2025 GPA Mentor Program Kick Off

The 2025 GPA Mentor Program kicked off with a fantastic first session on January 28 at BlueTarp Brewing in Tucker! Our Mentees had a great time getting to know one another and building connections with their Mentors. It was an evening filled with networking, camaraderie, and the start of many meaningful relationships.

This year’s Mentees include:

  • Whitney Barr (City of Atlanta)
  • Scott Brown (Lumenor Consulting Group)
  • Luis Calvo (MKSK)
  • Chirag Date (CPL)
  • Heather Deweese (City of Gainesville)
  • Chancellor Felton (City of Fairburn)
  • Sara Kaminski (Electric Cities of Georgia)
  • Yasamin Khorashahi (Modern Mobility Partners)
  • Heather Mase (VHB)
  • Rebecca Payoute (Gwinnett County)
  • Monica Sagastizado (Arcadis)
  • H. Hayes Taylor (City of Dacula)

This year’s Mentors include:

  • Corey Hull (The Ray Highway)
  • Jessica Guinn (Cobb County)
  • Lenise Lyons (HKS)
  • Kaycee Mertz (WSP)
  • Elizabeth Sanford (Atlanta Regional Commission).

The GPA Mentor Program aims to connect planners across all career stages and enhance professional retention in Georgia. Since its inception in 2014, over 100 participants have benefited from the program. Each year, the format and content are refined based on participant feedback and external factors, typically following a six-month schedule with monthly sessions. The shift to a virtual format in 2020 increased statewide participation, leading to the adoption of a hybrid model. The program’s content is customized annually to align with the interests of the participants as indicated in their applications.

The GPA Mentor Program will continue its hybrid format this year to maximize participation. Upcoming sessions have been tailored to the interests of participants and include zoning administration, grant writing, and planning with social media. Participants will also get the chance to participate in the CPI 260 assessment with Suzanne Kirk, President & Executive HR Consultant of Employee Development Strategies, Inc.

If you would like to assist with an upcoming session or serve on the Committee, please reach out to Mollie Bogle.

Published:  February 7, 2025
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