2025 Conference Presenters 
 

Nancy L. Grden 

Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable

Nancy L. Grden is President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, where she leads efforts to grow the regional economy through job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Roundtable manages GO Virginia Region 5 and advances key industry clusters such as maritime, cybersecurity, advanced air mobility, and energy independence.

​

Previously, she served as Associate VP for Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and led major regional maritime initiatives, including founding the Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative and co-convening ODU’s Maritime Initiative. A seasoned executive and entrepreneur, Grden co-founded companies including Amerigroup, Genomind, Lifescape, and Avenir, and has held leadership roles in banking, health care, and government, including at HUD and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

​

She chairs and serves on numerous boards focused on innovation, economic development, and equity, such as 757 Collab, 757 Angels, Norfolk Innovation Corridor, and Envision Lead Grow, from which she received the Trailblazer Award.

​

Grden holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina, an MRP from UNC Chapel Hill, and a BA in Economics from Bucknell University. She’s been named to the Virginia 500: Power List (2022–2024) and Inside Business Top 25 Power List (2023–2025).

​

Laura Greenleaf, MPA
Self-employed

Laura Greenleaf, MPA, is the volunteer leader of DarkSky Virginia. Since 2013 she has supported DarkSky members and other advocates statewide in their efforts to address light pollution and improve lighting policies and practices in their communities. She has delivered more than forty presentations on light pollution, responsible outdoor lighting, and night sky/nightscape conservation.

Kindra Greene

Elizabeth River Trail Foundation

​

Kindra Greene is the Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. She has a BA from Virginia Wesleyan University and an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte. She served two years in AmeriCorps' Virginia Service Conservation Corps as a Natural Resource Ranger and has held roles in non-profit management focused on community building and economic development. She's been an educator and professional writer for over a decade. She is an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, a teaching artist in poetry and mixed media, and Co-President of the Tidewater Master Naturalists. She believes that everyone deserves safe access to green space and that trails can transform communities.

Aaron Grisdale 
Town of Woodstock

Aaron Grisdale has been the Town Manager of Woodstock since 2021, following two years as Deputy Town Manager. He previously spent thirteen years with the City of Winchester, serving in various roles, including six years as Director of Zoning & Inspections. In addition to his local government service, he also dedicated nine years to the U.S. Army Reserves. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Government from the University of Virginia, and Local Government Management Certificate from Shenandoah University. Aaron lives in Woodstock with his wife, Kate.

Chris Gullickson
The Port of Virginia

Chris Gullickson joined The Port of Virginia in August of 2013. He currently serves as Director of Development Engagement, with the responsibility of engaging the Commonwealth, regions, and cities to promote and secure industrial land zoning to grow port-related development.

Anna Hammond
City of Hampton, VA

Anna Hammond is a planner and serves as the Resiliency Specialist with the City of Hampton VA. She has worked on resiliency efforts in Hampton VA for several years and engaged city residents and agencies in the effort to create the Natural Infrastructure Resiliency Plan.

Lemuel Hancock, MLA
Shenandoah County
 

Lemuel Hancock is an experienced and dynamic leader in community development, urban design, and strategic planning, with expertise spanning both urban and rural landscapes. As Director of Community Development for Shenandoah County, he has played a pivotal role in rewriting the Shenandoah 2045 Comprehensive Plan, ensuring a balanced approach to sustainable growth, rural preservation, and interdepartmental collaboration. His leadership has resulted in critical updates to subdivision, site planning, and housing codes, as well as innovative solutions for zoning, stormwater management, and long-range planning. Lemuel’s ability to bridge the gaps between departments, agencies, and community stakeholders has been central to his success. He has overseen multi-disciplinary initiatives integrating economic development, zoning administration, public works, and taxation. His work has directly shaped inter-departmental coordination on transportation, housing, and zoning policies, fostering stronger ties between local government agencies and ensuring efficient regulatory enforcement. His role in Shenandoah County’s Short-Term Rental (STR) permitting program highlights his ability to develop technology-driven, revenue-neutral compliance solutions that streamline regulation, protect community interests, and enhance tax collection efficiency. Before joining Shenandoah County, Lemuel led urban forestry, stormwater infrastructure, and design projects for the Town of Woodstock, where he led green infrastructure education, oversaw downtown revitalization projects, and implemented innovative zoning regulations. His work emphasized placemaking, walkability, and sustainable development, ensuring that public spaces were designed for both economic vitality and environmental resilience.

​

Sheila Herlihy

Virginia Interfaith Center

​

Sheila Herlihy Hennessee (she/her) has more than a decade of experience engaging faith communities in the work of advocacy, especially around housing. She currently serves as the Director of Faith Organizing for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy where she focuses on engaging congregations in the work of justice and advocating for affordable housing policies statewide. She is the author of the book, "Virginia Congregations Develolping Affordable Housing: A Match Made in Heaven" and has spoken about using faith land for housing to congregations, legislators, and development professionals. Previous to her work at VICPP, Sheila served for eight years at a bilingual church, coordinating 15 ministries, including advocacy and community organizing. She is a professed Secular Franciscan (OFS), an order in the Catholic church following the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and committed to living in the spirit of simplicity, humility, and peacebuilding.

​

J.D. Hines, PE, ENV SP

VHB

​

​J.D. is a Principal and Water Resources Director for stormwater and utility engineering projects in the Mid-Atlantic region of VHB. He is a Professional Engineer registered in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland, as well as an Envision Sustainability Professional. His experience on complex multi-disciplinary projects enables him to assemble design teams that deliver resilient and sustainable solutions. J.D. is skilled in water resources master planning and engineering, MS4 Program Management, H&H modeling, scenario analysis and reporting, water distribution system design and wastewater collection and pumping systems.

