CHICAGO: The Appraisal Institute, an association of real estate appraisers, hired Ken Chitester as director of communications. Chitester, formerly a communications aide in the Clinton White House, was also previously VP and deputy director of Midwest public affairs at Hill & Knowlton. In his new role, Chitester will work to expand the Institute's internal and external communications activities by increasing awareness, promoting understanding, and communicating the value of appraisers, the appraisal profession, and the Institute.