Board of Trustees

Wendy Miller, FASLA, President-Elect

Wendy has over 25 years experience as a landscape architect in public sector urban design and transportation planning.  Her career began promoting the visual environment through policy and project development and transitioned into multi-modal transportation planning and management.  Recently, Wendy opened her own landscape architecture and transportation consulting firm specializing in MPO planning, public involvement, and community and corridor design solutions that accommodate cars, transit, bicyclists and pedestrians.  She continually looks for innovative ways to engage and educate the public and stakeholders and believes it’s critical to have landscape architects involved in shaping transportation corridors - our most ubiquitous public realm.

Gregory A. Miller, FASLA, Immediate Past President

Greg Miller, PLA, ASLA is President of the firm Morrow Reardon Wilkinson Miller, Ltd. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Greg earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Texas A&M University and is a licensed landscape architect in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Ohio and Illinois. 

Greg has taught as an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Landscape Architecture Program at the University of New Mexico for 12 years.  He teaches Materials and Construction Techniques as well as Water and the Landscape. He has worked diligently to strengthen the connection between the professional community and students through his service as a mentor, thesis committee member, and liaison to the student chapter. He has also spent 6 years teaching in the Art in the School Program, a volunteer program that fosters the love of art and design at the elementary school level.   

Greg has authored feature articles in Landscape Architecture and Specifier News (April 2010) and LD+A Magazine (March 2014) and a case study chapter in Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition (Albuquerque West Side Skatepark).  He has recently been a speaker at several local and regional conferences including; Think Trees New Mexico, Great Plains Green Convention, Transportation Research Board AFB40 Mid Year Meeting, and the New Mexico Architectural Foundation Fall Tour.    

Kona Gray, FASLA, Vice President, Professional Practice

As an EDSA studio leader with a 25-year career, Kona has practiced on a global stage, providing inspiration and enhancing professional awareness. His portfolio ranges from large-scale planning to detailed site design, with emphasis on communities, parks, hospitality, public realm and campus environments. Blending sensitivity, context and creative design solutions, Kona unites a client’s vision with his vanguard viewpoint producing designs with purpose and presence.

 A registered Landscape Architect in Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Kona is versed in the importance of licensure and is CLARB certified.  After completing studies in architecture at the Boston Architectural College and Savannah College of Art and Design, Kona earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. In regard to professional affiliations, Kona has been a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) since 1999. He has served the ASLA Florida Chapter on the Scholarship Committee and ASLA National on the Student and Professional Awards Jury as well as the Annual Meeting Education Advisory Committee. Also, he is the Past President of the Landscape Architecture Foundation and an active member of the Urban Land Institute. Locally, Kona serves as Chair of the NSU Huizenga School of Business Real Estate Advisory Board.

Lake Douglas, FASLA, Vice President, Education

Lake Douglas holds BLA (LSU), MLA (Harvard), and PhD (UNO) degrees.  A registered landscape architect, he teaches at LSU and is Associate Dean of its College of Art + Design.  He co-authored the College’s Doctorate of Design (DDes) degree program (opening fall, 2017) and represents the Louisiana Chapter/ ASLA on local professional boards.  Five of his students have received Honor Awards from the ASLA National Student Awards program.  In 2016 he was elected to ASLA’s Council of Fellows.

His research involves American landscape history, drawing from agricultural, horticultural, and gardening literature. He did post-doctoral research at Dumbarton Oaks (Washington DC) and has curated two local groundbreaking exhibitions: “In Search of Yesterday’s Gardens: Landscapes of 19^th-Century New Orleans” (Louisiana Chapter/ASLA Honor Award) and “Plants of the Louisiana Purchase: New Orleans Horticulture, Jefferson’s America and Napoleon’s France.”  He recently coordinated the “Modernism in Louisiana” symposium at LSU in conjunction with the Cultural Landscape Foundation’s Dan Kiley exhibition. 
  
Douglas is a founding member of two local grass-roots nonprofits advocating for increased green space, open space equity, and transparency in resource allocations for public open spaces. 

Haley Blakeman, ASLA, Vice President, Communications

Haley Blakeman,ASLA, PLA, AICP is a licensed landscape architect and a certified planner with 18 years of professional experience. She has worked with landscape architecture, engineering and architecture firms, and now leads the implementation team for a non-profit planning company, Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX). She has been involved at all levels of design from concept to construction details, long-term planning to implementation, and project management. Through her work at CPEX, she contributes to best practice models, leads outreach, engagement and education of diverse stakeholders and creates citizen-driven, quality design solutions.    

Haley has a progressive view of the role of landscape architects as community leaders and conveners and is passionate about communicating the profession’s value on local boards and committees, in universities and schools, and nationally through ASLA’s public relations videos.

