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Tony Palermo, AICP (Candidate for Vice-President for Section Affairs)

Professional Experience: 

  • Assistant Director, Community Development Department, City of Fort Myers, FL, (2017-present) 
  • Senior Planner, Lee County Community Development Department, Fort Myers, FL (2002-2017) 
  • Project Coordinator, Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development, Sarasota, FL (1999-2002) 
  • Planner, Community Development Department, Charlotte County, Port Charlotte, FL (1997-1999) 
  • Staff Writer, Charlotte Sun Herald, Port Charlotte, FL (1994-1997) 

Educational Background:  

  • George Washington University, Washington, DC, Masters in Public Administration (MPA) 1993; Political Communication (BA) 1991.  
  • Pine View School, Sarasota, FL, Diploma, 1987. 

APA Florida/APA Experience: 

  • Promised Lands Section Chair, 2013-2017 (Immediate Past Chair 2017-present); 
  • Promised Lands Section Professional Development Officer, 2011-2013; 
  • Presented at APA Florida conference 2012 in Naples; 2013 in Orlando; 2019 in Sandestin; 
  • AICP member since 2007; 
  • Planning Magazine Article “Change After Charley” published August-September 2005 
  • Active member of APA, FPZA and ULI. 

Position Statement  

Sections are a critical part of APA Florida. Section activities are where most members network and grow professionally.  It’s where most members get in-person AICP/CM credits, socialize, celebrate and get to know their colleagues in the public and private sectors.  

My experience with APA Florida was serving as the Promised Lands Section Chair and Professional Development Officer. I want to continue to serve the members of the Promised Lands and all APA Florida Sections so we can help the APA Florida Chapter be the best in the nation.   

The Section Affairs position plays a vital role in APA Florida.  We need to effectively implement the Section grant program and make it easier to use. We need to help neighboring Sections work together.  We need to help Sections succeed in serving their members.  And we need strong experienced leadership on the state Executive Committee to make our Chapter move forward. 

My vision is for each Section – big and small – is to put on successful, interesting, and enjoyable social, educational and promotional programs. We need innovative professional development and social events – from the east coast to the west coast, from the Panhandle to the Keys. I am running for Section Affairs VP to keep giving to the profession, and to help provide added value to membership. I am dedicated to our loyal and dedicated APA Florida members.  That’s my focus – listening to the needs of our members and going the extra mile to meet those needs.  We know the nation and our fellow planners face challenging times. I think the best thing we can do is to get to know our members, our Section leaders, listen to them, and help us all build an even better APA Florida Chapter.