Leadership - American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter

Charles “Chuck” Latini, Jr., AICP, PP, is a respected land use practitioner, policy advocate, and Principal of L&G Planning. He has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. His expertise encompasses planning, zoning, redevelopment, and coalition-building, with a focus on aligning land use decisions with community values and public policy goals.

A Rutgers University’s Cook College graduate with a degree in Environmental Planning and Design, Chuck brings a thoughtful and balanced approach to community and economic development in urban, suburban, and rural settings. His work is rooted in a deep understanding of the interplay between planning, policy, and politics, both locally and internationally.

Chuck is known for his campaign-based approach to planning, emphasizing community engagement and support in decision-making processes. As President of APA New Jersey, he led the organization to numerous national awards and actively supported key initiatives, including the Great Places in NJ Program, the Local Community Planning Assistance Program, and the Gold Standard for Hazard Mitigation Planning. He also played a pivotal role in advocating for sound land use policy through Amicus Briefs on COAH and Mount Laurel, strengthening the Chapter’s influence within the New Jersey Legislature as it related to housing policy.

Chuck was a key contributor to the 2015 APA Plan4Health initiative, leading the development of a Health & Food Systems Element for Trenton’s Master Plan. This effort catalyzed a statewide health-planning movement, now supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

At the heart of Chuck’s work is a commitment to inclusive, informed planning that empowers communities to shape a healthier, more equitable future for New Jersey.

Sheena Collum, MPA, is the Executive Director of the American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter (APA New Jersey), where she leads day-to-day operations and drives the implementation of the Board’s strategic vision. Her work spans continuing education, development, coalition building, legislative advocacy, and community service. Most notably, she was key in securing a $1.5 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at the end of 2024 to advance equitable public health outcomes through master planning and zoning strategies for communities throughout New Jersey.

A dynamic and sought-after speaker, Ms. Collum regularly engages with communities across New Jersey on topics such as equitable land use, housing, state and regional planning, and strategies for inclusive civic engagement. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to “creating great communities for all, ” empowering residents and supporting long-term, systemic change.

In addition to her role with APA New Jersey, Ms. Collum is the Mayor of South Orange in Essex County, currently serving her third term. Since taking office in 2015, she has championed bold initiatives in economic development, infrastructure investment, and local governance reform. She is an active member of the Executive Committees of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. In recognition of her leadership, she received the Women in Municipal Government Award in 2022.

Ms. Collum holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public policy, both from Seton Hall University.

Michele S. Delisfort, AICP, PP, is the Principal and Managing Partner at Nishuane Group, LLC, a respected planning consultancy with over 30 years of experience in land use, redevelopment planning, and community development. Michele specializes in implementing innovative planning tools and policies that promote equitable, sustainable, and strategic development.

A dedicated advocate for the planning profession, Michele has served in numerous leadership roles. She was the Planning Board Chairperson in her hometown, a Member of the New Jersey Future Board of Trustees, and a member of the National APA Ethics Committee, where she co-authored the Amended AICP Code of Ethics. She is also President-Elect and Chair of the Redevelopment Planning Committee at APA-NJ. Michele co-authored the APA-NJ Redevelopment Policy Guide and contributed to the NJ Redevelopment Handbook, providing valuable resources for planners and communities.

In addition to her work at APA-NJ, Michele is actively involved in Plan for Health NJ, a project aimed at integrating public health awareness and policy development into municipal planning. Her expertise is widely sought after, and she regularly serves as a panelist, sharing insights on best practices in planning.

Michele’s public service background includes serving as the Mayor of the Township of Union and as a member of the Township Committee. Currently, she is a member of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, focusing on initiatives to enhance community welfare. Her educational background and diverse professional experience enable her to drive sustainable development and foster positive change in the communities she serves.

Thomas G. Dallessio, FAICP, PP, FRSA is a licensed professional planner, policy expert, university lecturer, and management executive with over four decades of experience spanning the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Musconetcong Watershed Association, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the Musconetcong Watershed and its waters for both people and nature.

Tom is also a Research Affiliate at the New Jersey State Policy Lab and a Lecturer at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University, where he teaches seminars and studios in Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Administration, and Transportation. A Certified Public Manager and Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Tom is deeply committed to advancing the planning profession.

