2024 APA Florida Executive Committee Elections
Meet Our Nine New Statewide Officers
APA Florida is pleased to announce its newly elected statewide officers, including President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and six vice presidents. Their terms begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
Members cast ballots from July 31 to Aug. 28 to elect these nine statewide officers, who will join the 12 regional section chairs and other appointed officers to form the APA Florida 2025-26 Executive Committee.
“I love seeing our members step up to lead the organization,” APA Florida President Whit Blanton, FAICP, said. “New volunteers bring a fresh perspective and creative energy to the chapter, and I am confident that they will continue APA Florida’s leadership as the preeminent planning advocacy and education organization in the state. Thank you to all the candidates who offered to serve and congratulations to those newly elected.”
Also on Jan. 1, current President-Elect Allara Mills Gutcher will become President, and current President Whit Blanton will become the Immediate Past President.
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President-Elect: Edward Ng, AICP
My goal is to help planners tackle the ever-changing landscape of Florida’s planning laws. To do this, we need to create initiatives that will champion the career development of young and emerging planners and strengthen our peer, career skills, and empathetic support systems that will help grow and retain the talent we need to plan resilient communities and a stronger Florida.
Eddie's bio and campaign statement here.
Secretary: Jerry Bell, AICP
I’m excited to serve as Secretary and as a member of the Executive Committee. My goal is to expand professional development opportunities for students and emerging planners, advancing the equity, diversity, and inclusion in the planning profession, and amplifying the voice of planners in the political process. APA Florida has been instrumental to my professional development and I look forward to paying it forward.
Jerry's bio and campaign statement here.
Treasurer: Brad Cornelius, AICP, CPM, CFM
I am excited for this opportunity to serve the chapter. As Treasurer, I look forward to strengthening the chapter’s financial outlook where we can continue to offer quality programs and services that will benefit all our members.
Brad's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Communications: Alessandria “Ali” Palmer
I am honored to support our members and chapter staff as the new Vice President of Communications. My plan is to revisit the chapter’s strategic plan and build on our accomplishments by better defining our goals and objectives. I intend to improve alignment with our allied professions and academic institutions that will elevate our status as the voice of our profession in Florida.
Ali's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Conference Services: Kathie Ebaugh, FAICP
I look forward to building on the exceptional work done by my predecessors and will continue to champion the Florida Planning Conference as the premier educational and networking event for all Florida planners. My goal is to expand attendance and sponsorship opportunities and at conference networking and mentoring events that will further enhance the already stellar conference experience.
Kathie's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Continuing Education: Lara Bouck, AICP, PE
My goal is to collaborate with our regional sections, committees, and partner organizations to develop more exciting educational opportunities that will help our members stay at the forefront of the planning profession and advance their careers. Ideally, by keeping members up to date on insights and trends as well as providing a menu of soft skills programming, we can ensure the planners of tomorrow are ready.
Lara's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Membership & Outreach Services: Tony Palermo, AICP
I am honored to serve as the chapter’s next Membership & Outreach Services Officer. I am ready to continue APA Florida’s streak as the premier chapter nationwide by providing high quality programs and services to our members and working with our student, new, and emerging planners to establish programming that best suits them as their careers begin.
Tony's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Professional Development: Melissa Dickens, AICP
I’m excited to serve the chapter as its new Professional Development Officer. My goals include building on the strong foundation of existing AICP Exam preparation and collaborating with our local sections to create more local exam prep and professional development events. I will also work with chapter leaders to develop resources for our members seeking to become Fellows and enhance the Fellows nominations process.
Melissa's bio and campaign statement here.
VP of Section Affairs: Juan Mullerat
I’m excited to take on the role of Vice President of Section Affairs and am committed to building stronger relationships between our sections and regions to better support our members. I look forward to working closely with each section, learning about their unique needs, and finding ways to enhance our collective impact.
Juan's bio and campaign statement here.
The Nominating Committee
- Wiatt Bowers, AICP, Immediate Past President (Chair)
- Justin Hannah, AICP, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Representative
- Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP, President-Elect
- Fabian de la Espriella, AICP, Gold Coast Section Chair
- Roxann Read, AICP, CMA, FRA RA, Orlando Metro Chair