their operations over time or build their dreams in our rural communities. One customer in particular stands out – they approached GreenStone for a land loan a few years ago, and I completed the appraisal for the transaction. A couple of years later, they decided to build a shed on their property, and I appraised it again for their construction project. This past summer, I was asked again to do a construction appraisal for them to build their dream home. I got to be with them every step of the way!
What is something people might not know about GreenStone’s appraisal department?
Our real estate appraisers are all licensed as Certified General Appraisers within each state that we work in. The licensing process is rigorous, often taking between three and five years to complete the required education and tests. Once we receive our license, we need to continue to take classes for continuing education to renew our license every two years.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with GreenStone?
The most valuable lesson that I’ve learned is to take the time to find all the facts before making a decision. Each appraisal is unique, and I take the time to look into each property and comparable sale fully to make sure that I am making the most informed decision. This helps ensure quality and consistency within our appraisal and lending process.
Amanda Ruggles
Senior Appraiser, 15 years of service
What is your favorite part about your role?
My favorite part about being an appraiser is being able to go out and visit our customers. I love to talk and connect with those in our industry; it’s nice to hear their stories! Farmers take pride in their land and their operations and love to share their knowledge.
What is something people might not know about GreenStone’s appraisal department?
Our appraisal department is made up of an amazing group of people who are knowledgeable in a wide range of agricultural operations. I truly feel that we are the best at what we do which is why we are sought out for agricultural appraisals.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time with GreenStone?
I’ve learned you must be flexible and know how to prioritize your workload. We all have our list of assignments, but I’ve learned to prioritize my workload to make sure our customers always come first and to be ready for whatever comes my way!
To view the rest of the 2025 fall Partners articles please click here.
