Congratulations to this year's recipients!

All will be recognized during the Florida Planning Conference Closing Plenary Session on Friday, Oct. 16.

President's Lifetime Achievement

Merle Bishop, FAICP

Merle Bishop’s planning career spans more than four decades and has left an indelible mark on Florida communities and the planning profession. Beginning with Polk County in 1975, he helped guide one of Florida’s largest and most diverse counties from a predominantly rural landscape into a well-managed urbanizing region. As lead planner, he spearheaded preparation of Polk County’s first Comprehensive Plan in 1979 and led a major update in 1991, introducing innovative growth management strategies that focused development within designated growth and utility service areas.

Throughout his career, Merle successfully balanced competing interests including agriculture, phosphate mining, environmental preservation, tourism, and urban development. His collaborative planning approach emphasized citizen engagement, stakeholder participation, and consensus-building, helping communities create clear visions for their future while maintaining high ethical standards in often challenging political environments.

A dedicated advocate for professional development, Merle mentored countless planners who advanced into leadership positions across Florida. He championed APA membership and AICP certification, establishing support for conference attendance, professional dues, and certification incentives within local government organizations. His commitment to planning education extended to planning officials, elected leaders, and the public through training programs and conference presentations.

Merle’s service to APA Florida has been extraordinary. He served as a founding member of the Heart of Florida Section, APA Florida President from 2011–2013,and held numerous Chapter and National APA leadership positions. During his presidency, he guided the Chapter through major legislative changes to Florida’s planning framework while establishing key initiatives including the Sustainability Committee, Emerging Topics Committee, and Young Professionals Group.

As Growth Management Director for the City of Winter Haven, Merle also led transformative downtown revitalization efforts that contributed to the community’s recognition as a Great Place in Florida. His career reflects exceptional leadership, mentorship, public service, and dedication to advancing planning throughout Florida, making him highly deserving of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Susan Coughanour, FAICP

Susan has devoted more than 40 years to advancing the planning profession through public service, leadership, education, and volunteerism. Her distinguished career with the South Florida Water Management District included managing complex environmental restoration and land use planning initiatives requiring coordination among local, regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as diverse stakeholder groups. Through this work, she promoted collaborative planning practices and strengthened understanding of planning’s role in addressing environmental and growth management challenges.

Susan’s contributions to APA Florida — particularly within the Treasure Coast Section — have had a lasting statewide impact. Since 2001, she has served in numerous leadership roles, contributed to statewide conferences, and helped expand educational and professional development opportunities for planners and public officials. Her leadership has strengthened professional engagement and reinforced the value of planning throughout Florida.

Among her most significant accomplishments is the creation of several enduring educational programs, including the Annual Ethics Seminar, Annual Legislative Breakfast, and Public Officials Training Workshops. These initiatives have improved understanding of planning ethics, legislation, governance, and best practices among planners, elected officials, and community leaders while elevating the quality of planning decision-making across the region.

Susan also helped establish the Palm Beach Planning Congress, fostering collaboration among planners, engineers, attorneys, landscape architects, and environmental professionals. This organization continues to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and informed discussion on critical planning issues.

Perhaps her most recognized contribution is co-organizing the Treasure Coast Section AICP Exam Study Group. Through this highly successful program, she has guided and mentored more than 1,000 planners and students pursuing AICP certification. She has also actively supported future planners through her work with Florida Atlantic University, organizing professional development programs and helping establish scholarship opportunities for planning students.

Through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service, Susan has strengthened the profession, inspired future generations of planners, and exemplified the highest standards of planning excellence.

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Distinguished Service to the Chapter

Merle Bishop, FAICP, Owen Beitsch, FAICP & Bob Cambric

Merle, Owen, and Bob - affectionately known within APA Florida Chapter Office as “The M.O.B.” — have provided exceptional service to the chapter and planning profession through their unwavering commitment to education, ethics, and professional development. Together, they have become trusted ambassadors of sound planning practice and invaluable resources for communities throughout Florida.

Their most significant contribution has been the expansion and enhancement of APA Florida’s Planning Officials Training Program. Through countless hours of volunteer service, they have traveled throughout the state educating elected officials, planning commissioners, board members, and local government staff on planning principles, ethics, legal requirements, and decision-making responsibilities. Their efforts have strengthened local leadership and improved planning outcomes in communities large and small.

The M.O.B.’s impact extends well beyond curriculum development. They consistently dedicate personal time and professional expertise to ensuring local officials are equipped to make informed, ethical, and community-focused decisions. Their training helps foster resilient, sustainable, and equitable growth while reinforcing the importance of professional planning practices in local government.

Participants consistently praise their presentations for being informative, engaging, and accessible. Their unique combination of experience, professionalism, humility, and humor creates a learning environment that resonates with audiences and promotes meaningful understanding of complex planning issues.