In addition to his leadership at the Musconetcong Watershed Association, Tom serves as Vice President of Policy for the American Planning Association – New Jersey Chapter, where he was honored with the B. Budd Chavooshian Award for Outstanding Professional Planner. He has also served three terms on the Hopewell Borough Council, including as Council President and Acting Mayor, and has been involved with the Planning and Zoning Boards, Library Board, Economic Development Committee, and Historic Preservation Commission.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers College, a Master of Arts from the Eagleton Institute of Politics, and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.

Angela Knowles, AICP, PP is a licensed professional planner in New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2010. She began her career at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (now The Watershed Institute), where she helped grow the organization’s municipal planning program. Angela then joined Banisch Associates, Inc. in Flemington, NJ, gaining experience in various municipal planning areas, particularly in developing plans and ordinances to protect natural resources.

A passionate volunteer, Angela contributed to Sustainable Jersey, helping shape the Land Use & Transportation action items. As Chair of the APA New Jerse Sustainability Committee, she led efforts to create the Green Building & Environmental Sustainability Plan (GBESP) Guidance Document for municipalities.

In 2016, Angela joined Van Cleef Engineering Associates as the firm’s sole planner and later became Director of Planning Services. She led the firm’s planning and GIS groups, servicing numerous municipal clients over six years. After a brief tenure in County government and with a growing family, Angela founded ASK Community Planners, LLC in 2024, focusing on municipal planning.

Angela is also excited to serve as the Project Director for the Plan4HealthNJ initiative, aiming to improve health equity across the state. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and playing music with her husband and two children.

Mirah A. Becker, AICP, PP, is a Supervising Planner at the Middlesex County Office of Planning, where she leads the Division of Regional Planning. With a strong commitment to regional coordination and sustainable growth, she advises the County Commissioners on issues that affect the County as a whole and plays a key role in advancing countywide planning initiatives.

Mirah currently manages the County’s Cross-Acceptance Process, ensuring that all elements of the County’s Work Program are aligned with municipal priorities and that feedback on the Preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP) and State Plan Policy Map is fully analyzed and clearly communicated to the State. She was an active contributor to the New Jersey APA Committee formed to review and comment on the Preliminary State Plan drafts.

Throughout her tenure, Mirah has served as project manager for several high-impact planning efforts, including the Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan, Forward Together, and Invest Smart. She brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, providing guidance across a broad spectrum of planning initiatives. She also serves as the County’s point person for the Destination 2040 Comprehensive Plan and plays an integral role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the County’s affordable housing program.

Mirah holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University. Her leadership, analytical acumen, and policy insight continue to shape planning across Middlesex County and the region.

Jeffrey Wilkerson, AICP, PP, is a licensed land use and transportation planner in New Jersey and an AICP-certified planner with the American Planning Association (APA) since 2011. He is also certified as a Professional Transportation Planner by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Currently, Jeffrey serves as the Performance Manager for the New Jersey Division Office of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), focusing on strategic planning and stewardship of transportation projects and programs for both FHWA-NJ and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

Previously, Jeffrey worked as a city planner for the City of Trenton, NJ, for 11 years. During his tenure, he developed key planning documents, including the city’s first comprehensive master plan. He updated the land development ordinance to address current land use needs, created a design handbook to implement complete streets for improved traffic safety, and established a comprehensive network of trails throughout Trenton. These experiences have deepened his understanding of the critical balance between transportation systems, infrastructure decisions, land use, and community safety.

Jeffrey has been actively involved with the American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter (APA-NJ) since 2009, serving in various roles, including Vice President of Membership Services and currently as Treasurer.

He holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Massachusetts.

Alexander Dougherty, AICP, PP, is the principal of Dougherty Planning & Development (DPD), a leading planning firm specializing in land use, redevelopment, and zoning across New Jersey. A licensed NJ Professional Planner (PP) and AICP-certified expert, Alexander is widely regarded as a respected leader in his field. He frequently testifies before planning and zoning boards statewide, guiding municipalities through complex development challenges while shaping public policy to support sustainable growth.

Under his leadership, DPD has built a reputation for excellence in zoning, master planning, redevelopment strategies, and municipal revitalization. Alexander is deeply committed to the planning profession, actively educating and mentoring peers through seminars, training sessions, and industry conferences. His work focuses on advancing smart growth, promoting sustainable development, and crafting forward-thinking land use policies that enable municipalities to thrive while maintaining their unique character and economic resilience.