Eugenia M. Martin, FASLA, Vice President, Government Affairs

Eugenia M. Martin, FASLA is a founding Principal of CYP Studios, with offices in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio.  She has more than 21 years in the public and private sector, bringing a unique knowledge base of landscape architecture, land planning and urban design.  Her passion for creating people-oriented spaces in conjunction with her experience in planning and urban design, guides developers and government entities in the development and redevelopment of sites.  She assumed sole leadership of the firm in 2014 and is charged with design, firm strategy, administration and business development. 

Ms. Martin has been recognized nationally, regionally and locally for her enthusiasm for the profession and her desire to advance the values of landscape architects. Her leadership, experience, and vision for making the world a better place through alternative transportation is coupled with an unbridled passion for landscape architecture and the engagement of fellow design professionals. Her advocacy has provided elected leaders guidance at the local, state, and national levels on alternative transportation and infrastructure planning. Ms. Martin’s ability to build rapport with legislators added sponsorship momentum for the national acts on Clean Water Affordability, Community Parks Revitalization, and Innovative Infrastructure. She is also a strong advocate of professional licensure for landscape architects.

Dennis Nola, ASLA, Vice President, Membership

Dennis R. Nola, PLA, ASLA, is chair of the landscape architecture undergraduate program at the University of Maryland.  His focus is sustainable, socially just, and culturally informed site planning and urban revitalization; he also teaches study abroad courses in Italy and New Zealand while maintaining a private consulting practice. Dennis serves as the Maryland Chapter trustee and as chair of the ASLA Policy Committee. He serves on the Maryland Architecture Review Board, the University Architecture and Landscape Review Board, and on the Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Design Center. 

SuLin Kotowicz, ASLA, Vice President, Finance

SuLin Kotowicz, PLA, ASLA, is a licensed Landscape Architect in the state of Michigan.  She earned her BLA from Ball State University and has spent the past 17 years in private practice.  She works at VIRIDIS Design Group, an award-winning landscape architecture firm, where she specializes in urban design, parks, non-motorized trails and streetscapes.  In her community, she volunteers for multiple civic and non-profit organizations, including her church, a community music ensemble, Embellish, and she serves on the Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. Alliance for Mobility.    

SuLin has a passion for finance and organization.  She is a bookkeeping professional with her own firm, Meticulous Mitten Bookkeeping LLC, that serves small businesses and non-profit organizations to enable them to multiply their impact.  

SuLin served over a decade in the Michigan Chapter.  Nationally, she’s served on the Leadership Development Committee, Chapter Presidents Council, Finance and Investments Committee,and the Audit Committee; the past two years as the Audit Chair.

Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA, Executive Vice President and CEO

As CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Somerville guides the advocacy, public awareness, education, and professional practice programs of the Society.  Since joining the Society in August 2000, Somerville has expanded ASLA’s public relations programs, increased ASLA’s presence on Capitol Hill and in District and regional policy forums, and enabled the Society to become a more effective advocate on active transportation, green infrastructure, and other environmental and land use issues critical to the creation of healthy and resilient communities.  During Somerville’s tenure, ASLA’s environmental leadership and community involvement has garnered awards and recognition from the District Office of the Mayor, the DowntownDC BID, the District Department of Energy and the Environment, the National Park Service, and the Kresge Foundation.

Somerville was elected to membership in Lambda Alpha International, the honorary land economics fraternity, in 2004; received the Civic Award of Excellence from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in 2008; won the Washington Business Journal’s Healthiest CEO competition in 2013; received the Chairman’s Award for service from the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation in 2016; is an honorary member of ASLA and the American Institute of Architects; and in 2017 was among the first class of individuals to earn the SITES AP designation. 

Prior to joining ASLA as CEO in 2000, Somerville spent 18 years with the American Institute of Architects, where she served as managing director and vice president of program areas including membership, government affairs, chapter relations, community development, and continuing education.  A native of the Washington, D.C., area, she holds a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.A. from Stanford University.

Curt A. Millay, ASLA, Secretary

Curt Millay, ASLA, LEED AP, is the Corporate Secretary of the American Society of Landscape Architects.  Prior to joining the staff in 2012, he was a member of ASLA for ten years.  He earned a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech and practiced in a small urban-design-focused landscape architecture firm in Washington, DC.  Curt’s project work included institutional and mixed-use development sites, historic landscapes, parks, and play areas. 
 
In addition to serving as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Curt administers the Council of Fellows, runs the Society’s elections and committee appointment process, and acts as liaison to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Nominating Committee.  Curt is also a staff team member on the Chinatown Green Street Demonstration Project which provides the opportunity to engage his interest in how landscape architecture can contribute to large-scale stormwater management and solve water-quality issues. 

