Headshot of Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor

Executive Director, Kornblau Real Estate Program, and Risk Management and Insurance Program

Area: Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Area: Kornblau Real Estate Program

  • Snead Hall
  • 301 W. Main Street
  • Box 844000
  • Richmond, VA, 23284-4000
  • Office: B2145

Expertise

  • Real Estate
  • Insurance
  • Risk Management

Interests

Teaching
  • Undergraduate and graduate courses in finance and real estate.
Bio

Robert W. Taylor is a highly respected leader in real estate and insurance, recognized for combining in-depth professional expertise, technical precision, and a genuine commitment to education and service. He specializes in real estate valuation, brokerage, consulting, financial modeling, and litigation support, and is recognized for his ability to distill complex data into practical and strategic insights.

Mr. Taylor is a member of the Appraisal Institute and holds both the MAI and SRA designations—credentials attained by only the most accomplished valuation professionals. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). In the Commonwealth of Virginia, he is licensed as a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and Real Estate Broker.
A trusted expert witness, Mr. Taylor has testified in numerous circuit courts and in federal bankruptcy court on matters involving real estate valuation, investment analysis, finance, and property-related disputes. His strengths in data analytics, financial modeling, and advanced spreadsheet design have made him a sought-after consultant for both private-sector and legal professionals.

His experience also extends into the insurance and regulatory arena. In 2021, he was appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to the Virginia Continuing Education Board, where he also maintains property & casualty producer and consultant licenses. He is frequently invited to speak at real estate, insurance, and finance conferences, and his insights have been featured in national outlets, including expert commentary for WalletHub.

Mr. Taylor has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, including service as Chair of the Appraisal Institute’s Education Trust Fund and Chair of the Real Estate Center Directors and Chairholders’ Association. He is a past President of the Virginia Commonwealth Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

In addition to his industry leadership, Mr. Taylor has been deeply engaged in nonprofit governance. He served as both Trustee and President of a multi-million-dollar charitable organization that provides financial assistance to faith-based initiatives and community programs throughout the region. His work helped strengthen philanthropic support for organizations focused on food security, youth development, and community advancement.

At Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Taylor is recognized as an accessible and student-centered educator with a talent for making complex material both understandable and relevant. His teaching emphasizes analytical rigor, real-world application, and strong professional judgment—qualities that prepare students to excel in various professions, including real estate, insurance, and finance.

Widely regarded as one of the region’s most trusted voices in real estate and insurance, Mr. Taylor is known not only for his professional excellence but also for his integrity, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the people and communities he serves.