ELECTION COMMITTEE

This committee runs elections for the leadership bi-annually and explores other matters including the new Division bylaws (effective April 2011) to expand the leadership.

APA Transportation Planning Division 2011 Election Candidates (Updated on 2/1/2011)

Chair

David Fields, AICP 214 √
Write-In: Rob Swierk, AICP 1

Secretary

Hilary Perkins, AICP, GISP 211 √
Write-In: Bugs Bunny* 1

Treasurer

Janet K. Jenkins, AICP 214 √

Vice-Chair For Outreach

Catherine Duffy 76 √
Madhu Narayanasam, AICP 62
Christina Leach, AICP 60
Jennifer Haith Farinas 11

Vice-Chair For Policy

Daniel Haake, AICP 114 √
Michael Vanderbeek 60
Pallavi Saxena 30
Write-In: Todd Ashby 1

Vice-Chair For Programs

Larry Lennon, AICP 79 √
Brett Caldwell, AICP 74
Hal Ryan Johnson, AICP 53
Write-In: Catherine Duffy 1
(*What’s up Doc? is not eligible for a right-in.)

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APA Transportation Planning Division 2011 Election Candidates (Updated on 2/1/2011)

Candidates for Chair

David Fields, AICP

Position Statement:

As the TPD Secretary for these past four years, I’m proud of how the Division has evolved. This Executive Committee has embraced the mission of making TPD the “Go-To Resource for Transportation Planning” and concentrated on providing value to our members.

As Secretary, I’ve spearheaded or supported several key TPD initiatives. The first is restarting the Planner’s Advisory Council. With over 30 members each with extensive experience in transportation planning, the PAC provides the Division with reliable resources when questions arise. PAC members have answered technical inquiries from journalists, politicians, and local community associations. Each time we are called upon to represent the planning profession, we increase TPD’s role as transportation planning’s go-to resource. We have also reached out to Division members who are also FAICP, making the most out of their valuable experience and insight.

While getting TPD’s name out to the public is a major effort, offering our members support in their professional development is equally important. Working with the TPD Executive Committee, I developed the TPD CM Financing Program. In exchange for local APA chapters hosting transportation-related programs that are offer CM credits, TPD co-sponsored the event and reimbursed the chapter for the cost of the CM credit. In this way, chapters are encouraged to provide transportation programming that is relevant to local members without being constrained by the new cost implications of the CM program. We are currently reaching out to local chapters to adopt this program to individual needs and opportunities.

TPD played a leading role in drafting APA’s Surface Transportation Policy Guide. Having drafted several of the guiding principles, as well as the pedestrian, bicycle, parking, and Transportation Demand Management components, I was elated when the APA Board adopted the Guide in April 2010. As TPD Chair, I want to help our members put the Surface Transportation Policy Guide into action. The Guide is a peer-adopted resource that clearly defines how transportation can help to create great communities. It’s a valuable tool that can influence the current federal transportation reauthorization initiatives, as well as help planners develop their own policies on local levels. Wider distribution of the Guide and training sessions on how the Guide can help our members will be a priority in 2011.

The other effort that will be important to our members is the roll out AICP’s Advanced Transportation Planner certification. Just like chapter’s Professional Development Officers develop review courses for the AICP exam, I'm helping TPD to organize a review course to help our members prepare for the Advanced Transportation Planner certification. On-line material can alleviate the geographic constraints, so all members can participate in this effort.

I would like to continue serving the Transportation Planning Division, this time as Chair. I understand how the division operates, and have clear priorities to assist both our members and our communities. TPD has grown a great deal in the past four years. As Chair, I want to continue that success.

Brief Biography:

Candidates for Secretary

Hillary Perkins, AICP, GISP

Position Statement:

Planning for our nation’s transportation infrastructure continues to make headlines throughout our industry and within the greater community. My primary goal as Division Secretary will be to keep Transportation Planning Division members informed of the Division’s response to these key issues and provide opportunities for communication within the division. To continue to facilitate this communication, the Division has been improving its online presence, most notably with an active and informative website. Further, as social media emerges as innovative and robust tools for communication, I will continue to oversee the TPD’s Facebook, Twitter, and Ning sites that I initiated. As Secretary, I will continue developing those spaces as a forum for increased communication and access to information for our members.

