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IAO Trustee Candidates

IAO Board of Trustee Candidates

  

Matthew Cronin, IAO - Candidate for Trustee

Hi, I’m Matthew R. Cronin, IAO, and I’m running for the IAO Board of Trustees. I’ve been in the assessment field for over a decade, currently serving as the Assessor for my hometown, the Town of Babylon. Before this, I was Suffolk County’s Director of Asset Management and the Acting County Assessor for Nassau County, which gave me a broad perspective on our profession across different scales.

Earning my IAO designation changed my life, deepening my commitment to this work and opening new paths in my career. I want to give back by helping other assessors grow through better training and collaboration. If elected to the Board, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to strengthen IAO’s education programs and support our members in facing today’s challenges.

I started my career at a family grievance firm, learning the ins and outs of challenging assessments for clients. That experience gave me a unique view of our profession, but joining the public sector as an assessor showed me the impact of fair, transparent valuations on entire communities. Now, as a proud IAO member, I’m driven to strengthen our field by fostering collaboration and building better training to help assessors navigate those ever-increasing challenges every day.

In Amityville, I’m lucky enough to share my life with my incredible wife, Alessandra and our two children, Marco (2) and Lucia (1). In my spare time, I’m sneaking in a workout on the rowing machine, playing piano, or keeping our yard in shape. I’d be honored to bring my experience and energy to the IAO Board to help our profession grow stronger.

Victoria Sirota, IAO - Candidate for Trustee

I am honored to have been nominated for the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Assessing Officers. I wish to serve as a Trustee as I am passionate about the assessment profession and believe that education is the key to its success.

Please allow me to introduce myself.  I started my assessment career in 2012 as the Sole Assessor in the Town of North Castle in Westchester County and am currently the Sole Assessor in the Town/Village of Scarsdale, Westchester County.  Having no prior assessment experience, I attribute my success in this field to the support from my fellow assessors and the NYSAA class offerings.  I have been actively involved with both the county and state assessor associations since becoming an assessor. I have served at every level of the Westchester County Association and am currently the Treasurer. I serve on several NYSAA committees, including the Legislative and Audit.  Passing the IAO exam and getting the coveted designation in 2016 was the most important professional milestone.  I would like to assist others to take on this challenge.

Not only is education a key ingredient in keeping up to date with the constantly evolving legal, statutory, and operational standards, but its also the path to getting ahead of the curve by attracting new talent to this field. I would like to help expand the pipeline of recruits and enhance their support for education and career progression through mentoring, training, and job placement.

AnneMarie Zarelli, IAO - Candidate for Trustee

My name is Anne Marie Zarelli, and it is a tremendous honor to have been selected for the Trustee ballot of the Institute of Assessing Officers. I deeply believe that continuing education is vital for our profession, especially as laws, procedures, and best practices continually evolve. Serving as a Trustee would give me an opportunity to further support and shape the educational programs that empower assessors across the state.

I began my assessment career serendipitously in 2014 when seeking full-time work after my youngest entered school. A friend suggested the Senior Assessment Clerk position in Halfmoon, and I haven’t looked back. As Senior Assessment Clerk, I managed exemptions, property transfers, and roll updates while completing advanced state training. My earlier roles in financial services, real estate, and engineering at Verizon strengthened my communication, service orientation, and leadership skills. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College, I bring a strong technical foundation to public service.

Since October 2019—and following the retirement of my predecessor—I have served as the Sole Appointed Assessor for the Town of Halfmoon, located in southern Saratoga County, which has seen significant growth in both residential development and commercial expansion. I am grateful to have just been re-appointed to my next six-year term and relish the opportunity to guide our department through another phase of change and growth.

On a personal note, I’m the proud mom of two teenagers—my daughter just completed her first year at SUNY ESF studying Environmental Health, and my son is a high school senior determining his next steps. I’m also grateful to have found my best friend, love and partner in Jim, who supports my ongoing pursuit of professional development. When I’m not working, we enjoy family time, fishing, and four-wheeling adventures.

I actively champion professional growth: I currently serve as Secretary of the Saratoga County Assessor’s Association and am a member of the New York State Assessors Association. I earned my IAO designation in October 2023 where I actively contribute to the Membership and Conference Committees.

If I have the privilege of serving as your IAO Trustee, I will work tirelessly to enhance these programs—ensuring every assessor has access to high-quality education in real property valuation, tax law, and evolving procedures. Together, we can continue to uphold tax equity and professional excellence across New York.

Thank you for considering me as your Trustee—it would be my honor to serve you.