Michael D. O'Brien, Hon. ASLA, Treasurer

Michael O’Brien has been the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2009 and became the publisher of LAM in December 2014. A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Michael is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Geneseo with a B.S. in Accounting. He also obtained the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification and the Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) certification from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Before joining ASLA, Michael worked for CFO To Go and Price Waterhouse (currently PricewaterhouseCoopers) in various management, auditing, and accounting roles.

Kay Williams, FASLA, Parliamentarian

Sara Katherine (Kay) Williams, FASLA, served as ASLA VP for Education 2013-15.  Proir to that she served on the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board for six years, four of which as chair.  She has been active in licensure and exam preparation since 1982, and served as member and/or chair of the LARE Preparation Subcommittee 1997-2013.  Kay chaired the Landscape Architecture Body of Knowledge (LABOK) study, which was the first major examination of the profession since the Fein Report published in 1972.   

Kay taught in the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Florida, leaving in 2015 to pursue other opportunities.  Research interests include social and behavioral aspects of design, special populations such as the elderly and disabled, history and theory, and cultural landscapes.

Alabama | Stephen Schrader, ASLA,

Alabama Chapter

Stephen Schrader describes himself as an accidental landscape architect. Before graduating from Auburn’s architecture program, he had the chance to work for landscape architect René J. L. Fransen in New Orleans; a year later, Stephen returned and spent the next five years building a portfolio of high-end residential landscape work in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast.  After Hurricane Katrina, he moved closer to family and settled in Birmingham, where with HNP he has completed a wide variety of projects ranging from private residences to large-scale development master plans.  He became active in ASLA with the Alabama Chapter, first as publisher of the chapter newsletter, later as chapter secretary and president, and as an apparently permanent steering committee fixture for the Twin States Conference (a joint effort with Mississippi ASLA).  His professional service also includes presentations on using technology to prepare sustainable site plans, and serving on Auburn’s MLA advisory council. Stephen is CLARB certified with licenses in Alabama and Louisiana.

Alaska | Michele Elfers, ASLA,

Alaska Chapter

Michele considers herself quite lucky to practice landscape architecture in the state of Alaska, where built infrastructure is limited and the expanse of wilderness is endless.  After traveling throughout the world for a few years, she earned a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She has worked for 13 years with the City of Juneau focusing on the design and construction of waterfront, streetscape, and parks.  She serves as a board member of the Alaska Professional Design Council, an advocacy and educational organization of Landscape Architects, Engineers, Architects, and Land Surveyors and with this council worked on policy to stabilize licensure in the state.  In Juneau, she engages high school classes each year to bring public design projects into their curriculum.  She escapes work with her husband and two daughters to camp, hike and flyfish.  ​

Arizona | Aaron Allan, ASLA,

Arizona Chapter

Aaron has over 13 years of experience in the field of landscape architecture, is licensed in multiple states, and is CLARB certified.  Receiving his BSLA from Arizona State University (ASU), Aaron has been a member of ASLA since 2003 and most recently served as the Arizona Chapter President prior to becoming the Trustee.  For over 14 years Aaron has worked for the Phoenix based firm, J2 Engineering and Environmental Design, specializing in public works project throughout Arizona producing award winning results.  Aaron enjoys guest lecturing at ASU as well as participating in the student mentorship program there and feels it is extremely important to invest our time and effort in cultivating the next generation of young designers that will be the future of our profession.  In his free time Aaron enjoys the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and craft brewing. 

Arkansas | Melissa Evans, ASLA,

Arkansas Chapter

Melissa Evans’ experience has been primarily with commercial and institutional site development along with various residential design projects in private practice.  A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Melissa has taught classes there as an adjunct professor.  She has worked in the role of Planner, Designer, and Project Manager during her 24-year career.  She has experience with site analysis and planning, trail design, tree preservation and mitigation, commercial site development, planting design, irrigation design and rooftop garden design.  She is currently licensed in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.  She especially likes mentoring students and young professionals and being involved in ASLA.  She was Trustee for the Arkansas ASLA Chapter from 2004-2008 and is glad to be back in the leadership role for her chapter.  In her free time, she enjoys being a mom to her eight year old son, spending time with her family and staying active.

Boston | Jeanne M. Lukenda, ASLA,

Boston Chapter

Jeanne Lukenda, ASLA, has practiced for over 20 years.  Her diverse background in landscape architecture, planning and urban design supports leadership of open space projects of various scales and complexity. Ms. Lukenda directs clients, in-house and multi-disciplinary teams from visioning through planning, design, implementation and post occupancy evaluation, and robust public involvement processes.  Her background includes business development and marketing, project administration and management, and staff recruitment.  A University of Guelph graduate, she has held positions with CRJA-IBI Group and Sasaki.  

