GPA Board Updates – Service Awards

Georgia Planning Association is a membership-based organization with an all-volunteer board. Without the dedicated commitment of Board members and volunteers, the Chapter would not be able to host its conferences, publish a monthly online newsletter, host a website, send out social media messages, mentor and develop emerging planners, or host District events. 

Serving on the Georgia Chapter board takes time and commitment, and we extend a deep gratitude for those who have served our organization. Thank you this year to the following board members who will be concluding their terms and to all of the new and returning board members as well as those who stepped forward to run for a position on the board! We appreciate you.

2024 Service Awards 

President (including President-Elect and Past President) – Whitney Shephard, PE, LEEP AP, M.ASCE
Whitney was elected in 2020 to begin her term as President-Elect serving with Daniel Studdard, President, in 2021 during a time of great uncertainty as all of us were navigating the global covid pandemic. Whitney wears multiple hats in Savannah where she is Principal of Transport Studio and also owns and operates a restaurant. During her term, Whitney was instrumental in reestablishing in-person GPA meetings. Working with APA, Whitney took the lead on the It Takes a Planner pilot campaign. Whitney first joined the board in 2013 as District 9 Director, and she fostered the creation of the GPA Mentor program which is celebrating ten years this year. She currently is the chair for the Chapter’s Policy and Advocacy Committee which will be hosting the APA 2024 State Legislative Summit, December 4-5 in Atlanta.

District 2 Director – Marc Beechuk, AICP, ISA 

Marc has served as the District 2 Director since 2021. He currently is the Comprehensive Planning Coordinator for the Athens-Clarke County Government. While District 2 Director, Marc served on the Nominations, Programs, Mentor, and Policy and Advocacy Committees. He has helped to organize and host educational events in District 2 and this year welcomed incoming planning students at a lunch for the UGA College of Environment and Design.

 

District 4 Director – Allison Garrett 

Allison served as the District 4 Director beginning in 2023 and served on the Nominations committee. Allison currently is a Planning Commissioner for the City of Senoia. Allison stepped down from the District 4 position in March.