Tyler Hinkle, AICP
EPR PC

Tyler Hinkle, AICP, is a Senior Planner at EPR, PC, where he works with towns, counties, and regions across Virginia and beyond to develop comprehensive plans, refine zoning, strengthen local efforts, and guide investment in the places that make communities unique.

Prior to joining EPR, Tyler served as the County Planner for Shenandoah County, leading the development of Shenandoah 2045: A Future Together, one of the most ambitious comprehensive plans in the county’s history. His work focused on ensuring that planning decisions were shaped by the people they serve, with an emphasis on strengthening the county’s towns, villages, and hamlets while protecting the surrounding countryside.

In 2023, the American Planning Association, Virginia Chapter, recognized Tyler with the Distinguished New Professional Award. In 2024, the Lord Fairfax Soil And Water Conservation District recognized him with the Conservation Leader award. Since 2021, Tyler also serves as the Shenandoah Valley Section Director for the Virginia Chapter of APA.

Tyler also teaches at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, where he explores the relationship between urban and rural spaces. He earned a Master’s in Urban and Environmental Planning from UVA in 2020 and a Bachelor’s degree with highest distinction in History and Latin American Studies, with a minor in Urban and Environmental Planning, from UVA in 2019

​

Missy Hockman
Shenandoah County

Missy Hockman is a dedicated public servant with over 32 years of tax administration experience, currently serving as Shenandoah County’s Commissioner of the Revenue. Before joining the office as a tax compliance officer, she spent 28 years as a field agent for the Virginia Department of Taxation and previously worked in both the Winchester Treasurer’s and Commissioner of the Revenue offices. A lifelong Shenandoah County resident, Missy holds an associate’s degree from Laurel Ridge Community College and is deeply rooted in the community, living on a historic family farm near Strasburg. She is committed to ensuring fair and equitable tax assessment while preserving the traditions and values of Shenandoah County.

Taylor Holden
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT)

Taylor Holden is currently the Rail Planning and Data Manager at Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). He specializes in leveraging GIS for planning and was instrumental in the creation of the 2022 Virginia State Rail Plan and the redesign of the Virginia State Rail Map.

Sara Hollberg, AICP
Self-employed Planning Consultant

Sara S. Hollberg, AICP, is a consulting land use planner based in Staunton, VA. Her career has focused on land conservation, development design, agricultural viability, and historic preservation. She has worked for regional organizations including the CSPDC, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, and Valley Conservation Council, where she oversaw the Better Models for Development program, delivering materials and presentations to local governments in an 11-county region. She has extensive experience in research and in organizing planner training on timely topics and developing reports, publications, and presentations. She has a special interest in light pollution issues and improving walkability.

Daniel C. Hyer, PE
Line and Grade

Daniel is a civil engineer, accomplished project manager, and the founder and CEO of Line and Grade. With a passion for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, he has built a reputation for delivering complex projects across a spectrum of professional typologies. Daniel blends data-driven analysis with creative thinking to navigate challenges, developing innovative solutions that balance technical precision with real-world practicality. As a leader, he excels in fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. Committed to excellence, efficiency, and community impact, Daniel continues to shape infrastructure and urban development with a focus on smart, sustainable solutions.

Kendra Hyson, ASLA 
SmithGroup

Kendra Hyson is an Associate Planner and Urban Designer with SmithGroup, committed to community-based planning and social equity. As Co-Founder and President of the Urban Studio, she supports designers of color working with communities of color to create healthy, vibrant, and just communities. Kendra serves on various ASLA National committees and is an emeritus member of the Landscape Architecture Foundation's Board of Directors. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Spelman College.

Nicola Ianeselli
WGI

Nicola Ianeselli, M.Sc. Eng., M.Sc. Arch, is the Virtual Design & Construction and Innovation Leader at WGI, specializing in BIM and global project delivery. With over a decade of experience, he excels in integrating Blockchain, AI, and Machine Learning to improve operational efficiencies. Nicola holds dual Master’s degrees in Engineering and Architecture from the University of Trento, Italy, and is actively pursuing additional professional certifications. Fluent in multiple languages, he is a recognized leader and trusted advisor, with numerous publications in leading industry journals.

Eldon James

Eldon James & Associates

​

Eldon James has spent over 45 years working in and with Virginia state and local governments.  Eldon received BS degree in Recreation Resource Management and his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. He spent seventeen years working in state and local government in positions with the Commission of Outdoor Recreation, the Cooperative Extension Service and King George County, the final 5 years as county administrator. Eldon left King George county government to open Eldon James & Associates, Inc. in 1994 and has served as the principal of this public policy, planning, project and program management firm since then. The consulting firm's current clients include seven Virginia localities, the Rappahannock River Basin Commission, the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

​

Charles Johnson

African American Historical Society of Portsmouth (AAHSP)

Mr. Charles Johnson is a charter member (1996) and current President (since 2020) of the African American Historical Society of Portsmouth (AAHSP), having served on its Board since 2015. A retired Virginia Social Studies educator with 45 years of experience, he has held leadership roles with the historic Crispus Attucks Cultural Center/Theatre in Norfolk and is a charter member of the Virginia African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach. Mr. Johnson is also an active member of the Norfolk Historical Society, Virginia Association of Museums (Richmond) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (DC). As a Portsmouth native, his lifelong civic involvement and passion for history have grounded his work in researching, preserving, and promoting African American economic, political, and social heritage in Portsmouth and beyond.