Further, as the Secretary of Transportation Planning Division, I pledge to continue to document the events, discussions, and recommendations for action related to the Division, as well as the additional defined duties of the Secretary. I believe the TPD has a valued role in the ongoing challenges of transportation planning, and I will do my best to facilitate that discussion. I also believe that my previous experience Vice-Chair of the TPD has well prepared me to serve as Secretary. I am eager to begin exploring ways to provide increased forums for communication of our ideas as an important Division within the American Planning Association.

Brief Biography:

I have over 20 years of planning experience in both the public and private sector. I have recently taken a new position with the City of Maryland Heights, Missouri. In my previous position, I was a Regional Planner with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, which is the MPO for the St. Louis metropolitan area. My work in transportation, environmental, urban planning, and community development has provided a variety of leadership and management opportunities for a wide range of projects. I am also keenly interested in the use of GIS and social media by the public and community-based organizations for addressing the complex needs associated with solving regional problems and creating consensus-driven solutions.

APA Activities

Other Professional Activities

Planning Experience

Education

Certifications

Candidates for Treasurer

Janet K. Jenkins, AICP

Position Statement:

My experience in transportation planning spans 17 years in both public agencies and as a private sector consultant, with policy and technical experience in areas covering transit, pedestrians, cyclists, parking, roads, traffic (and even ITS!). I am passionate about increasing the balance between motorized and non-motorized modes, and I am particularly interested in the issues of older adults and other non-driving persons who struggle to maintain mobility. Over the last three years I have brought my experience, interest and enthusiasm to my role as the Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee of the NY Metro Chapter and I would like the opportunity to do the same work for my fellow professionals at the national APA TPD level.

The role of Treasurer requires fiscal responsibility and accurate accounting, skills I have certainly honed as a project manager of projects ranging in size from $15,000 to the multi-millions. Managing public budgets, consultant task orders, and capital program dollars is all about the stewardship of the public good and, of course, public monies. I view the role of TPD Treasurer in the same way: division funds, used to support our profession, deserve the same type of responsible and ethical management as the tax dollars we all use so carefully in our daily profession.

In addition to my financial qualifications, my unique contribution to the TPD would be the vision I bring to the division leadership. During my time as Co-Chair of the NY Metro Chapter Transportation Committee, I helped to expand the visibility of the American Planning Association in our region through panel discussions, position papers, and the maintenance of a robust organization of professionals. I would bring this to the TPD – assisting the Executive Committee with additional support for transportation planners throughout the nation both in terms of information and careers, but also in terms of policy support for the issues facing our communities and nation.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve you in this way and I appreciate your support.

Brief Biography:

I am currently an Associate with Eng-Wong, Taub & Associates; prior to this, I worked for both New York MTA Metro-North Railroad and New York City Transit. I hold my AICP, a Master of Urban Planning from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Occidental College. I have authored articles for the APA Transportation Planning Division Newsletter on traffic calming and transportation for older adults. My professional work has included development of commuter parking, transit station operations and rehabilitation, bicycle and pedestrian master plans; township land use and circulation plans; area-wide and campus master plans; transit-oriented development studies; municipal comprehensive plans; and other projects of notable size, scope, and magnitude. Projects like the New York City Bus Rapid Transit Study and City of New Haven Sustainable Transportation Framework are just two examples of prominent planning efforts with which I am proud to be associated.I am currently an Associate with Eng-Wong, Taub & Associates; prior to this, I worked for both New York MTA Metro-North Railroad and New York City Transit. I hold my AICP, a Master of Urban Planning from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Occidental College. I have authored articles for the APA Transportation Planning Division Newsletter on traffic calming and transportation for older adults. My professional work has included development of commuter parking, transit station operations and rehabilitation, bicycle and pedestrian master plans; township land use and circulation plans; area-wide and campus master plans; transit-oriented development studies; municipal comprehensive plans; and other projects of notable size, scope, and magnitude. Projects like the New York City Bus Rapid Transit Study and City of New Haven Sustainable Transportation Framework are just two examples of prominent planning efforts with which I am proud to be associated.