California Northern | April Philips, FASLA,

California Northern Chapter

April Philips, FASLA, is a landscape architect, artist, lecturer, and author. She is founder of April Philips Design Works, an award winning landscape architecture firm whose work focuses on a fusion of nature, art, and technology. With deep roots in a regenerative landscape ideology, the APDW studio is a proponent of systems thinking and an integrated design approach.

April was one of the founder’s within ASLA of The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) and provided key input to ASLA’s Designing Our Future’s Sustainable Landscapes animation series for The Edible City. Her book Designing Urban Agriculture – a Complete Guide to the Planning, Design, Construction, Maintenance and Management of Edible Landscapes was recently published by John Wiley & Sons. She is a Fellow of the Society, is Trustee of the Northern California Chapter, and was a key founder of the Sustainable Design & Development PPN. April lectures and advocates on the link between sustainable development and climate change. Her recent studio work investigates the intersection of food, design, and ecology in urban landscapes.

California San Diego | Patricia Trauth, ASLA,

California San Diego Chapter

Ms. Trauth is the Associate Principal for RICK Engineering and manages landscape architectural services and staff in their ten offices throughout the western region. As a licensed landscape architect in California, a certified planner and a LEED accredited professional, she has planned and designed numerous public and private projects.

Ms. Trauth was elected Trustee for the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, she was President in 2014 and has been actively involved in the organization for a number of years including two terms as Vice President. In 2015, she was appointed by the governor of California to the Landscape Architects Technical Committee that regulates the profession throughout the state. She was reappointed earlier this year.

 Ms. Trauth graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and a Bachelor of Science in Education. She has a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona.

California Sierra | Dalton LaVoie, ASLA,

California Sierra Chapter

Dalton LaVoie, ASLA, has practiced landscape architecture and planning for 10 years, and is licensed in California and Nevada. He has spent his career based out of Sacramento, working for the community-focused interdisciplinary design firm, Stantec on projects all over North America. As an Associate at Stantec, Dalton has demonstrated leadership, creativity, integrity, selflessness, and holistic thinking in the pursuit of excellence in professional practice and integrated design.
 
Dalton is increasingly interested in directly addressing the defining challenges of our time through a solutions-based strategy centered on inclusiveness, empathy, and collaboration. He possesses a strong desire to elevate the profession through the development of solutions which are empowering, tactful, and widely-accessible.
Dalton holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo with a minor in Sustainable Environments. In 2013, he received the ASLA Outstanding Service Award for his volunteer work that went above and beyond in service to the Society and the profession.

California Southern | Baxter Miller, ASLA,

California Southern Chapter

Baxter Miller founded BMLA, Inc., in 1987 and is responsible for the overall operation and design direction of the firm.  He has led a wide variety of projects and has practical knowledge in design which helps him to work with developers, cities, and agencies in creating a unique vision that translates into real world projects.  Baxter is investing in the future of the profession through his various positions with ASLA leadership at the national, state, and local level, including the ASLA Membership Committee, ASLA Nominating Committee, President of the California Council, and President of the Southern California Chapter.  He speaks regularly at conventions and universities, juries for design awards, and is currently serving on the advisory council for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Landscape Architecture Department Advisory Council, Cal Poly Pomona Landscape Architecture Professional Advisory Board, Corona Partners for Parks Foundation, and the Riverside County Flood Control District.

Colorado | Robert Berg, ASLA,

Colorado Chapter

Robb Berg is a principal with Design Workshop where he has been practicing planning and landscape architecture for over 15 years.  He is a CLARB Certified Landscape Architect and is currently registered in Colorado and Texas. Robb is honored to be an active member of the Colorado Chapter and as Chapter Trustee he will work to make it a relevant member’s organization that can provide inspiration, strengthen professional relationships, and provide recognition of the profession within the community. Since 2001 he has served on the Chapter Board as Events Chair and Denver Director for a number of years. Most recently Robb served as Chapter President in 2014 and was a Co-Chair for the 2014 National Meeting in Denver and a member of the ASLA Annual Meeting Educational Advisory Committee. He is excited to serve the Chapter again in this very meaningful way.  

Connecticut | W. Phillips Barlow, ASLA,

Connecticut Chapter

Phil is a landscape architect with over 30 years of professional experience, founding TO Design LLC in 1987, where he continues to practice today. Phil currently serves as Principal Landscape Architect of the firm, with an emphasis on the design of public spaces, schools, parks and the renovation of historic landscapes.