Meredith Keppel
University of Virginia Institute for Engagement & Negotiation

Meredith Keppel joined IEN in June 2024 after spending 2 years in Fredericksburg working as the Environmental Planner for the Planning District Commission. Prior to working at the Planning District, Meredith worked at a variety of different conservation organizations. Whether on technical advisory committees or tabling at farmers markets, her excitement about creating sustainable futures has led to award-winning research, engagement campaigns, and presentations. Meredith is a certified mediator with a social justice framework and enjoys putting these skills into practice in her projects, including her work on the RAFT in the Historic Triangle and IEN's Foundations of Community-Based Facilitation training.

Amanda Klepper, AICP
Line and Grade 

Amanda is an analytical planner with international experience in transportation planning, spatial analysis, statistics, and modeling. After completing a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning, she moved overseas to work in New Zealand and Australia, and has brought innovative ideas home to apply to her work in North Carolina. She is now a senior planner at 3TP Ventures in Chapel Hill.
 

William Landfair, AICP

City of Portsmouth, Planning Department

​

Mr. Landfair has been a Principal Planner with the City of Portsmouth Planning Department for three years. He is the staff for both the City’s Historic Preservation Commission and Downtown Design District. He is also assisting with updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Build One Portsmouth.

Joe Lerch

Virginia Association of Counties

​

Joe serves as Director of Local Government Policy for the Virginia Association of Counties. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from William and Mary and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech. Joe has worked as a planner for the Cities of Fairfax and Richmond, and Spotsylvania County. He also served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Fredericksburg. His various professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association, The Virginia Rural Planning Caucus and National Association of Counties. Previously, Joe served as the director of environmental policy for the Virginia Municipal League and was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA).

​

Suping Li

GARC Architecture

​

Suping Li is a Principal at GARC Architecture, a Norfolk, Virginia-based firm founded in 2015. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Southeast University, China, a Master of Arts in Architecture from the National University of Singapore, and a Master of Product Design and Development Management from Northwestern University, she brings over 15 years of experience from prestigious firms in Beijing, Singapore, and the U.S. Specializing in educational and cultural architecture, adaptive reuse, and interior design, Li has led award-winning projects, including those recognized by the Virginia AIA and Detroit AIA. She serves on the City of Norfolk Architecture Review Board.

​

Matthew Lindsay, CZO
Botetourt County

Matthew Lindsay is an emerging planning professional from Botetourt County with diverse experience across both private and public sectors. Specializing in outdoor recreation planning, long-range planning, GIS/cartography, and placemaking, Matthew is equipped to address the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban communities throughout the Commonwealth. Holding a Master of Forestry with a concentration in outdoor recreation planning, along with two Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Geography from Virginia Tech, he brings a robust understanding of planning principles, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and innovative technologies. His career, spanning outdoor recreation research, environmental education, and collaborative community-building with a variety of public and private organizations, reflects his passion for strengthening rural communities.
 

Lisa Lucas-Burke

Lucas Lodge LLC

Lisa L. Lucas-Burke, a Portsmouth, Virginia native, served as Vice Mayor (2016–2024) and City Council member (2016–2024). Educated at Norfolk State University with degrees in Electronics Engineering (1987) and Psychology (2016), she worked 13 years in Portsmouth’s Information Technology Department, rising to Computer Programmer Analyst. She is Executive Director of Lucas Lodge LLC, a family business. A former Chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, Lucas-Burke is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves on various community boards, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Steering Committee.

Eric Mai
HousingForward Virginia

Eric has worked in the field of research for over a decade. Before entering the affordable housing industry, Eric worked as a field archaeologist in the Mid-Atlantic for six years. He received his Masters of Archaeology and Heritage Management from the University of Leicester and later his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Courtney Mailey
Va. DHCD

Courtney Mailey is the Program Manager of Virginia’s Main Street America Coordinating Program. In addition to leading the VMS team, Courtney is a passionate small-scale real estate developer, and she has been working in community and economic development for 20+ years. She loves old buildings, fresh ideas and more. Courtney has worked with the International Economic Development Council, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, The Flax Trust of Northern Ireland, and the Virginia Wine industry.

Sharon Manana

Work Program Architects

​​

Sharon Manana, Director of Community Engagement and Education Consultant for Work Program Architects, leverages her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University to lead transformative community initiatives. As ULI Virginia District Council Chair (2024-present) and a board member for organizations like Wetlands Watch and Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture, she drives equitable urban planning and sustainable development with a focus on inclusive community engagement.

​

David McGettigan, AICP

​Prince William County Government

David McGettigan, Sr. AICP is the Deputy Planning Director for the Prince William County Planning Office. In this role he supervises the Countywide Planning, Land Use Review and Community Planning and Revitalization divisions. Recent projects include a major update to the Prince William County Comprehensive Plan, development of numerous small area plans, and leadership in review of a number of very large data center rezonings. Mr. McGettigan has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech and a Master of Planning from the University of Virginia.

​

Jimmy McNamara

Chesapeake City, Virginia

Jimmy McNamara earned a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a post-grad certificate in Geographic Information Systems from VCU. After graduation, he worked for the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and previously as a planner for Virginia Beach before joining Chesapeake in 2019, where he now serves as the Planning Director. In 2022, Jimmy was awarded George R House, Jr. Award for Outstanding Service and was recently named on Virginia's 40 Under 40 List by Virginia Business.