Finally, I am truly committed to the practice of civic engagement, which dovetails with my commitment to the American Planning Association and my desire to represent transportation planners from around the country. In addition to my work facilitating community visioning workshops and public forums, I have enjoyed volunteering for programs like the APA New York Metro Chapter Student Conference, APA/AIA 23rd Street Visioning Workshop, and the Red Hook Bicycle Master Plan Design Competition.

Candidates for Vice-Chair for Outreach

Catherine Duffy

Position Statement:

As TPD’s newsletter editor for the past year, I have had the opportunity to reach out to members of the APA community and shape the direction of the division’s newsletter. Under my direction this year, the newsletter saw a redesign which received many positive comments from readers. Through many conversations with TPD members I have realized that there are opportunities for further engagement among TPD members, other APA divisions, and partner organizations.

As Vice Chair of Outreach, I will work with the new leadership team to create more connections across divisions to take advantage of their diverse set of resources. Working across disciplines is critical for effective planning and my goal is to create more opportunities for collaboration by: expanding TPD’s popular webinar program, creating shared calendars and resources, coordinating and promoting networking and educational events, and continuing to grow our membership. I also plan to use our website and social media tools more effectively to meet the needs of TPD members.

I have been fortunate to work with multiple modes in public and private sectors, including alternative transportation. This experience has helped me understand different modal interests and different working environments, giving me a broader view of the transportation industry.

Brief Biography:

I am a transportation planner at URS, working at the Volpe Center for Transportation, part of the U.S. DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration. In this role, I have worked on projects ranging from planning alternative transportation for the National Park Service, to researching cutting edge practices in metropolitan transportation planning, to developing marketing and communication plans within the DOT and Land Management agencies. Prior to my role at the Volpe Center, I worked for WalkBoston, the Boston Harbor Association, the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, and the Chicago Transit Authority. While in graduate school, I co-founded a non-profit organization, working on landscape revitalization in New Orleans, which is still active today.

In addition to a Masters degree in City Planning from MIT, I have a background in graphic design, which has been valuable in marketing and communication projects such as the TPD newsletter, and Boston’s first comprehensive water transportation website, which I developed while working for the Boston Harbor Association.

I have enjoyed working with TPD and hope to continue to support this division.

Jennifer Haith Farinas

Position Statement:

I believe that my combination of education and experience working in both the private and public sectors gives me a holistic view of the transportation planning process and what is necessary to implement change and innovative ideas to improve mobility. As Vice-Chair for Outreach, I hope to encourage young transportation professionals to become active in their communities to address their own unique transportation challenges.

Brief Biography:

I am currently working for the Port of Long Beach as a transportation planner. I have five years of experience working in the transportation industry. Currently, I assist with transportation planning and analysis for terminal development projects at the Port. Every day I am challenged to understand how transportation operates as a region and how important it is to work together with regional agencies to address transportation problems.

Previously, I worked for a private sector transportation planning firm where I assisted in preparing transportation master plans, environmental impact assessments, parking and transit studies, site design, traffic operations analysis, and travel demand forecasting.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Anthropology from UCLA, and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from UC Irvine.

Christina Leach, AICP

Position Statement:

Being a member of the Transportation Planning Division (TPD) student paper competition committee for the last 3 years has given me the chance to see firsthand the benefits provided by our division and allowed me to experience the sincere dedication of TPD members.

I am impressed by what I have seen and what has been accomplished by our division. I believe that with our solid foundation already in place we can continue to improve. We are all seeing unprecedented changes in our workplaces, many of which provide us with new opportunities to advance transportation policies and initiatives.

As these new opportunities present themselves, outreach and communication will play an even more important role in planning for all modes of transportation. As vice-chair I would bring enthusiasm, leadership and commitment to the position. Together, I envision promoting growth of TDP membership and continuing to serve as a network that empowers planners to embrace change, share experiences and provide members the resources we all need as we continue to plan for healthy, livable communities.

