Akin Akinyemi was elected as the Leon County Property Appraiser in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. In this role, he oversees the office’s state-mandated responsibilities, annually certifying property values and exemptions for over 111,000 parcels totaling over $36 billion in just value and over $21 billion in taxable value. His strategic priorities for the office include exceptional public service, a culture of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and organizational effectiveness.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Akin came to the United States to study architecture and urban planning and ran a successful regional architecture firm for more than 20 years. Akin holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Studies from Florida State University, a Master of Architecture from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture & Housing Development from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the University of Lagos. He has lived in Tallahassee for more than 30 years. Akin is married to Eva; together they have four children and five grandchildren.
Akin served as a Leon County Commissioner from 2008 through 2012, where he was selected as chair of the Value Adjustment Board from 2010 to 2011, and as chair of the commission from 2011 to 2012. He is a strong advocate for our community and the environment. That commitment led him to volunteer and serve on boards of many non-profit organizations, in our local schools, and in the business community. He has served as president of Brehon Family Services and on the boards of Goodwill Industries, The Dick Howser Center, Ability 1st, FAMU School of Architecture Alumni Network, Sunrise Rotary Club, Chiles High School Student Advisory Council, and the Leon County Schools District Advisory Council. Additionally, Akin has held leadership roles for the Florida Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties and is a current member of the Greater Tallahassee and Capital City Chambers of Commerce.
A past inductee into the NAACP Civil Rights Hall of Fame, Akin has also been recognized as a Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar Honoree and has received numerous professional honors, including the Florida Association of Counties’ President’s Advocacy Award, SBA Small Business Awards, and recognition as a past C.K. Steele Honoree. Akin served as president of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers from 2021 to 2022 and continues to serve as a member of the board of directors.
Accomplishments as Leon County Property Appraiser
- Implemented a mobile system for field appraisers, allowing them to work remotely more effectively and increasing efficiency.
- Instituted new processes to protect the health of customers and employees, such as installing a solid partition at the customer service counter that increases security and minimizes face-to-face contact.
- Implemented community outreach and appraising innovation programs.
- Crafted a strategic plan, organizational slogan, logo, and vision and value statements.
- Consolidated office space from two locations to one.
- Automation of the agricultural exemption renewal.
- Earned a perfect score on recertification for the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration through IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers).
- Developed enhanced, mobile-friendly online search functionality to provide transparent access to property information.
- Created online filing functionality for homestead exemption applications, tangible personal property returns, and limited income senior exemption application renewals.
- Instituted leadership and employee recognition programs to encourage engagement and celebrate personal and professional achievements.
- Created an "Honor Wall" as a tribute to past elected property appraisers and to recognize leaders and employees working within the office.
- Leveraged process improvement strategies to reduce in-house printing and paper costs by 70% since assuming office as property appraiser.
Credentials
- Ph.D., Florida State University, Urban and Regional Studies
- M.Arch., Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Master of Architecture
- B.S., University of Minnesota, Architecture & Housing Development
- B.S., University of Lagos, Environmental Design
- Certified Florida Appraiser (CFA), Florida Department of Revenue
- Cadastral Map Specialist (CMS), International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
- Registered Architect (RA), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Certified County Commissioner (CCC), 2011, Institute for County Government
- Advanced County Commissioner (ACC), 2012, Institute for County Government
Career Background
- Leon County Property Appraiser, 2017 - Present
- Leon County Commissioner, At-Large Seat 1 2008–2012; Chairman 2011-2012
- Leon County Value Adjustment Board, Chair, 2008-2012
- Akin and Associates Architects, regional architectural firm, 1993-2014
Recognition and Leadership
- Featured as the first Black elected Leon County Property Appraiser in the book Black History Firsts, 2022
- Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar Honoree, 2019
- NAACP Civil Rights Hall of Fame, Inductee
- Tallahassee's Black History Firsts in Government, Loved by Jesus Family Church, 2018
- Florida Association of Counties President's Advocacy Award, 2011
- C.K. Steele Honoree, 2010
- Historic Preservation Award, U.S. Courthouse Restoration
- FAMU/SBA Small Businessperson of the Year, 2001
- Tallahassee and Jacksonville MedWeek Professional Service Firm-of-the-Year, 1994
Professional and Community Involvement
- Florida Association of Property Appraisers (FAPA,) 2021-2022 Vice President; 2017-2018 Secretary and Director District One
- Property Appraisers Association of Florida (PAAF), 2017-23 Legislative Committee
- Leon County Value Adjustment Board, Chair, 2008-2012
- Florida Association of Counties (FAC), Co-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee
- National Association of Counties (NACo), Member of the select committee on Environment, Energy and Land Use
- President, Brehon Family Services
- Board Member, Goodwill Industries
- Board Member, Ability First's High School/High-Tech
- Chair, Service Corps of Retired Employees (SCORE)
- Co-Chair, FAMU School of Architecture Alumni Network
- Co-Founder, North Florida Stand Down for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
- Founding Sponsor, U.S. Green Building Council – Florida Capital Region Chapter
- Member/DAC Rep., Chiles’ High School, Student Advisory Council (SAC)
- Member/Secretary-Treasurer, Leon County Schools, District Advisory Council (DAC)