Through DPD, Alexander provides expert guidance to both public and private clients, ensuring projects align with municipal goals, state regulations, and community needs. His approach fosters responsible, long-term growth that balances development with environmental and social considerations. With a deep understanding of the intricate planning landscape, Alexander continues to shape New Jersey’s communities, creating vibrant, sustainable environments for future generations.

John Barree, AICP, PP, is a professional planner and partner at Heyer, Gruel, and Associates (HGA), where his consulting practice spans a wide range of planning services across New Jersey, with a focus on government clients and occasional private-sector projects. A graduate of the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy (2011), John is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and a New Jersey Professional Planner.

John began his career in the public sector, gaining valuable experience in Somerset County and Middletown Township over five years. In his current role, he represents municipal boards and works extensively on redevelopment projects, including studies, plans, and condemnation matters. He also prepares economic development and urban enterprise zone plans, provides affordable housing planning services, and contributes to master plans and zoning ordinances. Additionally, John participates in regional planning initiatives, including ResilientNJ and various projects with NJ Transit.

Several of John’s recent projects have earned accolades, such as the 2024 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award for the Housing Authority of the City of Hoboken Redevelopment Plan, the 2024 Daniel Burnham Comprehensive Plan Award for the Newark360 Master Plan, and the 2023 APA NJ Innovation in Planning Award for the Moorestown Mall Redevelopment Plan.

Since 2016, John has been the Professional Development Officer for APA New Jersey, running biannual review sessions to prepare candidates for the New Jersey Professional Planner exam. He has also developed unique exam preparation materials, providing valuable support to applicants navigating the state licensing and AICP process.

Jessica Giorgianni, AICP, PP, is a Supervising Planner for the City of Hoboken’s Department of Community Development, where she has served under two administrations committed to progressive urban planning. With a passion for creating vibrant, sustainable communities, she plays a key role in shaping the city’s built environment through award-winning Redevelopment Plans, Master Plans, and Zoning Regulations. She also negotiates Redevelopment Agreements that align with Hoboken’s growth and strategic goals.

Jessica’s work addresses critical urban challenges, including expanding public spaces in a land-constrained city, implementing complete and “green” streetscapes, integrating historic and contemporary development, promoting arts and industrial uses, and designing resilient infrastructure to mitigate flooding and climate change impacts.

She leads and contributes to numerous initiatives, such as the Hudson Place Redesign Project, Hoboken’s Vision Zero initiative, and the establishment of the city’s Special Improvement District (SID), where she now serves on the Board. Before joining Hoboken, Jessica spent a decade in the private sector, consulting for municipalities across New Jersey.

In addition to her professional work, Jessica serves on the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJAPA) Executive Committee and is a voting member of the Westfield Zoning Board of Adjustment in her hometown.

Beyond her planning career, Jessica enjoys audiobooks, snowboarding, hiking, traveling, dancing, and high-intensity workouts—but most of all, she loves spending time with her husband and two children.

Eric K. Snyder, AICP, PP, has been a licensed Professional Planner since 1977 and is a Charter Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). With more than 50 years of experience, he has worked in both the public and private sectors, specializing in municipal, county, and industrial/commercial/residential development planning.

As Manager for Land Management at The International Paper Company, Mr. Snyder provided strategic planning expertise for projects across the United States. In New Jersey, he founded and operated Eric K. Snyder & Associates, Inc., a respected consulting firm offering planning services to municipalities, counties, and private clients. Additionally, he has served as Planning Director for several municipalities and Sussex County, overseeing comprehensive planning initiatives.

A dedicated advocate for the planning profession, Mr. Snyder has been an active leader in APA New Jersey for over 25 years, serving as Northwest Area Representative and regularly contributing to the Chapter’s programs and initiatives.

With a career defined by expertise, leadership, and service, Mr. Snyder is a valued resource in shaping planning policy and guiding sustainable development efforts in New Jersey and beyond.

