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Lara Bouck, AICP, PE (Candidate for Secretary)

Professional Experience: 

  • Transportation Planner with MetroPlan Orlando. Currently supports the Transportation System Management & Operations Transportation (TSM&O) program, concentrating on leveraging technology-based strategies to make the most of the existing transportation system in Central Florida. 
  • Detail-driven transportation professional with more than 16 years of progressively responsible experience as a transportation planner and engineer.
  • Transportation planning experience has included identifying corridor or system issues and needs; the development of Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies, regional transportation and transit planning, trails planning, public involvement and education, RFP and grant writing, and project management. 

Educational Background: 

  • Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, Transportation and Growth Management Specialties. Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. May 2004 
  • Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. June 2002 

APA Florida/APA Experience: 

  • APA Florida Chapter Secretary, 2018-Present. 
  • APA Florida State Conference Planning Committee, 2020. Mobile Tours Committee. 
  • Orlando Metro Section (OMS) 1st Vice President, 2013-2017. Coordinated annual AICP Exam prep short course, and 2-day AICP Exam prep course. 
  • OMS Section At-Large Director, 2012 
  • APA Florida State Conference Planning Committee, 2012. Programs Committee and Logistics Committee. 

Position Statement 

It would be my honor to continue serving as Secretary on the APA Florida board.  I have been a member of the Chapter for over 16 years and served on the Orlando Metro Section board prior to joining the statewide board. Participating in professional organizations is something I take seriously, and I have a wealth of board membership experience including serving on the boards of both WTS Tampa Bay (5 years), and WTS Central Florida (4 years). Professional organizations allow us to come together for fellowship, and to share and learn about new ideas – truly food for the planner’s soul!  

My time on the APA Florida board has been incredibly inspiring and educational as I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the benefits available to APA.  If I am chosen to stay on as Secretary, I will continue to fulfill the core roles of the position, and will also prioritize working with board members to “share the wealth” of opportunities that are available to all APA Florida members. I will continue to work with my fellow Board and committee members to ensure the distribution of pertinent information to the membership via newsletters, e-blasts and various social media outlets. I will also focus specifically on utilizing FL-based education modules to help K-12 students learn about the planning profession and what planning does for our communities, in support of the Chapter’s current Strategic Operating Plan.  

I am enthusiastic about the planning profession and how we can work together to improve our communities. I believe that my experience and proven commitment to APA Florida and the planning profession will continue to be an asset to the organization.  I would be honored to continue serving the membership of APA Florida if elected as Secretary, and thank all who vote for me in advance.