APA Senior Staff

The CEO plays a pivotal role in facilitating strategic planning and aligning the organization's resources and activities with its vision and goals. Joel builds relationships and influence with partners; advances the association's objectives and policies; facilitates a culture of excellence, innovation, and member service; and leads an exemplary volunteer management environment.

The COO coordinates the operations of the Association, working with volunteer leaders and staff in foresight-driven strategic planning, decision-making, and disciplined implementation of APA's annual scope of work. Harriet oversees the Strategy Delivery Office, Leadership, Public Affairs, and Office Administration teams.

The Chief Financial and Member Engagement Officer is responsible for the integrity of all financial activities for APA, guides strategies for recruiting, retaining, and engaging members, and pursues opportunities for philanthropic impact through the activities of the APA Foundation. Alex oversees the Finance, AICP, Member Services, and Foundation teams.

The CIO guides APA's organization-wide information technology program, including the planning and implementation of enterprise information systems that deliver member value, support operations and achieve efficiencies for users. Mark oversees the IT, Technology, Meetings, and Education teams.

The Chief Foresight and Knowledge Officer is responsible for identifying, developing, and capitalizing on opportunities to create and disseminate knowledge essential to effective planning practice, now and in the future. Petra leads the practice of foresight that informs APA's strategy system and oversees research, marketing/communications, career services, and international activities.

The Principal, Public Affairs is responsible for shaping and influencing public policy at all levels of government and advancing APA’s adopted legislative and policy agendas. Jason provides expert guidance to APA’s public affairs, government affairs, policy, and advocacy efforts, including leadership in the development of APA policy guides; representation of APA with congressional offices, federal agencies, and partner organizations; and direction for advocacy networks and outreach campaigns.

The Professional Practice Director manages membership programs across the planning career lifecycle, from student to retired, working to increase membership recruitment, retention, and engagement by delivering unique value. Felicia also oversees the programs of APA's professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, including its certification exam, Certification Maintenance program, OnePath to AICP program, and College of Fellows.

The Marketing and Communications Director leads efforts to know and understand members and customers and to inform and support the organization's response to their unmet needs with content and other solutions that they find uniquely valuable. Liz leads marketing and communications teams and is also the primary liaison to equity, diversity, and inclusion stakeholders across the organization.

The Leadership Director facilitates effective governance of the Association by working closely with elected leaders, staff, and a wide network of volunteers at the national and component level to conduct business in line with existing policy, develop the leadership pipeline, and provide valuable services to volunteer leaders as a subject matter expert. Samantha facilitates the work of the Board of Directors, the AICP Commission, and component councils, and oversees leadership development and component services.

The Public Affairs Director advances APA's strategic priorities by leading issue campaigns aimed at decision-makers, influencers, and critical external audiences. Emily positions APA for influence and leadership by expanding their understanding of the unique value of planning and aligning APA policy priorities to advocacy, content, and strategic outreach strategies.

The Member Services Director is responsible for cultivating and enhancing member relations. Karl develops and implements analytics‐driven membership strategies, initiatives, and policies designed to provide value to members, promoting member retention and growth.

The Strategy Delivery Office Director is responsible for program and project management excellence across APA, enabling the successful delivery of projects and programs to achieve APA's strategic goals and annual scope of work. Mike aligns people, processes, measurements, standards, and activities to APA's business strategy, and monitors and reports outcomes.

The Technology Director leads efforts to better serve members and stakeholders through the application of existing, new, and emerging technologies. Ran leads the organization in its use of technologies that enhance the value-creating capabilities of the team.

The Meetings and Education Director is responsible for strategically coordinating with staff, members, and others on the planning, implementation, and assessment of all aspects of APA's education strategy, including online and in-person learning. Eva oversees the National Planning Conference, other association meetings, and the Passport online learning platform.