​​

Lionel Millard, PE

City of Falls Church, Virginia

​

Lionel Millard, PE, serves as the Capital Improvements Program Project Manager for the City of Falls Church, Virginia, overseeing major infrastructure projects like the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation. With extensive engineering expertise, he drives coordinated development efforts, including the West Falls Church Economic Development Project, to enhance community facilities and economic vitality.

​

Jeff Miller

Portsmouth City Attorney's Office

​

Jeff Miller is a graduate of Duke University and Georgetown University Law Center.  Jeff began his legal career in 1998 with the law firm of Cooper, Spong & Davis, P.C.  Since 2013, he has been a member of the Portsmouth City Attorney's Office, where he currently serves as a Deputy.​​

​

Kendra Moon, PE

Line and Grade

Kendra is a highly organized and results-driven professional with a strong track record of leadership and operational excellence. As the head of Line and Grade’s Charlottesville Studio and Director of Land Development, she is known for her strategic, composed approach to challenges, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and seamless project execution. A natural leader, Kendra fosters a collaborative and goal-oriented work environment, empowering teams to achieve success through meticulous planning and attention to detail. With a steadfast focus on efficiency and high-quality outcomes, Kendra continues to play a vital role in advancing Line and Grade’s mission and impact of creating common ground within communities.
 

Dironna Moore-Clarke

City of Richmond Office of Equitable Transit & Mobility

Dironna Moore-Clarke is a 19-year transportation veteran whose previous experience includes serving as the Multimodal Transportation Policy and Planning Manager for the Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation Office and as a Transit General Manager, for the City of Petersburg. Prior to this, she worked with the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation assisting local and regional agencies in public transportation options, as alternatives to roadway and highway improvement choices. She also has extensive experience working with Boards comprised of local elected and appointed officials and other agency representatives, on urban and regional transit issues, system improvement, operations, and maintenance. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and received a Master in Management from American Public University Systems. Moore Clarke has also served as the Multimodal Transportation Manager for the City of Richmond two years before taking on the role of Administrator of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility in 2020 and Department of Public Works Deputy Director in 2023.

​

Pamela Northam

Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab

Pamela Northam, a former educator and environmentalist, serves as an Education, Government, and Public Relations Associate at the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk, Virginia. She guides educational tours, promotes environmental sustainability, and engages the community at the lab. With a background in pediatric occupational therapy and STEM education, she also contributes to environmental advocacy through her role.

​

Mark Palamarchuck

City of Portsmouth, Virginia

Mark Palamarchuck, CPRP, serves as the Director of Community Relations and Leisure Services for the City of Portsmouth, Virginia. With a degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, he has extensive experience in parks, recreation, and tourism management. Palamarchuck oversees community programs, park renovations, and recreational facilities, including the development of Portsmouth’s largest playground at City Park, a $1 million grant-funded project. He has been instrumental in enhancing community engagement and leisure services, notably supporting initiatives like the Portsmouth Food Service Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

​

Sibyl Pappas

Hampton Roads Transit

​

Sibyl Pappas is HRT’s Chief Engineering and Facilities Officer. The mission of Engineering & Facilities is to affect a high-quality agency-wide infrastructure that is safe, functional, attractive, sustainable, and sensitive to the needs of our customers. Departments reporting directly to the Chief Engineering and Facilities Officer include: Facilities Maintenance; Engineering, Design and Construction; Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, and the Office of Project Management. Pappas has over 20 years of experience developing, leading and managing environmental and civil engineering projects for municipal, private and federal clients. During her tenure at HRT, Pappas has directed 17 construction and engineering projects totaling $106,270,000 dollars. As a signatory on the APTA Sustainability Commitment, Pappas has enhanced HRT’s Environmental Compliance and Sustainability effort including an EMS that is ISO 14001 conformant, a LEED Gold campus, Virginia Environmental Excellence Program award established to encourage superior environmental performance and recipient of eleven HRSD environmental compliance Gold Awards and three HRSD Silver Awards.

​

Lorna Parkins, FAICP

Michael Baker International

​​

Katie Paulson

Commonwealth Preservation Group

​

Katie Paulson is the Director of Historic Resource Treatment at Commonwealth Preservation Group. Katie received her undergraduate degree in Media Arts and Design with a minor in Art History from James Madison University and her graduate degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Texas at Austin. Katie leads the Historic Resource Treatment department, bringing her historic resource treatment expertise to projects involving tax credits, local historic district design guidelines, treatment plans, easement review, and Section 106 compliance.

Meg Pittenger

City of Suffolk

Meg Pittenger has been involved in the urban planning for 12 years and has worked in local government in Hampton Roads for over 35 years.  She is currently is the Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Suffolk and previously was the Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Portsmouth and also was Portsmouth’s floodplain administrator. She worked in the City of Portsmouth’s Parks and Recreation Department for 26 years overseeing the City’s citywide park, public grounds, landscape, tree, athletic, and recreation maintenance. She is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) and has a BS in Biology from Old Dominion University.

Paige Pollard
Commonwealth Preservation Group

Paige Pollard is the Principal-In-Charge and Senior Architectural Historian for Commonwealth Preservation Group. Paige received her undergraduate degree in City Planning with a minor in Architecture from the University of Virginia, and a graduate degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia. Paige has extensive experience in preservation planning and design, historic rehabilitation tax credit, and historic resource and National Register nomination consulting services.

Amanda Poncy, AICP
EPR, PC

Amanda Poncy is a Principal Planner at EPR PC with 20 years of experience in multimodal transportation planning and project implementation. She previously served as Charlottesville’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, leading initiatives in complete streets, accessibility, and active transportation planning. Her consulting work spans regional scenario planning, comprehensive planning, and public engagement. Amanda also teaches at UVA’s Urban and Environmental Planning Program and the Virginia LTAP Safety Circuit Rider Program.