Brief Biography:

Christina Leach is an Assistant Transportation Planner for the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County in Reno, Nevada. In her position she works on capital improvements to enhance pedestrian access to public transportation, coordinates with developers to install transit improvements and is currently managing a multimodal corridor study. Christina also has experience writing Park-and-Ride contracts and works with community organizations to ensure the mobility needs of special groups are addressed in transit design.

Christina has a Master of Community and Regional Planning degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and serves on the American Planning Association Transportation Planning Division student paper competition committee.

Madhu Narayanasamy, AICP

Position Statement:

After serving 3 years as Membership committee chair, I would now like to join the executive committee of our division as Vice-Chair for Outreach. I have and will continue to bring more and innovative webinars on Transportation Planning, which will be counted towards the CM credit requirements. I also want to work more closely with local chapter’s Transportation Committees and offering additional ways for the Division to support locally-scheduled transportation-focused events. If you elect me, I will continue to work for TPD to be a go-to source for technical expertise for you and the general public. I believe TPD should not just be a networking organization but really serve a noble purpose for public policy and the public’s general welfare.

Brief Biography:

I have been the Chair of the Transportation Planning Division’s membership committee for almost three years, leading its reinvigoration. It’s been great to watch the Division grow. We’ve grown both in the number of members, but more importantly, we’ve expanded our efforts to make TPD membership valuable to our members. I have implemented the Executive Committee’s mission of making TPD the “Go-to resource for Transportation Planning.”

As membership committee chair, I’ve spearheaded the following key TPD initiatives:

Candidates for Vice-Chair for Policy

Daniel Haake, AICP

Position Statement:

I cannot think of a more critical time than now to run for the Vice-Chair for Policy. As we approach Reauthorization, it is crucial that our both our collective voice as an organization and each of our individual voices are heard by our federal legislature. Likewise, it is important to provide timely and accurate information to each of our members to ensure that we can advocate for truly fully-funded multi-modal transportation system.

If you chose to elect me as your next Vice-Chair, I promise to do the following:

- Provide consistent and timely information to the membership through many communication techniques.
- Provide information on how and where to advocate for our policy positions.
- Collaborate with the APA leadership and other divisions to form a comprehensive platform, strategy and response to the reauthorization process.
- Reach out to our sister organizations like ITE, AMPO, NADO, NARC, AASHTO and others to build a coalition to ensure that our legislators understand the importance of a fully-funded multi-modal transportation bill that will ensure our continued success as a nation and in the global marketplace.
- Continue the work of the division to increase the value of your membership.

Brief Biography:

Education

- Ball State University, Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Wright State University, Master of Science – Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Indiana University, Graduate Certificate – Public Management
- Ball State University, Bachelor of Arts – Major: Political Science/Minor: Management

Experience
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Columbus, Ohio
Senior Planner (Logistics/Freight, Policy, Special Projects, Homeland Security)

- Led and developed nationally recognized freight/logistics transportation planning program: 2009 The National Award for Outstanding Technical Merit in Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

- Served as a designated representative of statewide metropolitan planning and policy interests to the state and federal government.

- Led the development of the first regional plan in the United States to address the evacuation of the mobility challenged.

- Built a proven track record of creating and developing public/private partnerships to address critical infrastructure challenges that significantly restricted a major economic center in central Ohio.

- Managed complex and innovative projects/funding opportunities.

- Managed the development of a multi-faceted “next generation” regional study on the impacts of freight (on-going).

- Frequent speaker and resource for national transportation planning efforts:

    a. U.S. Department of Transportation - Freight Partnership III, Freight Peer-to-Peer, Talking Freight, etc.
    b. American Planning Association - 2011 National Planning Conference Session (invited).
    c. Transportation Research Board - Intermodal Freight Transport Committee Secretary, Urban Freight Transportation Young Member.
    d. Academia - Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Symposium Lecture, Wright State University College of Business Graduate Program Guest Lecture.
    e. Professional - Summer 2009 "Mobility Matters" Featured Member of Young Professionals in Transportation.

Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) - South Bend, Indiana
Regional Planner (Federal Funding Administration, Bicycle/Pedestrian, Transit)

- Administered of the Transportation Enhancement (TE), Congestion Management Air Quality (CMAQ), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Partners for Clean Air, Livable Community, Public Participation programs.c - Assisted senior and executive management manage Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration programs.

- Developed public education products on transportation and smart growth issues.

Community Leadership

Franklin County Educational Service Center, Project Key Truancy Board Member
United Nations-USA, Columbus Chapter, Vice President-Development (2008-2009)
Central Ohio Model UN Organizer
Habitat for Humanity Wednesday Night Construction Crew
Hoosier Boys State Counselor
Young Professionals in Transportation
Young Professionals of Columbus
Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus

Pallavi Saxena

Position Statement:

As Vice‐Chair of APA’s Transportation Planning Division, my main goals will be providing back up for the Division Chair Policy, act as a liaison between their assigned committees (such as Legislative and Policy Committee, Research Committee etc) and the Executive Committee coordinating planning and administrative efforts, providing materials needed to prepare the Division annual reports, representing the interests of these committees at the regular business meetings of the Division, and generally overseeing the activities of these committees so that the regular and assigned duties are reasonably fulfilled and are in the on‐going best interests of the Division. I feel that my diverse experience, capabilities and qualifications make me a strong candidate for the position.

If elected, I will be happy to work with our officers and members to build upon our accomplishments. As a person who is service oriented, I will emphasize the importance of assisting practicing Transportation Planners, providing the tools needed to understand, implement and efficiently perform in public policy for Transportation Planning Division.

Brief Biography:

Experienced and versatile professional with strong planning, engineering, people, and research skills, coupled with a desire to contribute to meeting the organization's/division’s goals.

- Civil Engineer, HMH Engineers, Gilroy/San Jose, California
- Transportation Planner, Fehr and Peers, San Jose California
- Transportation Planner, Hatch Mott MacDonald, Pleasanton, California

Ms. Saxena has six years experience in civil engineering planning, design, and project management. She is an experienced transportation planner with technical expertise in a wide range of projects including transportation planning studies, traffic impact studies, parking and corridor studies, climate action plans, land development design projects, mixed-use projects, and GIS projects. She has a strong knowledge of local development codes, regulations, and improvement standards. Ms. Saxena is proficient in numerous analysis and modeling software programs, including Traffix, Synchro, Sim-Traffic, HCS+, Cube, AutoCAD, LDD, and ArcGIS. Ms. Saxena did her Master’s thesis on the Santana Row Mixed-use Development. She has a special interest in sustainability and climate change regulations related to transportation and land use. She is an active presenter at the ITE and APA conferences/meetings.

Community Leadership

Bachelor of Technology, Civil Engineering, L.D.C.E., India
MUP, Master of Urban Planning and Transportation, San Jose State University, CA

Memberships

American Planning Association
American Planning Association Transportation Planning Division
Institute of Transportation Engineers
US Green Building Council
Urban Land Institute
Women’s Society of Transportation Engineers

Technical Papers / Presentations

"Crime Mapping with GIS: Exploring Crime locations & Patterns in San Jose", SJSU, 2007. Saxena, P.
"Adobe Green Building: LEED Certification Analysis", Green Buildings, 2008. Saxena, P.
"Santana Row: A Successful Mixed-use Development", Urban Planning, Thesis Report, San Jose State University Library, 2009. Saxena, P.
"Success of a Mixed-use Development", Presented at the 2010 ITE Conference San Francisco. 2010. Saxena, P.

Michael Vanderbeek

Position Statement:

We live in a global society that is interconnected in myriad ways. The ability of people and goods to physically move where, when and how they need and want to safely, efficiently, and with as few impacts as possible on the people and natural world around them is more important than ever.

