APA Senior Staff
The senior staff at APA oversees its functional areas and leads the day-to-day activities of departments to carry out the vision of APA's dedicated volunteer leaders.
Chief Executive Officer, APA and AICP
Joel Albizo, FASAE, CAE
The Chief Executive Officer plays a pivotal role in facilitating strategic planning and aligning the organization's resources and activities with its vision and goals. The CEO 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.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO)
Alejandro (Alex) Fuentes
The COO/CFO is responsible for Membership, AICP, Accounting, Human Resources, and Administration. Alex also serves as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the APA Board of Directors, representing the board primarily on financial matters.
Chief Strategy Officer
Harriet Bogdanowicz, MBA, CAE
The CSO works with elected leaders, volunteers and staff to plan and coordinate the implementation of APA's foresight-first strategy and special projects. Harriet oversees Leadership, Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs teams.
Chief Information Officer
Mark Ferguson
The CIO guides APA's organization-wide information technology program. Mark leads the planning and implementation of enterprise information systems that support operations and achieve efficiencies, and oversees the IT, Meetings and Edcuation departments.
Professional Practice Director
Felicia Braunstein
The Professional Practice Director is responsible for the programs of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Felicia oversees the AICP certification exam, Certification Maintenance program, AICP Candidate Pilot Program, and Fellows of AICP and acts as the staff liaison to the AICP Commission.
Research Director
Petra Hurtado, PhD
The Research Director is responsible for the overall design, direction, and management of APA's research program, including the practice of foresight to inform strategic governance, sponsored research, the Planning Advisory Service, and other initiatives.
Education Director
Kimberley Jacques
The Education Director develops and manages the organization's education curriculum, including online learning and programming at the National Planning Conference and other events. Kimberley ensures that APA education offerings meet the requirements of the AICP Certification Maintenance program for recognized CM providers.
Public Affairs Director
Jason Jordan
The Public Affairs Director is responsible for strategic outreach to decision-makers and influencers who interact with the planning profession. He leads government affairs, policy and advocacy efforts of the association. This includes development of APA policy guides; representation of APA with congressional offices, federal agencies, and partner organizations; and management of advocacy networks and outreach campaigns that aim to elevate the voice of planning. Jason also provides strategic guidance to volunteer leaders on policy matters at the national, state, and local levels.
Marketing and Communications Director
Liz Lang
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, content strategy and digital communications teams, and is also the primary liaison to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion stakeholders across the organization.
Membership Director
Karl Schmidt
The Membership Director is responsible for the development of policies and procedures that promote member retention and growth. Karl leads the member services team to enhance customer support provided by APA and APA's Professional Institute, AICP.
Leadership Director
Mike Welch
The Leadership Director supports the work of the organization's elected leaders, including the APA Board of Directors, AICP Commission, Chapter Presidents Council, Divisions Council, Student Representatives Council, and many committees and task forces. Mike also oversees program development and administrative services to chapters, divisions, and student organizations.
Technology Director
Randall West
The Technology Director leads efforts to better serve members and stakeholders through the application of existing, new and emerging technologies, and to lead the organization in its use of technologies that enhance the value creating capabilities of the team.
Meetings Director
Eva Wilczek
The Meetings Director is responsible for strategically coordinating with staff, members, and others on the planning, implementation, and assessment of all aspects of the National Planning Conference and all other association meetings. Eva also oversees registration services for many of APA's live and virtual events and many chapter conferences.