Courtney Powell, AICP
WGI

Courtney Powell, AICP, specializes in urban and community planning with a strong understanding of local government operations and a passion for creating tailored processes and a sense of place through creative and implementable solutions. She holds degrees from Furman University and Clemson University and currently works as the Urban and Community Planning Manager for WGI, leading a team passionate about creating places where everyone can safely thrive.

John Provo

Virginia Tech's Center for Economic & Community Engagement

​

John Provo is the executive director of Virginia Tech's Center for Economic & Community Engagement. Provo provides leadership for the university in the design and implementation of its economic engagement mission. A “pracademic,” he has almost 25 years of experience in higher education and government. He builds relationships between businesses, communities, and the university and leads a team that delivers applied research projects that create economic opportunities.

Provo received his Ph.D. from the School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. He received a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 and a bachelor's degree in government from the College of William and Mary in 1989. While in Richmond, he worked for Virginia's Secretary of Commerce and Trade on implementation of revisions to the state's workforce development system.   

​

Shubha Punase, AICP, LEED Green Associate
M-NCPPC

Shubha Punase, AICP, LEED Green Associate, is the State Director for the Planners’ Advocacy Network (PAN) and Board Member with the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-VA). In her role as PAN State Director, she leads the chapter’s national advocacy efforts on APA’s Federal policy and advocacy priorities. She possesses over 14 years of experience in urban planning and architectural design, working across both public and private sectors. Currently, she is a Lead Park Planner / Project Manager at the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). She has served as a volunteer on several professional committees and taskforces at the local, state, and national level to advocate for equity, sustainability, and innovation.
 

Melissa Ramsey

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

Melissa Ramsey is the Director of Community Relations at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, where she leads the "Rivers Gives" program, fostering community partnerships and volunteer initiatives. With a background in community engagement, she serves on the YWCA South Hampton Roads board, is president of GenZoo at the Virginia Zoo, and is part of the Portsmouth Partnership’s executive committee. A Virginia Beach resident, Ramsey is a LEAD 757 2024 cohort member and 2023 Lefcoe Alumna, dedicated to building lasting community connections.

​

Rick Reinhard

Niagara Consulting Group

Rick Reinhard is principal of Niagara Consulting Group, focusing on house-of-worship reuse and redevelopment and broader economic-development initiatives. For more than three decades, Rick led business improvement districts and redevelopment agencies in five US and UK cities and served as chief of staff to the mayor of Buffalo. More recently Rick joined leadership of the United Methodist Church at its social-justice agency on Capitol Hill and working for the bishop of the Greater New Jersey Conference on real estate issues. He has taught city planning and urban policy at six major research universities.kelli 
 

Akida Rouzi

City of Falls Church, Virginia

Akida Rouzi, Zoning Administrator for the City of Falls Church, Virginia, oversees zoning operations within the Community Planning and Economic Development Services, contributing to projects like the West Falls Church Economic Development Project. With extensive experience in urban planning, Rouzi fosters sustainable growth and community development through strategic zoning and collaborative initiatives.

​

Kelli Rowan, AICP

City of Richmond (Contractor)

Ms. Rowan is a planning professional with 9 years of public sector project management and program administration experience. Her passion for the intersection of culture and the natural world drives her love for, and specialization in, sustainable and equitable planning! She is an AICP Certified Planner, and founder and president of her SWaM and DBE certified business, Commonwealth Community Connections, LLC. Through her work for local governments via her LLC and her previous role with the Virginia Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, she has extensive program administration and project management experience in innovative multimodal transportation planning. She is a multilevel stakeholder outreach expert, implementing goals of elected and appointed leaders - ranging from City of Richmond Mayor to Secretaries of Transportation and Governors - through skilled outreach and coordination of state, regional and local agencies. Past project highlights include the completion of the Path to Equity: Policy Guide for Richmond Connects, Richmond Connects: Action Plan (rvaconnects.com), founding the free-rides-to-work program and the Lighter/Quicker/Cheaper program for the City of Richmond, and the reestablishment and administrations of the Urban Development Area grant program for the State of Virginia.  

​

Thomas Ruff, PE, PTOE, AICP

Timmons Group

Thomas is a Senior Project Manager within the Timmons Group Traffic Analysis & Planning Group and has over a decade of experience providing expertise in multiple areas of traffic engineering, transportation planning, and roadway design, including corridor studies, innovative intersection design, and multi-modal infrastructure development. He has provided localities and state DOTs with experience in evaluating strategies for improving safety and increased mobility for all modes of transportation. Thomas is routinely responsible for operational analysis, traffic impact analysis, traffic calming, safety studies, roundabout and alternative intersection design, traffic signal timing (optimization/coordination), and evaluating intersection modifications.

Rhonda L. Russell, AICP
City of Portsmouth, Virginia

Ms. Rhonda L. Russell, a life-long resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, currently serves as the Portsmouth, Virginia Planning Director. Ms. Russell has studied at Virginia Tech (Urban Planning), Blacksburg, Virginia, Old Dominion University (Public Administration), Norfolk, Virginia and Nova Southeastern University (Organizational Leadership/Human Services), Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she earned a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership/Human Services Administration.

