SRC Regional Representative — Region III

Andrew Sauls

andy.sauls@gmail.com

Texas A&M/Master of Urban Planning
Current Academic Level and expected graduation date:  First Year Master student, 2012

Please list and describe briefly relevant leadership positions held at the local, regional, state, or national level.

• Professional Development Chair [Texas A&M]
• First Year Representative [Texas A&M]
• Group Leader of Big Event (university volunteer event) [Texas A&M]
• Student Leader of Jazz Band [St. Edward's University]

Please list and describe briefly any relevant planning-related volunteer positions held at the local, regional, state, or national level.

• Volunteered at the Texas APA conference
• Participant in a planning meeting in Austin, TX

Please describe your involvement in planning-related activities (community, nonprofit, planning student organizations, etc.):

• Surveyed businesses in the city of Galveston for hazard-mitigation research
• Assisted in the organization of multiple City Council meetings

About APA and Planning 

Describe how you have benefited from APA student membership to date.

1. Networking
2. Up-to-date information on the planning field
3. Reduced membership fee
4. Free APA magazine

Describe your qualifications for the SRC Regional Representative.

1. Current Master of Urban Planning student
2. Leadership position in university planning organization
3. Research focus on large-scale planning (regional, international)

How can APA and its student leaders assist planning students transition into planning careers?

1. Accommodation of adequate networking opportunities
2. Complete transparency
3. Education on real-life planning related jobs & activities
4. Honesty

Why did you choose planning as a career path?

1. To give back
2. To balance the element of Sustainability (equity, economics, ecology)
3. To manage the interests of a community
4. To foster development in the Third World

What have you learned from previous leadership experience?

1. Difficulty of appeasing all people
2. Importance of listening
3. Need to submit to the wishes of your constituents
4. Satisfaction in giving direction