As Vice-Chair for Policy for the Transportation Planning Division of the American Planning Association (APA), my efforts would focus on mobilizing the tremendous wealth of transportation planning expertise that the Division’s members have to identify, assess and advocate for local, state and national policies, programs, and projects that support the goals of the Division and of APA. In particular, my efforts would focus on enhancing communication between and among the Division’s more than 1,200 members so as to build a strong sense of common purpose and community within the Division that could then be channeled into more focused and effective policy research and advocacy efforts at different levels. My efforts would also reinforce the need for planners and policymakers alike to continuously move toward better integration of social, physical, environmental and economic factors throughout the transportation planning process.

Consistent with the goals of the Division and the duties of the position, my priorities as Vice-Chair for Policy would include:

1) Support the Division Chair, the Executive Committee, the Division and its members
2) Make insightful and strategic committee and subcommittee appointments to enhance the Division’s research, advisory and advocacy efforts; support these committees and their members on an ongoing basis, providing resources and assistance as necessary and where possible
3) Enhance two-way policy communication among Division members by improving the Division’s use of social media and other networking and outreach tools
4) Identify, assess and facilitate broad communication - both to Division members and to other stakeholders - of policies, programs, and projects that enhance sustainable, multi-modal integration for both people and freight
5) Identify, assess and facilitate broad communication - both to Division members and to other stakeholders - of best practices related to transportation options that are cost-effective and that minimize negative impacts on communities, human health, and the environment
6) Support Federal and state bills that support the goals of the Division and of APA
7) Support local and regional efforts that are consistent with the goals of the Division and APA as appropriate
8) Work closely with other Division officers, especially the Chair, the Vice-Chair of Programs and the Vice-Chair of Outreach, to ensure that a cohesive and complimentary set of services is provided to the Division membership consistent with the mission and goals of the Division and of APA

Both within and beyond the United States, the more than 1,200 members of the Transportation Planning Division of APA have the potential to exert enormous influence over the future of transportation planning, and all that that entails. With support from my professional peers, I hope to have the opportunity and be trusted with the responsibility to help lead the Division’s policy research, advisory and advocacy efforts in order to achieve the Division’s goals, advance the field of transportation planning and do my part to make the world we live in a better place.

Brief Biography:

Michael Vanderbeek has more than seven years of experience in policy, planning, and development, including strategic policy and planning, transportation and land use policy and planning, community planning and development, economic development, and sustainability. Originally from southern Idaho, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University and a Master of Planning degree from the University of Southern California. Michael is currently Manager of Strategic Planning for the Port of Long Beach where he helps the largest port complex in the Western hemisphere pursue sustainable transportation solutions and local economic development opportunities through international trade.

Michael is both an innovator and a proven leader. He has contributed to numerous policies, studies and development projects and has worked/studied internationally in both Europe (Spain) and Asia (China). In his first year at the Port, Michael led the development of the organization’s first strategic plan in more than two decades using a triple-bottom-line framework. In his current position, he helps lead the implementation of this multi-year Plan by helping the Port anticipate and plan for future trends and opportunities as it prepares to invest more than $3 billion in new transportation infrastructure projects.

Michael is involved with numerous rail, road, and maritime transportation projects and initiatives that have significant implications for the local, regional, and national transportation infrastructure network. Working closely and regularly with ocean carriers, the trucking industry, the railroads, regulatory agencies and trade organizations, Michael has helped to design and implement a variety of policies and programs that provide sustainable solutions to some of the U.S.’s most challenging transportation issues. In 2008 and 2009, Michael played a significant role in working with trucking interests to replace some 8,000 dirty trucks with 2007-compliant trucks, the result being an 80 percent reduction in diesel emissions within the Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor district. More recently, Michael has worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce and other stakeholders to identify transportation policies and critical infrastructure projects that should be prioritized in order to achieve President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. exports in five years as part of the National Exports Initiative.

In addition to his position at the Port of Long Beach, Michael is an Adjunct Professor of public policy and management at the University of Southern California's School of Policy, Planning, and Development (SPPD). He is also Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the SPPD Alumni Association where he helps set the policy agenda and coordinate professional outreach efforts for the Association and its more than 14,000 members. Michael regularly mentors young professionals, including both undergraduate and graduate students, and is committed to helping develop the next generation of planners and policymakers.