His projects have been recognized with almost two dozen awards from institutions including the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association, The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Concrete Masonry Association.  

Phil is an advocate for our profession, currently serving on the Connecticut State Board of Landscape Architects and as Editor of the Chapters magazine.

Florida | David Ferris, ASLA,

Florida Chapter

David received an MLA from Cornell University and is in his 20th year working for Sanford Golf Design. Since 2006 he has served on the ASLA Florida Chapter Executive Committee. Under his leadership the organization reestablished ties with the state university programs, developed new relationships with the Florida Greenways and Trails organizations, promoted the profession through his advocacy efforts and improved the Chapter’s support of emerging professionals.

Georgia | Kevin Burke, ASLA,

Georgia Chapter

Mr. Burke is the Principal Landscape Architect for Atlanta BeltLine Inc. and has thirty-five years of professional experience on a range of institutional, roadway, college and university, residential, and park projects. He oversees most day-to-day design and construction efforts for all public open spaces of the project. Currently, he is the Construction Manager for the 3 mile Westside Trail and assists with the 1.5 mile extension of the widely popular Eastside Trail. He was the lead organizer of ABI’s Annual Organic Land Care Symposium which sought to inform the public and practitioners about the path towards a more sustainable way of maintaining our public spaces. Mr. Burke has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Utah State University.

Nebraska/Dakotas | John P. Royster, FASLA,

Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter

John Parke Royster’s involvement in ASLA began early and has continued throughout his career. He joined ASLA shortly after completing his MLA degree at Kansas State University, in 1983.  John held every elected position in the Great Plains Chapter, as well as served on and chaired several chapter committees, prior to becoming a Trustee. An advocate for landscape architecture, John spent 15 years on the Nebraska State Board of Landscape Architects, working on professional licensure issues. His on-going advocacy for our profession prompted his involvement in several statewide organizations, which he ultimately served as board president. Understanding the need to nurture the next generation of landscape architects, John has enjoyed his role as a mentor at three university programs. John founded Big Muddy Workshop, Inc. in 1990 to provide master planning, landscape architecture and green infrastructure design. The firm is respected for its technical excellence, and innovative design.

Hawaii | Judith Stilgenbauer, ASLA,

Hawaii Chapter

Judith Stilgenbauer, ASLA, is an Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture, where she serves as the founding Director of the Master of Landscape Architecture program. Prior to joining the faculty at UH, she taught at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design for nine years. Stilgenbauer is a past-president of the Hawaii Chapter of ASLA. As a registered landscape architect (Germany), she is frequently invited to serve on professional awards juries and has published and lectured widely. In her applied research Judith Stilgenbauer examines the role of process, performance and placemaking in ecological urbanism and public open space design across diverse spatial and temporal scales. In recent years, Stilgenbauer’s work has focused on urban land-water relationships and adaptive design for coastal resilience.

Idaho/Montana | John Roters, ASLA,

Idaho/Montana Chapter

John Roters, ASLA, PLA, is a principal in the firm South Beck & Baird Landscape Architecture, P.C. located in Boise, Idaho. John earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Idaho.  He has over 22 years’ experience within the field of Landscape Architecture.

South Beck & Baird Landscape Architecture works on a wide variety of projects including health care facilities centered on master planning and design, land planning, recreation design and transportation planning.  John is passionate in the field of eminent domain and has been an expert witness in hundreds of condemnation cases, striving to help the private landowner.

As advocate for landscape architecture, John has been involved in multiple positions within local boards and focus groups with a hope to further the profession in the eye of the public and help better promote a sustainable future. 

Illinois | Bradley McCauley, ASLA,

Illinois Chapter

As the Managing Principal at site design group, ltd., Brad’s mastery of contract documentation and community engagement has produced countless iconic open spaces. His extensive knowledge in transforming design into buildable projects and theory into practical business applications has helped facilitate the seamless construction of numerous award-winning projects throughout the Midwest. His projects include urban waterfronts, streetscapes, residential, urban parks, playgrounds, open space design in both the public and private sectors, and projects seeking various green and sustainable certifications. Brad’s leadership is exemplified through his position as the current Trustee and Past President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, as well as his service on ASLA’s Member Services Committee.

Indiana | David Gorden, FASLA,

Indiana Chapter

David Gorden is a partner with Mark M. Holeman, Inc., an Indianapolis design-build firm he joined over 25 years ago.  He is a past president of the Indiana Chapter of ASLA and the Horticultural Society of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  He has also served as a member and chair of the Indiana Board of Registration for Architects and Landscape Architects.  Gorden has been involved in invasive plant issues since 2001 and is a current Board member of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network.  A graduate of the landscape architecture program of the University of Illinois, he received its Ryerson Traveling Fellowship through which he spent six months in New Zealand studying the work of landscape architects in its National Parks.  Travel continues to play an important role in his life - professionally and personally. He was inducted into the Council of Fellows in October 2018.

