Candidate for Treasurer Stefanie McQueen, AICP

With almost 20 years of professional work experience with HDR and several public sector municipalities, I have worked on complex, large-scale land use and transportation planning projects involving all ranges of stakeholders with competing interests and concerns. This work has required balancing technical analysis, community priorities, and evolving regulatory and political environments, strengthening my ability to deliver practical, implementable solutions.

I earned my AICP in 2009 and have served in multiple leadership roles with the Suncoast Section, including Treasurer and Section Chair, building skills in financial stewardship and organizational leadership. I have remained active in APA Florida through conference presentations, service on the USF MURP Advisory Committee, and was recently recognized with the Sun Coast Section's Excellence in Practice Award. I bring a consistent record of leadership, collaboration, and accountability that prepares me to effectively support APA Florida s mission. As a Planning Project Manager, I understand the importance of strategic, transparent budgeting. As Treasurer, I would prioritize fiscal responsibility, support professional development, and help position APA Florida to adapt, lead, and advocate effectively for our members and the communities we serve.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

APA Florida faces three key challenges: maintaining financial strength amid rapid growth, supporting members in managing increasing development pressures, and ensuring the profession remains relevant during political shifts and uncertainty. The Chapter must continue delivering high-quality training, advocacy, and resources to help planners navigate complex regulatory environments and community expectations. At the same time, it must invest in professional development and member engagement to retain talent and build leadership. By aligning resources with these priorities, APA Florida can continue demonstrating the value of planning in shaping strong, sustainable communities.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

I want to strengthen APA Florida's financial stability while ensuring resources align with the Chapter's highest priorities through transparent, responsible budgeting and long-term planning. My focus would be to help members feel confident their dues are used efficiently and deliver real value through clear communication and direct investment in impactful programs. I will support funding for training, scholarships, and leadership development while exploring opportunities to diversify revenue. By reinforcing accountability and demonstrating value, we can build trust, strengthen member engagement, and position APA Florida for long-term success in a changing environment.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

I would ensure success by establishing clear priorities, measurable goals, and a consistent plan for financial reporting. This would include regular updates to members through newsletters, social media posts showing impact, and clear annual reporting to the membership to maintain transparency and accountability.

Ongoing communication will be key, along with actively seeking feedback to ensure our investments align with member needs. By combining structured reporting, data-driven decision-making, and continuous evaluation, I can help ensure APA Florida's resources are managed effectively and deliver meaningful, measurable value to our members.