Michael Manzella, AICP, PP, has served as the Director of Transportation Planning for the City of Jersey City, NJ, since March 2022. In this role, he oversees the Division of Transportation Planning, which leads the City’s Vision Zero Task Force, develops Complete Streets designs, and administers key transportation services, including microtransit and shared-use mobility programs. He also manages curb space operations—such as parking and loading—deploys street amenities like bus shelters, bike parking, and parklets, and implements low-cost pilot projects to enhance multimodal safety.

Before joining Jersey City, Mike served as the Director of Transportation and Deputy City Manager for the City of Asbury Park, NJ, where he played a critical role in advancing the city’s transportation policies and infrastructure improvements.

A dedicated urban planner with a strong technical background, Mike holds a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University and completed his undergraduate studies in engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

With a passion for creating safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation networks, Mike continues to drive forward initiatives that improve mobility and enhance the urban experience for all road users.

Lorissa Luciani, AICP, PP, is the Administrator for the Housing Production Unit within the Division of Housing & Community Resources at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA). In this role, she oversees the administration of the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), HOME, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) on behalf of the State of New Jersey, working to expand and sustain affordable housing opportunities statewide.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Luciani served as the Director of Planning & Code Enforcement for West Deptford Township and the Director of Community Development for Cherry Hill Township. In both roles, she managed construction permitting, zoning, property maintenance, code enforcement, affordable housing production, and land use administration, ensuring responsible growth and regulatory compliance.

A licensed Professional Planner (PP) in New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Ms. Luciani has been an active leader in APA New Jersey for over 13 years, holding roles including Vice President of Conference Services, Co-Chair of the Housing Committee, and Southern Area Representative. She has also served as Vice President of the New Jersey Smart Growth Alliance and is a Board Member of the Rowan University Community & Environmental Planning Advisory Board.

A graduate of Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Ms. Luciani has extensive experience in private consulting and is a former Principal Planner with the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth.

Lou Joyce, AICP, PP, has served as the Southern Shore Representative on the Executive Committee of APA New Jersey since 2007, representing Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties. A licensed Professional Planner (PP) in New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), he brings over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Joyce has held leadership roles in local government administration and planning, including serving as Planning Director for Salem County and Executive Director of the South Jersey Economic Development District. He is also a Past President of the New Jersey County Planners Association.

Through his planning consultancy, he advises public sector clients on master planning, zoning, redevelopment planning, and development application reviews for planning and zoning boards. His expertise extends to Master Plan reexaminations, Housing Elements, Open Space studies, public asset assessments, and grant writing and management. He also assists private sector clients in development and zoning applications, frequently providing expert testimony before local boards and Superior Court.

An advocate for education, Mr. Joyce has served as an Adjunct Professor at Rowan University, teaching Environmental Impact Analysis and New Jersey Planning Practice. He is a former Chairman of the Salem County Chamber of Commerce, past Chair of the Salem County Economic Development Advisory Council, and currently serves as Secretary of the Alloway Township Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Tom Schulze, AICP, PP, is a retired planner with over 40 years of experience in New York and New Jersey. A 1980 graduate of Hunter College’s Urban Planning program, he built a distinguished career working for New York City’s Department of Urban Planning, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, NJ Transit, the NY Metropolitan Transportation Council, and several private consulting firms.

Throughout his career, Tom played a key role in major transportation and infrastructure projects, including the Hudson River Waterfront Light Rail Project and the Access to the Region’s Core Hudson River Tunnel Project in New York City. His expertise in regional transportation planning helped shape critical transit initiatives that improved mobility across the region.

Since retiring five years ago, Tom has remained deeply engaged in volunteer planning efforts across New Jersey. He has led the American Planning Association – New Jersey (APA-NJ) Chapter’s Community Planning Assistance Program, providing pro bono planning support to local communities. Additionally, he manages the City Planning Institute, an initiative offering free urban planning education to public high school students in Newark, Paterson, Trenton, Passaic, and Bloomfield.

Tom lives in Montclair, NJ, with his wife and enjoys spending time with his two daughters and four grandchildren. His dedication to mentoring future planners and advancing community-driven projects continues to make a lasting impact on urban development in New Jersey.

Creigh Rahenkamp, PP, is a seasoned planning expert with extensive experience representing both public and private sector clients, including local governments, property owners, and developers. His firm specializes in land use solutions, navigating complex planning, economic development, feasibility, and impact assessments. He is particularly skilled in addressing land use conflicts, helping clients achieve market-driven solutions while navigating regulatory challenges.

