Candidate for Secretary Catherine McCloy AICP

My 20 years of professional planning experience has centered on collaboration, organization, and continuous learning skills that align well with the Secretary role. Through my work, I have developed a strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and the ability to manage information efficiently, all of which are essential for maintaining accurate records and supporting leadership.

I am particularly interested in sharing opportunities and solutions for the challenges facing different communities. APA Florida provides a valuable platform to connect with planners in diverse regions, learn from their experiences, and bring those insights back to support informed decision-making. I also value the opportunity to learn from best practices and innovative approaches used in other locations.

I understand that APA Florida is a volunteer-driven organization, and I am committed to contributing in a way that is effective, reliable, and respectful of time commitments. My goal is to provide consistent, organized support that helps the Executive Board as well as Sections operate smoothly while also growing engagement in the planning profession.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

During my term, I want to strengthen communication and ensure consistency while also using the role as an opportunity to build connections across the state. I hope to help the planning community by communicating opportunities to expand professional networks, sharing information about planning challenges in different regions of Florida, and learning from the experiences of others. By supporting clear and accessible documentation, I also want to help ensure that knowledge is preserved and shared effectively between the Executive Board, the individual sections, and members.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

As APA Florida Secretary, I will aim to strengthen organizational consistency, communication, and accessibility. I want to ensure that records, meeting documentation, and communications are clear, timely, and useful to the Executive Board and members. By improving internal processes, I hope to support more efficient decision-making and stronger continuity within the organization. I also want to contribute to enhancing member engagement by making information more accessible and helping members stay informed and connected.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

I would ensure success by staying organized, proactive, and responsive to the needs of the Executive Board and members. This includes maintaining accurate and timely records, communicating clearly, and following through on commitments. I would also actively engage with members to broaden my understanding of issues across Florida and apply those insights where helpful. Collaboration with the Executive Committee and maintaining consistency in documentation and communication will be key.