Collectively, Merle, Owen, and Bob have become some of APA Florida’s most reliable and effective volunteers. Their commitment reflects the highest ideals of public service and professional stewardship. Through their work, they have strengthened APA Florida’s mission, supported communities across the state, and elevated the practice of planning for both current and future generations.

Their extraordinary dedication and lasting impact make them exceptionally deserving of recognition for Distinguished Service to the Chapter.

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Outstanding Local Public Official

Heather Ireland, City of Jacksonville Beach

As Director of Planning and Development for the City of Jacksonville Beach, Heather Ireland has transformed the department into a modern, collaborative, and forward-thinking organization. Over the past five years, she rebuilt the department following significant leadership turnover, focusing on staff development, technology upgrades, and implementation of long-standing planning initiatives.

Under her leadership, the City completed a Comprehensive Plan update, rewrote its Land Development Code, standardized development review processes, and adopted digital reporting systems. Heather also revitalized the Community Redevelopment Agency, advancing placemaking, bicycle infrastructure, façade grants, public art programs, and downtown improvements. A champion of multimodal transportation and sustainable planning, she has successfully balanced community, business, and political interests while fostering transparency and public engagement. Through mentorship, professional development, and regional partnerships, Heather has elevated Jacksonville Beach’s planning program into a model for innovation, implementation, and community-centered planning.

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Outstanding Media Leadership

Bruce Ritchie, POLITICO Florida

For more than 30 years, Bruce Ritchie has advanced public understanding of planning, environmental stewardship, and growth management in Florida through exceptional journalism. Reporting for POLITICO Florida and previously for major Florida news outlets, he has consistently translated complex policy issues into clear, accessible stories that inform both citizens and decision-makers.

His work has focused on water resources, environmental protection, groundwater preservation, springs restoration, and interstate water disputes, core issues directly linked to growth and community planning. Bruce’s reporting connects state policy decisions to local consequences, helping audiences understand how planning affects environmental health, economic sustainability, and community resilience. His balanced analysis, historical perspective, and commitment to public education have elevated conversations surrounding Florida’s most pressing challenges.

Through decades of insightful reporting, Bruce has demonstrated the essential role of media in fostering informed public discourse and supporting sound planning practices.

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Outstanding Public Interest Group

Mayport Waterfront Partnership

For more than 25 years, the Mayport Waterfront Partnership (MWP) has served as the leading advocate for preserving and revitalizing Jacksonville’s historic working waterfront community. Established in 1999, the organization has championed infrastructure improvements, waterfront preservation, economic development, and cultural heritage protection throughout the Village of Mayport.

MWP played key roles in creating the Mayport Overlay Zone, Mayport Design Guide, and Strategic Development Plan, helping guide thoughtful redevelopment while preserving the community’s character. The organization has successfully navigated challenges such as proposed cruise terminal development, consistently advocating for solutions that support both economic vitality and working waterfront industries. Through initiatives including the Mayport Waterfront Market, public art programs, environmental resilience projects, and partnerships with organizations such as OCEARCH and Naval Station Mayport, MWP continues to strengthen community identity. Its long-term commitment has made it a model for community-driven planning, historic preservation, and waterfront stewardship.

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Outstanding Student Planners

Gianna Brooks, Florida State University

Gianna Brooks exemplifies academic excellence, technical expertise, and dedication to community-centered planning. Graduating from Florida State University’s Master of Science in Planning program with a perfect 4.0 GPA, she excelled in environmental planning, housing policy, GIS, and neighborhood planning. As GIS lead for a Hillsborough County capstone project, she created mapping tools and an ESRI StoryMap that effectively communicated planning concepts to public audiences. She also contributed to neighborhood planning efforts in Tallahassee’s Frenchtown community and served as a Research Assistant on projects involving transportation, public health, and community development. Through a competitive housing internship with the Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Gianna gained practical experience working with local governments and housing programs. Recognized for her leadership, professionalism, and collaborative spirit, she has consistently applied classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and represents the next generation of planning leaders.

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Cierra James, University of South Florida

Cierra James has distinguished herself through academic achievement, leadership, and professional excellence while balancing graduate studies and full-time employment as a planner with Hillsborough County. Maintaining a 3.86 GPA in the University of South Florida’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning program, she has earned the respect of peers and faculty for her strong organizational skills, planning knowledge, and collaborative leadership. During a graduate studio project, she played a key role in coordinating production, leading design efforts, and helping guide the team to a successful outcome. Professionally, she reviews site plans, conducts field verifications, and assists residents with development-related inquiries, demonstrating expertise beyond her years. Known for her reliability, resilience, and willingness to support others, Cierra consistently embraces challenges and exceeds expectations. Her dedication to public service, planning excellence, and continuous growth makes her an outstanding emerging professional.