Iowa | Pat Dunn, ASLA,

Iowa Chapter

Pat Dunn, ASLA, is a Principal with RDG Planning & Design and has nearly 30 years of experience working within the following 10 states where he currently holds Landscape Architecture licenses:  Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University, and being the first LEED® accredited Landscape Architect in the State of Iowa, he has a long history of challenging his teams to integrate green systems in creative ways.  Pat has served the Iowa Chapter of ASLA in various roles and was honored to preside over the Chapter during ASLA's Centennial, during which the following very special places in Iowa received medallions:  ISU, Backbone State Park, Eagle Point Park, Loess Hills, and Neal Smith Wildlife Reserve.  In 2011, he received the Governor's Volunteer Award in conjunction with his service on the Iowa Main Street Advisory Council and continues to prioritize historic preservation by serving on the Warren County Historic Preservation Commission.

Kentucky | Jon Henney, ASLA,

Kentucky Chapter

Jon Henney, ASLA, has had a 34-year career in landscape architecture that has covered a broad array of both public and private sector practice.  After serving 11 years on the staff of Louisville, Kentucky’s planning commission, he is currently a principal with Gresham, Smith and Partners, an award winning, multi-disciplinary firm providing design services in 8 markets and 25 offices.  He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky and holds a Master’s Degree in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts.  Jon’s professional body of work has focused on community planning and design, were he’s led a wide array of small area plans, streetscape design, parks and open space planning, as well as site design for a broad range of residential, commercial, office and mixed-use developments.  He has been involved with ASLA both locally and nationally throughout his professional career.

Louisiana | Shannon Blakeman, ASLA,

Louisiana Chapter

Shannon Blakeman is a partner with CARBO Landscape Architecture.  He leads the Baton Rouge office, allowing the firm to expand their services and accessibility within the Gulf South region. Prior to joining CARBO, Shannon worked in North Carolina where he gained experience in park, commercial, institutional, and municipal projects.  During his 18 years of practice, he has developed a broad knowledge base, ranging from detail design to large-scale site and master planning.  His knowledge brings a well-rounded approach to the design process, providing thoughtful design solutions.
Shannon graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University.  He is a Registered Landscape Architect in the State of Louisiana, and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.  Shannon has been an active member in the local chapter for a number of years, serving on the Executive Committee in several roles including chapter president for one term and currently as chapter trustee. Shannon also served as a Host Committee co-chair for the 2016 ASLA meeting in New Orleans.

Maryland | Om Khurjekar, ASLA,

Maryland Chapter

Michigan | Chester B. Hill, ASLA,

Michigan Chapter

Chester Hill, ASLA, served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Michigan Chapter close to 30 years ago.  As a strong advocate of the American Society of Landscape Architects for his entire career, he believes that there is no more important organization for the protection and advancement of the profession than ASLA.

Born and raised in Michigan, he received his BS in Landscape Architecture from MSU in 1970.  After a yearlong sojourn in Vietnam, his career path took him through Midwestern Consulting Inc., the City of Ann Arbor Parks Department, William J. Johnson Associates, and Peter Walker William Johnson and Partners.  During this time, he attended the University of Michigan where he received his Master of Landscape Architecture degree in 1989.  In 1992, he, along with his good friend and business partner Mark Johnson, founded the Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio in Ann Arbor for which he continues to work on a limited basis.

Minnesota | Tom Whitlock, ASLA,

Minnesota Chapter

Tom Whitlock, ASLA, is owner of Damon Farber Landscape Architects, a 17-person firm based in Minneapolis that specializes in the design of places that artfully blend the ecology of a site, it’s cultural history, and the needs of its clients.  Tom is an active member of the Minneapolis community serving on the boards of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.  He is an original member of the Imagine the Possibilities program, established in 2012 that provides mentoring for middle school students in underserved populations.  He works with 5-7 students each year to provide them a glimpse into the profession of landscape architecture.

 He is also an active member of ASLA having served as the Minnesota chapter president in 2004 and has supported many of his staff over the years to give of their time and talents on the chapter executive committee and other ASLA events.