Justin Sanders, AICP, CZA, CTM

Montgomery County

Justin D. Sanders, AICP serves as the Assistant Director of Planning and GIS Services for Montgomery County, Virginia. Justin has been part of the Planning and GIS Services team since 2020, previously holding the positions of Development Planner and Senior Planner before assuming the Assistant Director role in July 2024. Justin has over 17 years of experience in promoting planning, community development, and historic preservation initiatives to strengthen communities and encourage citizen participation in the planning process through positions in local government and the nonprofit sector. He is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, where he studied Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning. He currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials and the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Steve Schmidt, AICP, PE
Timmons Group

Steve is a Principal and Senior Project Manager in the Traffic Planning and Engineering group at Timmons Group with 20+ years of experience in traffic planning and engineering. He expertise includes all aspects of transportation planning including long-range thoroughfare plans, comprehensive plans, bicycle and pedestrian master plans and safety improvements, transportation demand management, campus planning, and shared parking analysis. Steve routinely leads the public involvement on these planning efforts and enjoys engaging with citizens throughout the process.

Sue Schwartz, FAICP

President, American Planning Association

​

Sue Schwartz serves as the current President of the American Planning Association.  Sue has dedicated her career to working with planners and using data for informed decision-making for communities. She has spoken at national and chapter conferences, bringing national attention to the work being done in Greensboro and showcasing the city's planning department and its innovative approach.

As an active leader and former president of APA's professional institute – the AICP Commission (2005-2007) – she is one of only six people who have held both offices in the organization's history. Schwartz holds a bachelor's degree in geography and urban studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in geography from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She was inducted into the AICP College of Fellows in 2003, the profession's highest honor bestowed upon a planner.

With over 40 years in the planning profession, Schwartz has witnessed significant shifts in community engagement and collaboration in today's planning processes. In her new role as APA president, Schwartz aims to continue her focus on individual and professional resiliency, a theme that has been central to her career, and to further advance the organization's role in advocating for zoning reform.

​

Jeanne Sgroi
County of York, Virginia

Jeanne Sgroi is a Senior Planner with the Planning Division. She serves as a staff member to the Planning Commission and the staff liaison for the Historic Yorktown Design Committee. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a concentration in public relations, advocacy and persuasion and a minor in Political Science from Old Dominion University in 2019. She earned her Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University in 2021.
 

Sharon Shoff

City of Virginia Beach, Virginia

​

Sharon Shoff is a graduate of James Madison University and received a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. She worked for a non-profit in Virginia Beach that provides affordable housing to families, veterans, and persons with disabilities for 22 years before coming to work at the City of Virginia Beach in 2019. She is the Housing Development Manager at the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, with a focus on facilitating the development of affordable and workforce housing in the City of Virginia Beach, and also oversee the City’s Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program. 

​​

Alan Simpson, AICP

EPR, P.C.

​

Alan Simpson, AICP, is a Senior Planner at EPR, P.C., and the current Chair of the Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP) for the APA Virginia Chapter. In this role, he leads efforts to connect localities with pro bono planning support, facilitating collaborative projects that address strategic growth, transportation, and land use challenges across the Commonwealth. At EPR, Alan specializes in comprehensive planning, community revitalization, and hazard mitigation, combining technical GIS expertise with a strong focus on public engagement. He has contributed to planning initiatives throughout Virginia and beyond, helping communities develop actionable, data-driven plans that enhance resilience and quality of life. Alan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia and also serves as Research Manager for VCU’s Land Use Education Program.

​​

Naomi Siodmok, AICP

City of Petersburg

Naomi Siodmok, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Petersburg, Virginia, leads transformative initiatives like the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, leveraging her Master’s degrees in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and Urban Design from Georgia Tech. With nearly a decade of experience across multiple localities, she drives inclusive, sustainable urban development through strategic planning and community engagement​

​

Sam Skrimpz

City of Richmond Office of Equitable Transit & Mobility

Skrimpz currently works with the City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility to design and paint road murals that promote pedestrian and cyclist safety. These projects are created in collaboration with Richmond Public Schools, where he gathers drawings and ideas from students, transposes their contributions into large-scale works, and hosts community paint days through the City to install the murals. By centering youth voices in public space, these murals are vibrant markers of shared ownership and belonging. Organizing for trans rights, facilitating art gatherings, and fostering connection are all essential parts of Skrimpz’s creative practice. He leads workshops and classes for artists of all ages and backgrounds, often creating spaces where collective making becomes a tool for play, expression, and shared experience. Through education, collaboration, and public art, Skrimpz’s work is rooted in the belief that creativity can help reimagine the world we live in. His work is about participation, building relationships, and creating moments of joy, reflection, and possibility.​

​

Douglas L. Smith

Hampton Roads Alliance 

​

Doug Smith became President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance in September 2019, leading a team of professionals in business development, intelligence, and marketing. He oversees operations for the region’s economic development organization, representing 15municipalities and over 100 private sector investors, collaborating with state and local governments and the private sector on investment projects, expansions, and relocations.

​

A Portsmouth native, Doug has spent most of his life in Hampton Roads, holding key public sector roles such as City Manager of Norfolk, Deputy City Manager in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, and serving on Portsmouth City Council. His regional experience includes work with the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and Planning District Commission.

​

In the private sector, Doug was President & CEO of Kaufman & Canoles Consulting, advising developers, municipalities, and corporations. He also spent 12 years in banking at First Union Bank (now Wells Fargo), managing 31 Hampton Roads branches in his last role.

​

Doug earned a B.A. in History from the University of Virginia. A former Vice Chair of the Alliance Board, he has chaired the Urban Land Institute of Hampton Roads, Future Hampton Roads and the Portsmouth Port & Industrial Commission. He lives in Norfolk with his wife, Linda, and their two children.

Timothy Stromberg, PLA, ASLA

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates, Inc.