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Kris McKirdy, Florida Atlantic University

Kris McKirdy has demonstrated exceptional dedication to planning, leadership, and lifelong learning. She completed Florida Atlantic University’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning program with a perfect 4.0 GPA while working full-time for the Florida Department of Transportation and raising a family. A trained civil engineer, Kris pursued planning to broaden her transportation expertise and strengthen public engagement skills. Professionally, she has been recognized as FDOT District IV Employee of the Year and served as Interim Transportation Planning Manager, leading planning initiatives and public outreach efforts. Within FAU, she played a leadership role in a downtown Boca Raton redevelopment studio, helping facilitate community engagement and transportation planning discussions. Beyond her professional work, Kris actively mentors young women interested in STEM careers. Her combination of technical knowledge, leadership experience, academic excellence, and commitment to public service makes her an exceptional candidate for recognition.

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Lex Tracton, University of Central Florida

Lex Tracton has quickly emerged as a promising planning professional through her academic success, technical expertise, and leadership. A graduate student in the University of Central Florida’s Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning program, she began her career as a GIS intern with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council before earning a full-time planner position and promotion to Planner II within just six months. Lex has contributed to vulnerability assessments, GIS modeling, brownfield redevelopment planning, and regional trail initiatives throughout Central Florida. Her work developing a regional inventory of potential brownfield sites and supporting active transportation projects demonstrates both technical skill and community impact. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has remained active in UCF’s Urban Knights Planning Association and the APA Orlando Metro Section. Lex’s leadership, initiative, and dedication position her as an outstanding future leader in the planning profession.

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Past Recipients

2025

• President's Lifetime Achievement - Henry Bittaker, FAICP
• Distinguished Service to the Chapter - Melissa Zornitta, FAICP
• Legislators of the Year - State Sen. Gayle Harrell + State Rep. John Snyder
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year - Tim Rhode (City of West Melbourne)
• Student Planner of the Year -Kaitlyn Neiman (USF)

2024

• Lifetime Achievement - Marilyn Mammano, AICP
• Outstanding Local Public Official - Elizabeth Abernethy, AICP
• Outstanding Student Planners of the Year:
  • Silas Achidago, University of Florida
  • Leticia Sabio, Florida Atlantic University

2023

• Distinguished Service to the Chapter - Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year - Kristen Shell, AICP
• Outstanding Media Leadership - The Tampa Bay Times, Tracey McManus, and Olivia George
• Student Planner of the Year -Beneetta Mary Jose (USF)
• Best Plan for All Workplace - Miami-Dade Regulatory & Economic Resources Planning Division and Village of Wellington

2022: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Petra Doan
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter: Roxann Read, AICP and Devan Leavins
• Outstanding Local Public Official:  Howard Levitan, Village of Estero
• Student Planner of the Year: Jady Chen (UCF)
• Best Plan for All Workplace: Jacobs

2021: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Kim Glas-Castro, AICP
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:   Alissa Barber Torres, FAICP, Ph.D.
• Outstanding Public Interest Group:  Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation
• Outstanding Community Engagement:  Capital Area Section
• Student Planner of the Year:  Jessica Kluttz (FAU)

2020:

• Lifetime Achievement Award:  Brian K. Smith, FAICP
• Outstanding Media Coverage of Planning Issues:  Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel
• Outstanding Student of the Year:  Lentzy Jean-Louis, Florida Atlantic University
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Orlando Metro Section

2019:

• Lifetime Achievement Award:  Mary Kay Delk, FAICP
• Outstanding Local Elected Official: Commissioner Jenna Haligas
• Outstanding Local Public Official:  Courtney Barker, AICP
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Susan Coughanour, FAICP
• Outstanding Public Interest Group:  All for Transportation
• Student Planners of the Year:  Tyler Woolsey, Florida Atlantic University
• Student Planners of the Year:  Amanda Sapala, Florida State University
• Student Planners of the Year:  Rosemarie Fusco, University of Florida

2018:

• Lifetime Achievement Award:   Michael Busha, AICP
• Outstanding Public Local Official:  Joni Brinkman
• Outstanding Media Leadership Award:   Richard Danielson of the Tampa Bay Times
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Tony LaColla, AICP
• Students of the Year:  Connor Bailey (FAU), Bridget Callea (FSU), Allison Reagan (UF)
• Legislator of the Year:   State Sen. Bobby Powell, AICP

2017:

• Lifetime Achievement Award:  Jim Studiale, AICP (Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Planning)
• Outstanding Public Local Official:  Former Mayor Jim Tulley, Titusville
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Trina Gilliam
• Student of the Year:  Les Brown (UF)

