President’s Message – July 2022

I have to be honest. This Independence Day, I felt conflicted about the future of our democracy. But I’m here to hold up hope. 

As an organization, our mission is clear: to provide leadership to plan and build vibrant communities, to advocate, and to support both our members and planning. 

And I want that to be our guide today. To choose to lead. To not let division define our days. To focus on our progress as an organization, lifting up our work for equitable, resilient, and healthy communities. Because as we build bridges through plan-making, we are claiming a path forward. My hope is that each member supports, and is supported by, our professional community. Thank you for all that you do.

Please join me in welcoming our newly appointed Non-AICP at Large Board Member Brittany Griffin, Senior Planner with the Rome-Floyd Planning Department. Brittany will serve the remainder of the 2022-2023 term. 

Your Board meets this week to renew our focus and to review our priorities and strategies. I hope you’ll reach out to your District Director with any comments or questions. We are working for you every day. As always, your feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Yours in service,
Whitney Shephard, PE
President of the Georgia Chapter of APA