Timothy Stormberg is a landscape architect with extensive experience leading community revitalization and brownfields reuse plans for a variety of uses ranging from parks and public spaces, mixed-use urban infill, to industrial complexes. He is currently the Project Manager for the firm’s work supporting VA DEQ’s brownfields program, including overseeing projects across the Commonwealth. Tim holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Horticulture and Environmental Design from Delaware Valley University. He is a Certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Trainer and steering committee member.
 

Silas Sullivan

City of Alexandria

Silas Sullivan is an expert at making riding the bus more convenient and accessible. He is in charge of two projects to upgrade bus stops and add bus shelters citywide, including funding, engineering design, community engagement and program management. He has worked with transit agencies across Northern Virginia, researching micromobility, assisting with grant programs, and interviewing transit executives nationwide. Silas has a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Urban and Regional Planning.

​

Melissa Symmes, AICP

City of Alexandria

​

Melissa Symmes, AICP, Urban Planner III at the City of Alexandria, Virginia, contributes to impactful urban planning initiatives like the Eisenhower West/Landmark Van Dorn Small Area Plan, leveraging her Bachelor of Science in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia. With expertise in Geographic Information Systems and community engagement, she drives sustainable development and accessibility in Alexandria’s planning projects.

Robert Tajan

City of Norfolk, Virginia

​

Robert Tajan serves as the Director of City Planning for Norfolk, Virginia, where he leads innovative urban planning initiatives, including the award-winning NFK2050 Comprehensive Plan. With a focus on translating complex planning concepts for public understanding, he has significantly contributed to community engagement and sustainable development in the region.

​

Michael Todd, AICP
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

Mike currently serves as the Rail Programs Director for the Department of Rail and Public Transportation where he manages a nearly $20 million annual programming budget to implement rail construction projects and planning and engineering studies throughout Virginia. Much of Mike’s career in transportation planning has focused on presenting information to various groups, including organizing and hosting large-scale public hearings; gathering feedback from diverse groups of stakeholders and technical experts; serving as the Chair of the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission for the City of Richmond; and currently presenting regularly to the Governor’s appointed Commonwealth Transportation Board, recommending funding allocations for rail construction projects throughout Virginia.

Mausharie Valentine, AIA
SmithGroup
 

Mausharie is an architect and urban designer committed to designing imaginative, holistic environments that elevate the urban fabric and quality of life for all communities. Mausharie desires to create equitable and inclusive places that are beautiful and well-loved. She does this through empathy and listening during intentional community engagement, continual market research, collaborative team effort, and visionary thought leadership in problem-solving.

“Placemaking should be approached with artful enthusiasm, capturing and reflecting a community’s unique needs, aspirations, and identities,” says Mausharie. “This results in cherished places, beloved and enduring, that truly resonate with their inhabitants.”
Mausharie’s interest in architecture and urban design began as a teenager and a lived experience in a new urbanist community in Denver, CO. The freedom, sense of community, and beauty of the built environment around Mausharie inspired a desire to serve others by designing places people love, especially communities that empower young people.
Mausharie works at Smith Group in Ann Arbor, MI, with a focus on Urban Design and community engagement. She enjoys connecting with family and serving within her faith community.

​

​Alex Vanegas, AICP, CPM, CZA

Prince William County Planning Office

Alex Vanegas is the Assistant Director of Current Planning for Prince William County, where he oversees all land use entitlement cases for the Planning Office. With a career dedicated to public service, Mr. Vanegas has held key roles in local government and authorities, including Public Works Director, Capital Projects Manager, and Compliance Officer. Mr. Vanegas is an AICP-certified planner and a member of the American Planning Association (APA). He is also a Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials and a Certified Public Manager (CPM) through the Regional Executive Development Program accredited by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Additionally, he is an affiliate member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Mr. Vanegas holds a Master’s Degree in Urban & Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from George Washington University. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching from George Washington University.
 

Horace Wade III, AICP

Surry County, Virginia

​

Horace Wade III, AICP, serves as the Director of Planning & Community Development for Surry County, Virginia. With a focus on strategic growth and infrastructure planning, he oversees initiatives aimed at enhancing the county's livability and sustainability. Horace is actively involved in updating the county's comprehensive plan, addressing housing needs, and managing utility-scale projects, including solar energy developments. His leadership ensures that Surry County's planning efforts align with long-term community goals.

Karen Washburn 

Portsmouth History Tour Guide

​

Karen Washburn has been interpreting Portsmouth history and leading tours in Portsmouth for over 20 years and has been interpreting Suffolk history as a tour guide for 15 years. For the past 50 years, Karen has performed as a local stage actress and vocalist, as well as directing and producing. She is also a published author and playwright. Karen, along with her husband and fellow interpreter, Jeff Washburn formed Mary Veale and the Colonials in 2019, building on the living history groundwork laid by the late Eric Price (Colonel Crawford). The company rebranded as History Alive in 2023. History Alive now offers interpreters from the colonial period into the 20th century.

​

Tanya Washington, AICP
Prince William County Government

Tanya M. Washington, AICP, is Director of the Prince William County Planning Office for Prince William County, VA, the second largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the most diverse in the nation. Ms. Washington leads Prince William Planning’s efforts to provide innovative and equitable land use planning and development review for rapidly growing Prince William County, near Washington, DC. Ms. Washington holds a master’s in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania and is certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners and as a Certified Public Manager. She is a member of the American Planning Association, Lambda Alpha International and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Karen Weber, Licensed Geologist

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Karen Weber is a licensed geologist with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) and serves as the DEQ’s Brownfields Coordinator. She currently serves on the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Fund (VBAF) review committee, a collaborative effort with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Karen earned a BS in Geoscience and a MAED with a focus on learning and motivation both from Virginia Tech. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty in Virginia Tech’s Department of Geosciences.