A dedicated leader in APA New Jersey, Mr. Rahenkamp has been an active member for over a decade, serving in key roles such as Vice President of Conference Services and currently as Chair of the Housing Committee. Over the past year, he has led policy recommendations on fourth-round affordable housing obligations, compliance mechanisms, and professional training initiatives for planners.

In addition to his leadership in APA-NJ, Mr. Rahenkamp has been a longstanding member of the New Jersey Builders Association’s (NJBA) Land Use and Planning Committee. He is the author of “Toward Compliance Standards: 1990-2025,” a report filed on behalf of NJBA in the Ewing case in Mercer County, which provides a framework for affordable housing compliance and planning.

With a career dedicated to advancing responsible development and planning practices, Mr. Rahenkamp continues to be a trusted voice in land use policy, regulatory reform, and housing advocacy across New Jersey.

Jim Hess, AICP, PP, is a seasoned transportation and land use planner with 30 years of experience at the state, regional, county, and municipal levels. He has managed major planning initiatives for state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, regional agencies, and county planning departments.

His expertise spans a wide range of studies, including long-range transportation plans, regional and corridor studies, environmental impact assessments, freight planning, and multimodal circulation analyses. His work often involves evaluating land use patterns, economic and demographic trends, goods movement flows, and environmental considerations. He is particularly skilled in GIS analysis, modeling applications, scenario planning, impact assessments, and performance measurement.

In recent years, Jim has focused on emerging transportation technologies and their potential impacts and benefits, including intelligent transportation systems, autonomous and connected vehicles, mobility as a service, and alternative fuel vehicles. He is also deeply engaged in environmental justice and equity analysis, ensuring that transportation planning efforts address the needs of disadvantaged communities.

A recognized expert in his field, Jim was a contributing author to the current edition of The Complete Guide to Planning in New Jersey and has served as a presenter and moderator at leading conferences, including the New Jersey Planning Conference and TransAction Conference. Additionally, he has been a guest lecturer for several years in the Comprehensive Planning course at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

Jennifer Feltis Cortese, AICP, PP, is a planning and environmental policy professional serving in the Director’s Office of the Division of Water Quality at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Division oversees the State’s clean water permitting and state revolving fund programs, ensuring the protection and sustainability of New Jersey’s water resources.

Prior to her current role, Jennifer worked on a variety of planning and environmental initiatives, including coastal zone management, sustainable communities, performance management, environmental justice, and electric vehicle planning. She is also actively engaged in policy and advocacy, serving as the Natural Resources Task Force Leader for Sustainable Jersey and as the Region 2 representative on the Association of Clean Water Administrators’ Board.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Master of Business Administration from Campbell University (NC), where she gained hands-on experience working on Harnett County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. She later earned a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) from Rutgers University in 2007, which led her to a career in environmental and land use planning.

An active leader in the planning community, Jennifer has served on the APA New Jersey Executive Board for over a decade and is a Board Trustee for the Association of Environmental Commissions. She lives in Hamilton, NJ, with her husband and two sons, and enjoys jogging with colleagues, playing soccer and card games, and supporting her children’s activities.

Carlos Rodrigues, FAICP, PP, is a Princeton-based urban designer, planner, writer, and educator with a distinguished career spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His planning practice has served a diverse range of clients, including federal, state, county, and local governments; the Territory of Macao (now part of China); foundations; real estate developers; religious congregations; environmental groups; and civic organizations engaged in both redevelopment and preservation initiatives.

An architect (Dipl. Arch., 1978) and planner (MCRP, Rutgers, 1982), Mr. Rodrigues has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the Rutgers Department of Landscape Architecture, and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Planning. He has held senior leadership positions, including Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of State Planning/Office of Smart Growth, Director of Land Use and Regulatory Affairs at the New Jersey Builders Association, and Vice President and New Jersey Director at Regional Plan Association.

A charter member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, he received its 2001 Charter Award. He is a past President of APA New Jersey, a former board member of Preservation New Jersey and the Society for American City and Regional Planning History, and past Chair of the Princeton Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.

An accomplished author, Mr. Rodrigues contributed extensively to the 2001 New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan, edited the 2018 Complete Guide to Planning in New Jersey, and led APA New Jersey’s rewrite of the 2024 Preliminary NJ State Plan.

