APA New Jersey Celebrates the FAICP Class of 2026
The American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter proudly congratulates three distinguished Chapter members who have been elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP) as part of the Class of 2026. This distinction represents the highest honor bestowed upon members of AICP and recognizes planners who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the profession and the communities they serve.
Election to the AICP College of Fellows recognizes planners whose work has made a significant and lasting impact through professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, leadership, and public service. APA New Jersey is honored to celebrate the accomplishments of three members whose careers exemplify the very best of the planning profession.
Yogesh Arvind Saoji, FAICP
Yogesh Saoji is a planner, urban designer, and architect recognized for his inclusive, transdisciplinary, and community-centered approach to shaping cities and places.
Throughout his career, Yogesh has led transformative planning and urban design initiatives ranging from mixed-use neighborhoods in Hoboken to revitalized state capitol districts in Virginia and Nebraska, as well as campus plans for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
As a leader of a global planning practice, educator, mentor, and advocate for the profession, Yogesh has consistently advanced planning that is climate-responsive, socially equitable, culturally respectful, and economically viable. His contributions have left a lasting impact on communities and on the next generation of planning professionals.
Tara Bogajevski Paxton, FAICP
With more than three decades of service to the planning profession, Tara Bogajevski Paxton has built a distinguished career advancing innovative and resilient planning solutions throughout New Jersey.
As Township Planner for Brick Township, she has led major initiatives involving hazard mitigation, floodplain management, open space preservation, affordable housing, redevelopment, and land use planning for a community of approximately 75,000 residents. Her leadership has helped position her community to address both current challenges and future opportunities.
In addition to her professional practice, Tara has dedicated herself to education and mentorship, teaching planning courses at Kean University and Rowan University and serving on Rowan University’s Community and Environmental Planning Advisory Board. Widely respected for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to mentoring emerging professionals, Tara has made an enduring contribution to the profession.
Philip Plotch, FAICP
Philip Plotch has distinguished himself as a researcher, practitioner, educator, and civic leader whose work has significantly advanced the planning profession.
Philip is the author of three influential books exploring planning, infrastructure, transportation, and public policy. His scholarship has helped practitioners and policymakers better understand how complex projects are conceived, implemented, and ultimately transformed into successful public investments.
His professional accomplishments include serving as Manager of Planning for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Director of World Trade Center Redevelopment and Special Projects for the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, where he played a key role in shaping the future of the New York metropolitan region.
As a professor, graduate program director, and U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Philip has inspired countless students to pursue careers in planning and public service, extending his impact far beyond the projects and communities he has directly served.