​

Chris Whitney, AICP

City of Norfolk, Virginia

​

Chris Whitney, AICP, serves as the Chief Planner for the City of Norfolk, Virginia, leading the development of the award-winning NFK2050 Comprehensive Plan with a focus on innovative community engagement and sustainable urban planning. With a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida, he brings expertise in policy analysis and public outreach to enhance Norfolk’s growth and livability.

​

Morgan Willett

Elizabeth River Trail Foundation 

​

Morgan Willett is the Assistant Director at the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation where she coordinates volunteers, environmental projects, and trail events, and manages social media. She received her Bachelor's in Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Old Dominion University and serves as the Co-Chair for Friends of Norfolk's Environment and Treasurer for Lafayette Wetlands Partnership. Her passion is environmental stewardship and she has made an impact on the community through beautification projects and events on the Elizabeth River Trail and in her previous role as Public Services Coordinator with Keep Norfolk Beautiful. Morgan is a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional. She has lived in Norfolk, Virginia, for over seven years and continues to seek opportunities to learn and expand her environmental stewardship and leadership skills.

​Jennifer Wilsie, AICP
New River Valley Regional Commission

Jennifer Wilsie, Director of Housing, has been with the New River Valley Regional Commission since 2007 and specializes in affordable housing and community development projects across the region. She works closely with state and federal funders such as the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Virginia Housing.

Karen Wolf, FAICP

AICP Commission

​

Karen Wolf is the Immediate Past-President of the AICP Commission.  Karen has dedicated her career to public stewardship and advancing the benefits of planning. She recently retired from King County, Washington, where she served as a trusted advisor to elected leaders for more than 30 years. She has demonstrated her commitment to planning through mentoring, volunteering, and teaching new planners and graduate students. Within APA, she has served in several leadership roles, including the AICP Ethics and Exam Committee, APA Washington Chapter, and CM Equity Credit Task Force. Additionally, Wolf is an affiliate instructor at the University of Washington and serves on the UW Professional Council for Urban Design and Planning. She also served as the chair of the Advisory Committee for Children's Hospital of Seattle providing input on the development of the hospital campus. Wolf has a master's degree in urban planning and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Washington.

​

Michelle Wren

Portsmouth Partnership

​

Michelle Wren serves as the Executive Director of the Portsmouth Partnership. For nearly eight years leading initiatives that have profoundly impacted Portsmouth’s community and economic development. Under her leadership, the Portsmouth Partnership has transformed once-blighted property into a vibrant coworking space, fostering an inclusive environment for minority entrepreneurs. Through this development, Michelle has created sustainable growth opportunities, offered business support and fostered community vitality. In addition to her role with the Portsmouth Partnership, Michelle lead PortsEvents, an affiliate of the Partnership, where she organizes well-loved community gatherings like the Farmer’s Market and the First Friday concert series, which bring visitors to Olde Towne Portsmouth and strengthen the local economy. As Director of the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Program for the past eight years, Michelle Wren has been instrumental in shaping future leaders for the Portsmouth community. Founded in 1996, the program has a proud legacy of graduates who have gone on to serve in influential roles, including city boards and commissions, the city council, the school board, and even as Portsmouth’s current Mayor. Michelle’s leadership has continued to build this legacy, cultivating individuals dedicated to serving and enhancing the Portsmouth area.

​

Kevin Wyne, AICP

City of Suffolk

Born and raised in Powhatan, Virginia, Kevin has been a professional land use planner for past 18 years and currently leads the Planning and Community Development department for the City of Suffolk. He is a 2006 graduate of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies and Geography.  He achieved certification as a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2016, and is a 2024 graduate of the UVA Virginia Institute of Government LEAD program through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Affairs. He has served as a local government planner exclusively in the Commonwealth of Virginia, having worked with the City of Hopewell, Town of Warrenton, City of Poquoson, and for the last nine years, the City of Suffolk. Over his career his work has included nearly every facet of planning at the municipal level with key areas of focus including land use analysis, plan implementation, and zoning. He resides in Suffolk with his wife Linsey, two daughters, Addy (13) and Ellie (7), and their two golden retrievers, Ivy and Waffles. During his spare time he enjoys performing Improv, coaching his girls softball and soccer team, watching one of his oldest daughter’s many musical theater productions, traveling with his family, playing the guitar, cooking, and planning his family’s next trip to Disney World. Kevin also enjoys watching a wide variety of sporting events and particularly enjoys going to Richmond to cheer on his VCU Rams!

​

Kevin Wyrauch, AICP

Prince William County Department of Transportation

Kevin Wyrauch is currently the Transportation Planning Manager for the Prince William County Department of Transportation with over 12 years in the transportation and transit field. Mr. Wyrauch currently oversees the Transportation Planning Section which consists of review of entitlement cases, rezonings, special use permits, site plan, traffic impact studies, and public facility plans. Mr. Wyrauch is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Manhattan University and his Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UC Irvine.​​​​

​

Henry Zhang

City of Falls Church, Virginia

​​

​Henry Zhang, Principal Planner for the City of Falls Church, Virginia, leads innovative urban planning initiatives, including the award-winning West Falls Church Economic Development Project, focusing on sustainable, transit-oriented development. With expertise in community planning and economic development, he drives equitable growth through strategic public-private partnerships.

​