Meet our team

Senior Appraiser

Justin Cost has an RPA designation and is a Senior Appraiser with the Western VC team. He is friendly, kind and will leave you as if you have known him your whole life.  Justin is a conscientious appraiser and serves Callahan and Concho County.

Derek has a background serving in both Paramilitary and Law enforcement positions. He is excellent at appraising properties in an accurate and concise manner. Derek is very articulate and professional as he enjoys answering questions by appraisal district staff, board members and citizens.

Senior Appraiser

Matt Pannell has an RPA designation and is a Senior Appraiser with the Western VC team. He has a background in both Electrical and Construction work.  Matt pays close attention to detail when appraising and enjoys traveling to the various parts of Texas that his work has taken him.  Matt enjoys watching sports and playing golf. 

Bennett joined Western VC in 2020. He was born and raised in Abilene, Tx where he received a B.F.A. from McMurry University in 2010. Before joining our team, Bennett spent 4 years as a landman for an oil & gas company. He currently resides in Abilene with his wife and daughter. 

Troy was born and raised in Abilene, Tx. 

He graduated from Abilene High and went on to play baseball at Hardin-Simmons

 where he received a BBA degree in Finance.

Troy met his wife, Whitney, in Lubbock, Tx where they reside now with their 4 year old son, Waylon, and 2 year old daughter, Landri.

Kevin joined Western VC in 2021 as a Class II Appraiser. He retired from military after 26 years of service as a Flight Engineer and currently holds a pilot's license. He is a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. Kevin enjoys the field work and the diverse regions of Texas.

Melanie has a RPA designation and is currently doing contract work for Western VC.  She retired in July 2021, after 25 years with the  Taylor County Central Appraisal District.  She spent 17 of those years as  a Business Personal Property Appraiser.  Prior to working for Taylor CAD, she worked for 1.5 years with MVBA Law Firm where she was introduced to ad valorem taxation.  Since retiring, she enjoys spending time with family, her 6 grandchildren and traveling and glamping in their 5th wheel travel trailer.  

Lori began her appraisal career in 1988, having worked at an appraisal district for 24 years before joining the Property Tax Assistance Division in 2012 as part of the MAP team and becoming the MAP Supervisor in 2015. She joined our company in 2022, after retirement from the Comptroller’s office, primarily assisting appraisal districts with their MAP reviews, providing interim chief appraiser services, and assisting with field work as needed. Lori and Cody have 4 children and enjoy spending their time with family.  

Avery was born and raised in Quanah, Tx on his family ranch. He graduated Quanah High School and went on to West Texas A&M University where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Avery joined the Western team in 2022. He enjoys spending his off time with family and friends, or whatever home-project his fiancé can dream up.

Gage joined the Western VC team in January of 2022. He's a West Texas native and attended Howard Payne University where he received his bachelors degree. Upon Graduation Gage spent time in Law Enforcement before relocating to the DFW area where he joined the Western team. Gage enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, hunting and barbecuing on his smoker.