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 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.
Professional Practice Director
Felicia Braunstein
The Professional Practice Director 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.
Research Director
Petra Hurtado, PhD
The Research Director 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.
Education Director
Kimberley Jacques
The Education Director 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.
Policy Director
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 levels.
Marketing Director
Liz Lang
The Marketing Director 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.
Membership Director
Karl Schmidt
The Membership Director is responsible for the development of programs, initiatives, and policies designed to provide value to members and promote member retention and growth. Karl also leads the member services team to enhance member relations and service 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.
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.