Our Origin Story.The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) was birthed out of the hard work and foresight of Frank C. Balfour of the California Division of Highway in October 1934. Mr. Balfour, with the help of 14 men, began organizing right-of-way agents from City, County, and State Departments, Utility Companies, and the Railroads. Monthly meetings were held to exchange industry knowledge and aid agents in developing new ideas to address industry-specific issues or challenges. In 1955 a monthly bulletin was published to cement the workings of members, committees, and their accomplishments in their individual service to the right-of-way profession. This was the first chapter of our Association, the reach of has grown and extended throughout both the Nation.
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Establishing Chapter 14.The first recorded mention of an American Right of Way Chapter in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland area is in a letter dated October 18th, 1955, sent to the heads of legal departments of public utilities and private firms involved in right of way Association.
The first regular Chapter meeting was held in Baltimore on June 18th, 1956. Before this first meeting, plans were being made for the members to journey to Richmond, by private railcar, on the RF&P Railroad for the September meeting. It was agreed that meetings would rotate from Washington to Baltimore to Richmond. Meanwhile, the second national educational conference was held in Houston, Texas, on June 14th, showing good Chapter 14 representation. |
Our Focus. |
Chapter 14 Leadership.
Shaun McClain
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Tiara McCray
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Michael Chicorelli, MAI
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Stacy Harman
Secretary Bio Coming Soon!
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Samantha Knott
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Samantha lives in Southern MD and has resided there her entire life. She has been employed with the Charles County Government as a paralegal for the Office of the County Attorney the last 6 years, assisting with real property issues, easements and contracts for property acquisitions, Capital Improvement Projects, and bonding and development. Her legal experience began in 2004 in private practice with a focus in personal injury, workers compensation, mesothelioma cases and various other areas. Samantha has also been a Realtor for 16 years specializing in residential real estate. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
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