Get Involved: APA and AICP Leadership Opportunities

Sunday, April 26, 2026

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM CT

Location: HPCC, Room 420AB

Speaker(s)

AB

Angela D. Brooks, FAICP (she/her/hers)

Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer
City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Karen Wolf, FAICP (she/her/hers)

Immediate Past President, AICP Commission
American Institute of Certified Planners
SEATTLE, Washington
Johnathan Gates, AICP (he/him/his)

SRC Chair
American Planning Association
North Hollywood, California
Tara B. Paxton, FAICP (she/her/hers)

Director of Land Use & Planning
Township of Brick
Brick, New Jersey
Bruce Fountain, AICP

Community Development Director
City of La Vista, NE
La Vista, Nebraska

This session provides an overview of leadership pathways within APA. Attendees will learn how APA leadership is structured, the roles played by elected and appointed leaders, and how the APA and AICP Nominating Committees support the recruitment of future leaders.

The session will begin with a brief presentation introducing APA's leadership structure, current leadership opportunities, and the responsibilities associated with service. The presentation will also highlight how planners can become involved through elected roles, committee service, and other leadership pathways.

Following the presentation, a panel discussion featuring current and former APA leaders will provide perspectives on leadership service and pathways to involvement within APA and AICP. Panelists will share their experiences and reflections on leadership participation within the organization.

The session will conclude with time for informal networking and conversation with members of the APA and AICP Nominating Committees. This format allows attendees to explore leadership interests and build connections with current leaders.
Closed Captioning

Learning Objectives:

Awareness of leadership opportunities within APA and AICP, including elected and appointed roles.
Understand the role of nominating committees in identifying and supporting future leaders.
Identify next steps for exploring leadership involvement and connecting with current leaders.