Leadership

Dr. Robert S. Barr received his doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University, specializing in Agricultural Education and Real Estate.  His doctoral thesis was a study on methodology for Agricultural-Use valuation.  Dr. Barr was instrumental in establishing “Act 319” (the “Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act”), as amended by “Act 156” and “Act 235,” better known as “Clean and Green.” 

With over 20 years of experience dealing with local government officials, primarily in real estate mass appraisal and related services, Dr. Barr has established a clear vision of serving local government through technology and innovative ideas.  He is a Pennsylvania state certified appraiser and considered an expert in project management and public relations.

Under Dr. Barr’s leadership, 21st Century Appraisals has grown to become the most active reassessment firm in Pennsylvania.  His ingenuity led to the development of cutting-edge assessment technology tools, including an Automated Valuation Modeling (AVM) system. 

In the early 1990’s, Dr. Barr developed the initial Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator (CPE) exam, a designation required for assessors and appraisers valuing property for ad valorem tax purposes.  Dr. Barr testified before the Pennsylvania State House Finance Committee regarding local tax reform and participated as the “Clean and Green” consultant to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate.  He is an approved instructor for the Assessors’ Association of Pennsylvania (AAP), and taught a seminar for the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.  He appeared as an expert witness on behalf of county commissioners before the Public Utility Commission, and continues to be an expert witness at Court of Common Pleas hearings.  He has been instrumental in amending assessment law in regard to considering Wireless Service Facilities (WSF) as real property in Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Barr is noted as an educator, author, speaker, publisher, real estate appraiser, and business entrepreneur.  He has traveled internationally, and has been responsible for establishing numerous successful organizations and businesses. 

As a teenager, Dr. Barr was honored by two U.S. Presidents (Eisenhower and Kennedy) as the “Top 4-H Youth.”  Dr. Barr has been a high school educator, taught at The Pennsylvania State University, served as Assistant Executive Director of Intermediate Unit 17, served two terms on the Board of Directors for The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agriculture Alumni Association, founded a two-year Christian and vocational school, and published a travel guide.  He is considered an expert in business and project management.  He is a noted teacher and guest speaker and is president of Highmark Institute’s Real Estate and Appraisal Academy.