Michael is a member of the Transportation Planning Division of the American Planning Association, the Maritime Economic Development Committee of the American Association of Port Authorities, the Long Beach International Business Association, the Foreign Trade Association, and the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He speaks, reads, and writes fluent Spanish, is in the process of learning Mandarin Chinese, and is an avid traveler.

Candidates for Vice-Chair for Programs

Larry Lennon, AICP

Position Statement:

As TPD Immediate Past Chair (2007 – 2010), former Chair (2005 – 2006), and former Vice-Chair (2003 – 2004), I understand what’s required to successfully manage the Division as a proactive and member-focused organization. As Vice-Chair for Programs, I promise to work tirelessly to promote our members’ professional development and the advancement our profession through innovative programs in transportation planning.

The Vice-Chair for Programs is responsible for the Student Awards Committee, the Airports in the Region (AIR) Committee and other initiatives of the Executive Committee. I will continue the excellent work conducted by the Student Awards and AIR Committees over the past years, building on their accomplishments. These committees have been the cornerstone of TPD’s program.

In addition, if elected, I will promote greater coordination and cooperation with related organizations such as the WTS and TRB, similar to TPD’s successful collaboration with ITE on smart growth, and the AIR Committee’s coordination with ACI and ATRA. I will work to expand TPD’s programs in support of comprehensive transportation planning sharpen TPD’s focus on professional development.

Brief Biography:

When not involved with APA, I’m an Assistant Vice President and Northeast Planning Manager at Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), based in PB’s New York City office. I currently serve as project manager on several transportation planning projects. I am also an Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of NYU, and have taught courses in transportation planning at the Cooper Union.

Earlier in my career, I was director of the Transportation Division of the New York City Department of City Planning where I was responsible for citywide transportation planning and policy development as well as transportation review of projects under the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure. I have served as President of the Metropolitan Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Hal Ryan Johnson, AICP

Position Statement:

The TDP division website identifies 6 activity areas: Newsletter, Student Paper Competition, Smart Growth Transportation Guidelines, Conference Session Development, Policy Development and Business Meetings. As Vice-Chair for Programs I would work to support these activities. Specifically, I would work to develop and provide timely, useful information and programs for division members. Also, I would work to partner with other professional trade organizations as appropriate.

Brief Biography:

I have been an employee of the Utah Transit Authority for 15 years. In that time I have had the pleasure of working on a number of successful New Start transit projects in a variety of roles. For the past five years I have been the Manager of Engineering and Construction, BRT . The focus of my work has been on the development of BRT projects and intermodal centers. The UTA Board has established goals that include: Increasing transit ridership, increasing revenue for both capital and operating and system sustainability from an economic, social and environmental point of view. Past projects I have worked on exemplify these ideals. I am currently the project manager for the development of UTA’s MAX BRT service. The implementation of the BRT strategies has increased passenger boarding by 1800 passengers per day. Also, I have worked to further UTA’s sustainability goals with the Orem Intermodal Center Project. In 2010 the Provo and Orem Intermodal Center projects were accepted as a pilot project by the American Society of Landscape Architects for a groundbreaking sustainable sites initiative.

In addition, I have been an adjunct instructor at the University of Utah in the College of Architecture and Planning for 10 years. I teach Urban Planning 4280, the community planning workshop. The class develops real world master plans for clients.

Education

BS Urban Planning University of Utah, Master of Urban and Regional Planning, State University of New York at Albany, MA Geography, State University of New York at Albany

Brett Caldwell, AICP

Position Statement:

As a person who has worked in the transportation planning industry for over 20 years, I think all the modes of transportation should be equally addressed and considered by the Transportation Planning Division.

As a transportation planning professional, I have always advocated for a comprehensive approach as the basis for all transportation planning and programming. I continue to be at the forefront of preparing, acquiring, and managing various projects that benefit the public and contribute towards a truly intermodal community. My years of experience as a practicing transportation planner and educator will contribute towards formulating and providing opportunities to encourage continuing professional development of Division members. I strongly believe that encouraging networking activities among the members of the Division and related planning disciplines within APA, as well as other organizations, is a necessary and important factor to enhance the Division’s presence within APA. It is the responsibility of all Division members to collectively assist APA with the development of legislative and policy positions and a research agenda related to transportation planning.

