Melissa Dickens, AICP (Candidate for Vice-President for Communications)

Professional Experience: 

• Strategic Planning and Policy Manager, Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, 2018-Present 
• Senior Planner and Community Planner II, Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, 2016-2018 
• Staff Planner, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2013-2016 
• Senior Planner, Engelhardt Hammer & Associates, 2007-2013
• Thirteen years of progressively responsible planning experience in the public and private sector with a focus on comprehensive planning, strategic planning and water resources
• AICP Certified, 2014-Present 

Educational Background:  

• Master of City and Regional Planning, University of Pennsylvania, 2007 
• Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 2006 

APA Florida/APA Experience: 

Director of Membership, APA Women & Planning Division, 2019-Present 

• Director of Membership for a Division of 2,500, a national network supporting women in the planning profession and advocating for the needs of women in communities. 
• Key accomplishments to date include: 

1. Developed graphics and materials highlighting membership trends, regular reporting and communication regarding membership topics
2. Compiled and shared professional development resources for women in planning with Division membership
3. Created programming related to salary negotiation best practices, women’s leadership in the public sector and planning for women (submitted)
4. Initiated a membership survey for future Division planning
5. Regular communication with members and responding to member inquiries 

Steering Committee, APA National Water and Planning Network, 2018-Present 

• Member of the inaugural steering committee for the Water and Planning Network, a nationwide initiative to connect planners and water resource professionals, enhance opportunities for collaboration around water, and increase the role of water resources in planning 

Chair, Sun Coast Section, APA Florida, 2017-2019 

• Led and represented approximately 575 professional planners as Chair. 
• Key accomplishments include:

1. Held approximately 30 professional development opportunities annually for area planners
2. Significant relationship building with corporate representatives resulting in a 50% increase in revenue and sponsorship
3. Media pitches resulted in positive press coverage of Section programming
4. Grew participation in Section mentoring program by 25% 

Previous service as Communications Officer and Hernando/Citrus Representative with the Sun Coast Section 

Member of the CPAT Committee and Hurricane Michael Task Force, APA Florida  

Coordinated announcements and articles about APA events with local media  

Partnered with other professional and community organizations to create planning programming 

Speaker at multiple state and national conferences  

Authored APA National blog posts on leadership development, coaching programs for planners and engaging collaborative partners 

Panelist in APA National videos promoting the importance of mid-career mentoring 

Represented APA on community panels related to planning issues 

Experience leading and communicating at the local, state and national level with APA; developed multiple collaborations and partnerships to enhance the organization 

Position Statement 

I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for Vice-President for Communications. Communications is a critical part of our profession and is key for serving the members of our organization, and that is why I would work to ensure APA Florida continues to leverage diverse communication strategies to reach its members as well as the larger community. This includes developing content that informs, connects and entertains our membership across the state, while exploring new technologies and methods for sharing planning concepts. Additionally, I would work to communicate the activities and interests of APA Florida and our profession with others by building relationships with media, exploring an APA Florida blog concept, and looking for opportunities for collaborative messaging with other organizations.  

I believe my background, experience and interests would serve me well in the role.  During my tenure in multiple local, state and national leadership roles with APA, I utilized a wide variety of communication tools and strategies for the organization. This includes blog posts, videos, articles, presentations, social media and “pitches” to media outlets leading to publication. I have presented on communication strategies for planners at state and national conferences, and regularly seek to incorporate varied approaches to messaging in my work. As a strong relationship builder with experience coordinating with diverse stakeholders, I would bring a collaborative leadership style to the organization. I appreciate your time and consideration of my candidacy for this position.