Mississippi | Jim Jackson, ASLA,

Mississippi Chapter

Nevada | Lucy Joyce, ASLA,

Nevada Chapter

Lucy B. Joyce, PLA, ASLA, originally received a BS degree in Forest Management but later decided landscape architecture was her passion and went back to school while her daughters were still small, not realizing the challenges of obtaining licensure with two very involved kids. After working in private practice, she was hired by the Nevada Department of Transportation to help implement their newly instituted Landscape and Aesthetics Program, becoming the Landscape Architect Supervisor after three years and for the next ten years managing the program, retiring last year. Lucy, in her tenure at NDOT, passionately promoted Landscape Architecture as a profession, recognizing the importance of aesthetics as well as sustainable design.  She believes sustainable practices such as low impact development as well as applying sound and enduring design principles are an essential component of public transportation spaces.   During her tenure with the NDOT, she was selected to participate in the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program, obtaining her certification in 2014.

Currently, Lucy is the “Subject Matter Expert” on a National Council on Highway research Projects (NCHRP) project, investigating “Leading Landscape Design Practices for Cost Effective Roadside Water Management.” She loves the outdoors at all times of the year, enjoying hiking, biking, swimming and gardening.

New Hampshire | Susanne Smith Meyer, ASLA,

New Hampshire Chapter

Susanne has a BFA/BLA from the Rhode Island School of Design and is a Landscape Architect in private practice in Concord, NH, providing consultation services from planning through construction for commercial, municipal, institutional and residential projects. Susanne is also principal of Naturally Rooted LLC, a company that designs nature based learning and play environments for children. She is licensed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She has been an adjunct professor for over 25 years in the Landscape Design Certificate program at NHTI, Concord’s Community College and past Department Head of the Landscape & Environmental Design Associate Degree, which she was responsible for developing.  As a volunteer in the community, Susanne was a coordinator of a community built playground, is member of the City of Concord planning board and is past president of the New Hampshire Chapter of ASLA and the NH Landscape Association. Susanne taps her maple trees, grows garlic and has completed her goal of hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot mountains. 

New Jersey | Jan Saltiel Rafel, ASLA,

New Jersey Chapter

Jan Saltiel Rafel, LEED AP, LLA, ASLA, is principal of Edgewater Design LLC with over 35 years of experience in the design and planning of landscapes and urban spaces.  Starting her career in New York City working on parks, corporate and residential estate planning, she has continued to work on all sectors of landscape architectural design with the firm she founded in 1989 – Edgewater Design.  For the past 20 years, Jan has had an emphasis on public landscapes in New Jersey and New York working with state universities, public school playgrounds, parks and plazas.   Her focus on sustainable landscapes currently includes work on several green infrastructure projects including a central stormwater project for Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ and bioswales in downtown Yonkers, NY.

In addition to her private practice, she has guided Edgewater Design to participate in pro-bono community projects such as public-school gardens, municipal rain gardens and the design of a township’s 9-11 memorial.

New Mexico | Robert Loftis, ASLA,

New Mexico Chapter

Rob Loftis is an Associate with MRWM Landscape Architects in Albuquerque.  Rob works primarily in the public sector and specializes in Main Street redevelopments, parks, plazas, schools and athletic facilities.  His belief that all citizens are deserving of quality outdoor spaces has taken him throughout the state of New Mexico where he works in communities both big and small.

Rob has been involved in chapter leadership throughout his thirteen years of professional experience.  While serving as Chapter President, he discovered a passion for advocacy and has lead chapter advocacy efforts on the local, state and federal levels.  This interest led to service on ASLA's Government Affairs Advisory Committee and ultimately to the position of Chapter Trustee.  Rob is an adjunct professor with the MLA program at the University of New Mexico and a proud alumnus of Louisiana State University.

New York | Jennifer Nitzky, ASLA,

New York Chapter

Jennifer Nitzky, ASLA, RLA, ISA, is a landscape architect and certified arborist with extensive experience in urban design, parks & playgrounds and green infrastructure, and is skilled in a community-oriented planning and design process leading workshops, design charrettes and hands-on activities. She is Vice President of Landscape Architecture at B. Thayer Associates, a multi-disciplined firm based in New York where she leads the Long Island City office. Jennifer is an instructor in the Landscape Design Certificate Program at NYBG and serves on Manhattan’s Community Board 7. She has been involved in ASLA since graduate school, serving on several committees for both the Illinois and New York chapters, is a two-term past president of ASLA-NY and is part of the ASLA Public Awareness Coalition.

With a passion for expanding awareness of the profession, Jennifer is a strong advocate for landscape and environmental issues through social media outlets. Her love for plants and life-long play is a driving force for inspiration and spiritual balance in life – taking a break from the hustle of city living to experience natural and designed landscapes whenever possible. Jennifer grew up in Michigan, earned a B.S. Architectural Design at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and Master of Landscape Architecture at Ball State University in Indiana.

