APA Senior Staff
The senior staff at APA oversee its functional areas and lead 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 Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, APA and AICP
Ann Simms
The COO/CFO is responsible for Membership, Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Administration. Ann also serves as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the APA Board of Directors, representing the board primarily on financial matters.
Chief Communications Officer
Harriet Bogdanowicz
The CCO leads the development and implementation of integrated communication and marketing strategies for the association. Harriet oversees Marketing, Communications, Publishing, Policy, social media, and library and taxonomy initiatives.
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 department.
Director of Professional Practice
Felicia Braunstein
The Director of Professional Practice is responsible for the programs of APA's professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners. Felicia oversees the AICP certification exam, Certification Maintenance program, AICP Candidate Pilot Program, Fellows of AICP, and the Community Assistance Program.
Director of Education
Kimberley Jacques
The Director of Education develops and manages the organization's education programs for practicing planners, planning commissioners, students and youth, as well as developing the program for the National Planning Conference and other initiatives.
Director of Policy
Jason Jordan
The Policy Director is responsible for government affairs, advocacy, and policy 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 campaigns. Jason also provides strategic guidance to volunteer leaders on policy matters at the national, state and local level.
Director of Marketing
Liz Lang
The Director of Marketing is responsible for leading strategic promotional efforts for APA and its professional institute, AICP. Liz oversees the dissemination of all APA broadcast email, and the effective implementation of marketing plans that highlight APA products, services, and events, and the value of certification.
Director of Development
Christine Ott
The Director of Development is responsible for the administration of the APA Foundation in concert with the APA Foundation Board. Christine is also responsible for the strategic development of initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising for APA and the Foundation.
Director of Research and Advisory Services
David Rouse, FAICP
The Managing Director of Research and Advisory Services is responsible for the overall design, direction, and management of APA's research program, including sponsored research, the National Centers for Planning, the Planning Advisory Service, and other research initiatives.
Director of Membership
Karl F. Schmidt
The Director of Membership is responsible for customer service, billing, and payment processing for services provided by APA and APA's Professional Institute, AICP.
Director of Outreach and International Programs
Jeff Soule, FAICP
The Director of Outreach and International Programs is responsible for the international program, which serves APA members in over 80 countries and governments through funded, capacity-building efforts from China to Latin America.
Director of Leadership and Component Services
Mike Welch
The Director of Leadership and Component Services 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.
Director of Meetings and Conferences
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's meetings. Eva also oversees registration services for many of APA's live and virtual events, and many chapter conferences.