Candidate for Vice President for Section Affairs Katrina Corcoran, AICP

I would be a great fit for the Section Affairs position on the APA Florida Executive Committee. As a former Sun Coast Section Chair, I am passionate about the events, networking, and information that local Sections bring to their members and communities. I'm also experienced with what it takes to make them work well. My previous experience with Sun Coast included supporting my Executive Committee to host a variety of events, from in-person walking tours to virtual author Q&As and larger awards events celebrating local accomplishments in planning.

As a former Executive Committee Board member and 2024 Conference Co-Chair for Tampa, I also enjoy working with APA Florida at a statewide level. During my time planning for the Tampa conference, I co-lead a large group of planners from around the state to provide engaging speakers, educational sessions, and meaningful experiences for attendees. My previous local experience combined with statewide leadership roles have prepared me to lead a diverse group of Sections to accomplish their goals over the next two years.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

The most important challenges facing APA Florida include how the organization can advocate for its members with current and future legislative bills that impact local planning. Another challenge is ensuring that Sections across the state have the financial and informational resources as well as volunteer capacity to ensure a variety of event and networking opportunities for their members. Finally, APA Florida must continue to offer engaging and educational conferences while mitigating higher hotel and travel costs that may impact member attendance.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

For me, a successful term as Vice President for Section Affairs would include having meaningful meetings between the state's various Section Chairs, where members could share ideas and insights for a variety of local events. It's important for Sections to have a continuous flow of communication with other leaders, whether that's for co-hosted events or ideas that can duplicated. Additionally, I would want as many Sections as possible to be able to take advantage of the Section Grant Program, utilizing funding for events in their community that may not have otherwise been possible with their current budgets.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

I would make sure my efforts are successful by hosting meetings with Section Chairs, while making myself available for individual meetings as needed. As a former Section Chair, I know it is helpful to have support from the statewide level and synergy with other Sections. I also love working with individuals to figure out what works best for their Section's needs. Additionally, I would provide previous examples of how the Section Grant Program has been utilized to help spark ideas and engagement across the state. Overall, I would bring a detail-oriented and collaborative approach to Section events and communication.