John Roach, AICP (Candidate for President-Elect)

Professional Experience:

Over 23 years of professional planning experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

• Land Use Planner – Gunster Law Firm | 2023 – Present. Works with attorneys and clients of one of the State’s oldest law firms regarding all aspects of the due diligence, entitlement and development process while collaborating with community groups, local governing bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency – Vision Zero Action Committee | 2020 – 2023 (Vice Chair 2022 – 2023). Served in an advisory capacity to the Transportation Planning Agency’s (TPA) Governing Board to advance the elements of the TPA’s Vision Zero Action Plan, oriented around pedestrian and bicycle safety.
• Principal Planner, Senior Planner, and Planner – City of West Palm Beach, Florida | 2003 – 2023. Administered the City’s Zoning and Land Development Regulations, Comprehensive Plan, and related land development plans, while assuming responsibility for the review and analysis of petitions and plans for some of the City’s largest and most complex projects.
• Project Manager – Community-Based Projects, Ball State University | 2001 – 2003. Facilitated numerous community focus groups and led intensive design charrettes. Served as Project Manager for the development of master plans, comprehensive plans, community-action plans, and design guidelines for communities throughout the Midwest.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana | 2003.

APA/APA Florida Experience:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) | 2006 – Present.
• Treasurer, APA Florida | 2023 – Present.
• Conference Committee Member, APA Florida | 2019 – 2022.
• Treasurer, APA Florida | 2019 – 2020.
• Co-Chair, 2018 APA Florida State Conference Host Committee | 2017 – 2018.
• Treasurer, APA Florida Treasure Coast Section | 2013 – 2018.
• Member, APA Florida | 2004 – Present.
• Member, APA Indiana | 2001 – 2004.

Position Statement

It is an honor to be a candidate for President-Elect! I have been fortunate to serve APA Florida, and most importantly you the members, since 2013. Having started at the Section level and eventually becoming the Chapter’s Treasurer, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee the organization’s financial stability, including through the pandemic where the Chapter faced a long road of uncertainty. During this challenging time, I worked with the Executive Committee and Executive Director to maintain APA Florida’s financial strength to carry out our mission, fulfill our goals, and provide a high level of service to our membership.

I look forward to bringing that experience to the next level and am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead the Chapter in its next phase. As President-Elect, I will foster the Chapter’s successes while working with colleagues to find new ways to promote APA Florida and our mission of advocacy, professional development, and protecting and enhancing the natural and built environments. My joy for travel and outdoor recreation, while living and working in an urban environment, has shown me the important value all of Florida’s diverse parts.

As communities face increasing and diverse development demands, fulfilling our mission and supporting our membership is crucial to keeping our state wonderful. You - our members - make the difference! I will use my strong sense of leadership, organization, and collaboration to carry out strategies that give you the greatest opportunity to network and learn from one another, engage with your communities, develop professionally, and advocate on planning issues important to you. This gives us the opportunity to improve, enhance, and find balance in our cities and regions, and the lives of those within them. I have proven my ability to do this previously, and I look forward to continuing to as your next President-Elect!