As the Vice-Chair for Programs, I will provide operational back-up for the Division Chair and provide continuing support to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Division. Also, I will make appointments for the committees and subcommittees as assigned by the Executive Committee, which includes the Student Awards Committee, the Airports in the Region Committee, and other ad-hoc initiatives. My extensive airport and transportation planning experience will also significantly contribute to the Airports in the Region initiative and other transportation planning ad-hoc initiatives.

I support all local, state, and federal programs that are innovative and inclusive of all of the various modes of transportation and policies to support transportation development that is efficient, sustainable, and contributes to the overall improvement of a community.

As a Visiting Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I continue to teach students about all of the aspects of airport planning and intermodal transportation planning. I will also continue to teach students various transportation and airport planning skills that provide a strong foundation for them to determine what area of specialization they want to pursue in the transportation planning field. I am confident and proud that all of my current, former, and future students will make significant contributions to the transportation planning industry as they continue to fulfill their long-term transportation planning goals.

Brief Biography:

Brett Caldwell is an Airport Planner II for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA). He has over 20 years of transportation and airport planning experience. He conducts airport planning and environmental analysis and review associated with the Airport Master Plan, Airport Transit Plan, Air Quality Management Program, and several other projects at San Diego International Airport. Brett is also the Grants Coordinator for SDCRAA.

Brett also has extensive experience working for private-sector airport consultants. He has managed and prepared airport master plans, environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, FAR Part 150 noise compatibility studies, airport layout plan updates, and heliport planning and design studies at commercial and general aviation airports, as well as several military facilities, throughout the United States. He has significant expertise with managing and preparing projects that focus on intermodal connectivity.

Brett has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography (City & Regional Planning Area of Concentration) and a Masters of Science Degree in City & Regional Planning from Western Kentucky University.

Since 1998, Brett has been a Visiting Assistant Professor for Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) where he has taught airport planning and design. In addition, he has served as an Adjunct Instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in California, New York, and Maryland. During his tenure at ERAU, he taught various undergraduate and graduate courses in transportation planning, airport planning & design, and airport systems planning.

Call for Candidates - 2011 Officers Election (Updated on 10/5/2010)

Running for an office in the Transportation Planning Division (TPD) provides a clear path to leadership within the profession. You should consider running because you are a leader.

There are over 1,200 members of the TPD making it the largest division of the American Planning Association. For members of the TPD, transportation isn’t just a network to be modeled, built, maintained, and monitored; it is the manner by which we decide who we are today and who we want to be in the future. This is an exciting time to be a leader in the transportation planning field. Federal policy changes, pending legislation and an increasing emphasis on both infrastructure and sustainability at all levels will continue to shape changes nationally, in the states, and in your community.

To become a leader in the transportation field, all you have to do right now is select the office you would like to hold and send an e-mail. Please review the office descriptions for Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chair for Policy, Vice-Chair for Programs, and Vice-Chair for Outreach and select the office you would like to hold. These are posted on this website at: http://www.apa-tpd.org/bylaw.html

Then, send an email to jjosborn@co.mchenry.il.us with your office selection, name, phone number, and APA ID (It's the 6-digit number on your Planning magazine mailing label). Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions of if you would like to help with the elections, we could use a couple more volunteers!

The slate of candidates for office will be announced on January 1, 2011. Then, you will be asked to submit a brief biography and a brief statement on why you think you should hold this office. This information will be part of the election ballot on February 1, 2011. Newly elected officers will take their positions at the TPD Business Meeting at the APA National Conference in Boston in April 2011.

Election Schedule

August 1: Appointment of the Election Committee (Jason Osborn, Whit Blanton, and others still welcome!)
October 1: Call for Candidates
January 1: Announcement of the Slate of Candidates
February 1: Ballot Mailing
March 15: Deadline for Receipt of Ballots
April 1: Announcement of Election Results
April Business Meeting of the Division: Installation of Officers