Axis Appraisal Management Solutions named Ron Simmons chief appraiser and director of valuation services. The San Rafael, Calif.-based firm provides appraisers across the country with tools to manage their work in the marketplace. Simmons brings more than a decade of experience as a certified residential appraiser to his new role, after running his own business in Northern California. Prior to opening his own practice, Simmons served Levi Strauss & Co., helping the firm develop one of its first computerized systems for the company’s sales force. Write to Kerri Panchuk.