APA Chapter Presidents Council Awards

Karen B. Smith Award for Outstanding Outreach to the Community

Illustration courtesy Gabrielle Lyon.

AWARDEE: APA Washington

GOAL: Empower Washington teens to shape the future of their state through a 48-page civic engagement graphic novel about community planning titled Washington, By and By.

IMPACT: The graphic novel and a reader's toolkit are available as free downloads on the chapter's website, intended for use by teachers, librarians, and planners in local communities across the state to engage youth in planning. By following the adventures of four diverse teens grappling with complex issues of development, equity, displacement, and preservation, young readers are encouraged to ask critical questions about planning and growth management, including how planning happens, why it matters, and what roles and responsibilities youth have in shaping where they live, now and in the future.

Leadership Award for Chapter Volunteer Recognition

AWARDEE: Michelle Heinrich, AICP

ABOUT: Michelle joined the APA Florida board as vice president of communications in 2016 and is currently serving her second two-year term. In addition, she has served as vice chair, secretary, and newsletter editor for the Sun Coast Section of APA Florida.

IMPACT: Michelle has advanced APA Florida's online presence, expanded its quarterly e-newsletter, developed a graphically oriented annual report, and spearheaded the creation of short videos that inform the public about what planners do. She also helped conduct video interviews of attendees at our annual conference to highlight the value of APA membership, promote our members, and advance the profession.

Leadership Award for Professional Development Officer Recognition

AWARDEE: Stacey Hageman

ABOUT: Stacey has served as the professional development officer of APA Nebraska for the past two years and previously served more than eight years as the chapter's conference coordinator, for a total of 10-plus years of outstanding leadership.

IMPACT: Stacey acts as a tireless advocate for the planning profession and is a staunch supporter of professional development for chapter members. Her work in coordinating APA Nebraska's annual conference has provided invaluable training to hundreds of professional and citizen planners throughout the state.

Leadership Award for Chapter President Recognition

AWARDEE: Michelle Stephens, AICP

ABOUT: Michelle has served as APA Colorado president since 2016 and during that time has greatly advanced the chapter's objectives and furthered the cause of planning.

IMPACT: Over her four years of service, Michelle has taken membership, conference attendance, and member services to a new level with a focus on succession planning that will surely provide a bright future for the chapter. Her curiosity about innovation and technology has led the chapter to forge nontraditional partnerships that will extend the sphere of influence of planning and planners in Colorado both now and in the future.