David Listokin, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor at the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and a renowned expert in public finance, development impact analysis, and historic preservation. His research has been instrumental in quantifying the economic benefits of historic preservation, with studies sponsored by the National Park Service, state governments (including Texas and Florida), and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A prolific author, Dr. Listokin has written and edited 25 books, including The Subdivision and Site Plan Handbook, Development Impact Assessment, The Fiscal Impact Handbook, Living Cities, Landmarks Preservation and the Property Tax, and Mortgage Lending and Race. His work has provided essential guidance for policy development, land use planning, and preservation advocacy.

Beyond academia, Dr. Listokin has been an active contributor to the APA New Jersey Chapter, where he has led planning and historic preservation field trips, served as a liaison between the chapter and Rutgers University, nominated faculty and student projects for recognition, and provided policy guidance to the Legislative Committee.

With a distinguished career spanning research, policy, and education, Dr. Listokin continues to shape urban planning, public finance, and historic preservation strategies at both state and national levels.

Dr. Mahbubur Meenar joined the APA New Jersey Executive Committee in 2025 and is an Associate Professor and Graduate Planning Program Director in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability at Rowan University’s School of Earth and Environment. He also serves as the Director of the Community Planning + Visualization Lab, where he applies a Biophilic Urbanism framework to explore the relationships between people and their social, natural, and built environments, shaping sustainable, healthy, just, and smart communities.

With an interdisciplinary background in architecture, urban planning, geography, and urban studies, Dr. Meenar’s research focuses on four key areas: community food systems, environmental security, infrastructure planning (green, blue, and grey), sustainable development policy, and digital planning technologies. He has secured over $1 million in research funding from agencies including the U.S. EPA, NSF, NASA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the South Jersey Institute of Population Health. His work has been widely published, with over 40 articles and book chapters in leading academic journals.

Dr. Meenar teaches environmental planning, community engagement, planning studios, and geovisualization at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has served as a track chair for the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) conference and has led the development of community plans across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A recipient of the ACSP Rising Scholar Award (2020) and the APA-NJ Planning Excellence Award (2022), he has also guided student projects to four APA New Jersey Outstanding Student Project awards.

Committed to bridging planning academia and practice, Dr. Meenar continues to make a significant impact through research, teaching, and policy development.

Bob Kull, AICP, PP, is a seasoned city, regional, and environmental planner with nearly 50 years of experience spanning the public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors. His diverse career includes roles in state and county government, multinational and solo consulting, and higher education, where he has contributed to a wide range of planning and policy initiatives focused on sustainable development and community revitalization.

Now semi-retired, Bob remains actively engaged in public service and civic leadership. He serves on the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency and the Delaware River Greenway Partnership, and also volunteers his time on the boards of a regional chorus and an independent community charter school in Trenton. He is known for his ability to bring a creative and strategic lens to planning challenges, community-building efforts, and arts-based redevelopment.

Among his accomplishments, Bob adaptively reused a 19th-century historic site to develop a regional arts venue, blending preservation with cultural enrichment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he transformed his home garden into a serenity flower space, which became the subject of his artistic photography—now followed by a broad international audience on social media.

Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) from Rutgers University, along with several professional certifications. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to community stewardship, environmental resilience, and creative placemaking.

Charles Heydt, AICP, PP, is the Director of Planning Services at Dresdner Robin, where he specializes in land use and environmental planning, with a focus on development feasibility, redevelopment, sustainability, and impact analysis. Recently, he has expanded the firm’s services to include planning support for linear transportation improvement projects.

With expertise in community engagement, environmental and fiscal impact analysis, and population and variance studies, Charles has successfully led residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, and institutional projects. His comprehensive planning experience enables him to provide effective project management and strategic oversight. A recognized expert witness in planning, he frequently testifies before local and regional boards across the tri-state area.

Before joining Dresdner Robin, Charles played a pivotal role in the early development of the Sustainable Jersey certification program at the Sustainability Institute (formerly the New Jersey Sustainable State Institute), contributing to statewide sustainability and resiliency initiatives.

Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The College of New Jersey and a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. A dedicated professional, he is a longtime member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He also serves on the APA New Jersey Executive Committee, where he continues to advocate for sustainable and equitable planning practices.

Join APA NJ!