2016:

• Outstanding Public Local Official:  Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Frank Palen, AICP
• Student of the Year:  Kayla Costello (FSU) &  Alexis Pena (FAU)

2015:

• Outstanding Public Interest Group:  Friends of the Underline
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Wiatt Bowers, AICP
• Student of the Year:  Allison Goldberg (FAU)

2014:

• Lifetime Achievement Award:  Ramond Chiaramonte, AICP (Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Planning)
• Outstanding Local Public Official:  The Honorable Lori Boyer, Jacksonville
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter:  Merle Bishop, FAICP

2013:

• Outstanding Media Coverage:  Ron Cunningham (Gainesville Sun, Outstanding Coverage of Comprehensive Planning Issues)
• Outstanding Public Interest Group:  RealizeBradenton
• Outstanding Local Public Official:  Mayor Kristin Jacobs (Broward County)
• Outstanding Student Planner:  Marta Viciedo (FAU)

2012:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Hunter, FAICP (Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Planning)
• Distinguished Contribution to the Chapter: Julia Trevarthen
• Outstanding Public Interest Group: BikeWalkLee
• Outstanding Public Official: Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando
• Outstanding Student Planner: Amy Cavaretta (UF)

2011:

• President’s Award: Senator Bob Graham (Outstanding Leadership in Promoting Sound Planning and Environmental Protection for Florida)
• Distinguished Contribution to Chapter: Nancy Stroud, FAICP, and Tim Brown
• Outstanding Student Planner: Jacob Kain (UF)
• Outstanding Media Leadership: Craig Pittman (St. Petersburg Times)

2010:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s Discretion): Val Hubbard, FAICP
• Service to the Profession: Steven Lindorff, AICP
• APA Florida Section of the Year: First Coast Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Mayor Pam Iorio (Tampa) and Commissioner Mark Sharpe (Hillsborough County)
• Legislator of the Year: Sen. Lee Constantine (Distinguished Public Service in Promoting Environmental Protection and Regional Transportation Alternatives)
• Outstanding Media Coverage: Jack Harris
• Outstanding Student Planner: Seth Morgan (FSU)
• Outstanding Public Interest Group: United Citizens Action Network

2009:

• APA Florida Section of the Year: Sun Coast Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Mayor Scott Clemons (Panama City)
• Outstanding Student Planner: Jacob Cremer (FSU)
• Outstanding Public Interest Group: Metro Jacksonville

2008:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s Discretion): Marty Quinn
• Service to the Profession: Brian Teeple, AICP
• APA Florida Section of the Year: Heart of Florida and Orlando Metro Sections
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Mia Jones (Jacksonville City Council)
• Outstanding Student Planner: Iris Patten (UF)
• Outstanding Public Interest Group: Alachua Conservation Trust
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Earl Starnes, FAICP

2007:

• Service to the Profession: Mimi Reid Hartman
• APA Florida Section of the Year: Emerald Coast Section
• Media Appreciation Award: Naples Lake Wales News (Scenic Highway planning)
• Outstanding Student Planner: Clark Stephens (FAU)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Ernest Bartley, FAICP

2006:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s Discretion): Tom Pelham, AICP
• Service to the Profession: Governor Bob Martinez
• APA Florida Section of the Year: First Coast Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Commissioner Michael DiTerlizzi (Martin County)
• Media Appreciation Award: Naples Daily News (Affordable Housing)
• Outstanding Student Planner: Travis Minch
• Lifetime Achievement Award: John DeGrove, FAICP

2005:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s Discretion): Henry Bittaker, AICP, and John O’Brien
• APA Florida Section of the Year: Treasure Coast Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Commissioner Doug Coward, (St. Lucie County) and Linda Saul Sena (Tampa City Council)
• Legislator of the Year: Tom Lee (Florida Senate President) and Mike Davis (House Growth Management Committee)
• Outstanding Student Planner: Kristen Nowicki
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Wayne Daltry, FAICP
  

2004:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s discretion): Brian Teeple, AICP, Lester Abberger, Marie York, AICP, Mary Wiser, Marty Quinn, Paul Bergmann, FAICP
• APA Florida Section of the Year: Capital Area Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Miami Dade County)
• Media Appreciation Award: Naples Daily News (Gulf in Peril)
• Outstanding Student Planner: William Nemser
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Henry Skokowski, AICP
  

2003:

• Outstanding Service to Chapter (President’s Discretion): Rich Unger, AICP
• APA Florida Section of the Year: San Felasco Section and Broward Section
• Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year: Commissioner Rich Crotty (Orange County Commission)
• Media Appreciation Award: Kendall Middlemas, News-Herald (Planning and Growth Management Issues coverage)
• Student of the Year: Tracy Hegler