New York Upstate | Joy Kuebler, ASLA,

New York Upstate Chapter

North Carolina | Brian Starkey, ASLA,

North Carolina Chapter

Brian H. Starkey, PLA has practiced landscape architecture for 35 years and has served as Principal of obs landscape architects in Raleigh NC for the past 24 years.  He has been previously involved in NCASLA serving in a number of positions including president in 2012.  Brian was also a member of the NC Board of Landscape Architects for ten years (1994-2004) serving as chair for 6 years.  He has also been involved in several City of Raleigh Commissions including Appearance, Arts, Public Art and Design Board and the Environmental Advisory Board. 

 Brian is a graduate of the landscape architecture program at West Virginia University and spent three years studying and practicing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The focus at obs landscape architects is public spaces including parks and civic spaces as well as urban planning and design.  Outside of the profession Brian enjoys traveling, food, and music.

Ohio | Nick Gilliland, ASLA,

Ohio Chapter

Oklahoma | Jeff Pugh, ASLA,

Oklahoma Chapter

Jeff Pugh, ASLA, is a registered landscape architect in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico. He is a Principal / Owner in Szafranski-Pugh & Associates, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His firm works on a wide variety of projects including small to massive residential,  playgrounds, municipal, sports facilities, site planning, college campus master plans and large commercial developments.

Jeff has been involved with ASLA from student activities in the mid 90’s to OKASLA positions beginning with Member-at-Large, President Elect, President and Past President.

As Trustee of OKASLA, Jeff is eager to contribute his knowledge of ASLA and its processes to further the development of this program and the profession of Landscape Architecture in the State of Oklahoma.

Oregon | Jean Senechal Biggs, ASLA,

Oregon Chapter

Jean Senechal Biggs, ASLA, is a Senior Project Manager at DKS Associates, a transportation consulting firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon. She has made transportation the focus of her career and frequently finds herself bridging the gap between planning and engineering. Before joining DKS in 2017, Jean spent 20 years at the Portland Bureau of Transportation planning, designing and building transit and transportation projects. She is passionate about building livable communities and the transformative power of walking, biking and transit. A Boston native, Jean earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. She previously served as the ASLA Oregon Chapter’s President, President-Elect, and Education Chair. Jean is a member of ASLA’s Licensure Committee. In 2017, she received an ASLA Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her work as the Communications Coordinator for the Transportation Professional Practice Network.  

Pennsylvania/Delaware | Adam Supplee, ASLA,

Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter

Adam Supplee has actively volunteered with the Pennsylvania – Delaware Chapter since taking on the Eastern Pennsylvania Section chair position in 2005.  After serving as section chair, Adam served 6 years in the positions of President, President-elect and past president.  As a licensed landscape architect, certified planner, and LEED AP, Adam has been co-owner of KMS Design Group, a small planning and design firm in Phoenixville, PA for the past ten years.  In addition to volunteering with ASLA, Adam serves on several boards, appointed commissions, and volunteer roles including the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation, planning commissions, policy committees, and a volunteer-run tourist railroad.

Potomac | Rob Tilson, FASLA,

Potomac Chapter

Prairie Gateway | David Contag, ASLA,

Prairie Gateway Chapter

David Contag, ASLA, lives in Overland Park, Kansas, and is currently trustee of the Prairie Gateway Chapter.  He has served ASLA as Community Assistance Team coordinator for the 1992 Annual Meeting, and more recently served as president of the chapter.  He is a Senior Associate at DLR Group and is licensed to practice landscape architecture in 10 states.  His work includes design and planning in the following market sectors: K-12 and Higher Education; Hospitality; Retail; Work Place; and Athletic Facilities.  He graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and has over 36-years’ experience.  He has been married to his wife Laurie for 38-years and has two grown children: a daughter who is an artist focusing on urban design and cultural values; and a son who is a civil engineer in water treatment.  He enjoys plant identification, hiking, snow skiing, traveling to different countries; and motorcycle touring with his wife.

Rhode Island | Jenn Judge, ASLA,

Rhode Island Chapter

Jenn is a registered landscape architect in Rhode Island and Connecticut.  She has been a registered Landscape Architect for the past eleven years and has been a practicing landscape designer for the past nineteen years.  She is currently the Principal of her landscape architecture firm, Gravelly Hill Design Group LLC, in Wakefield, Rhode Island which provides landscape architecture services for residential, commercial and corporate and clients in the healthcare industry. 

South Carolina | Holley Bloss Owings, ASLA,

South Carolina Chapter

St. Louis | Scott Emmelkamp, ASLA,

St. Louis Chapter

Scott V. Emmelkamp, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP is a principal at the landscape architecture and urban planning firm Planning Design Studio, LLC located in St. Louis. His over 25 years of professional experience includes a variety of projects types including military planning, parks and recreation, greenways, trails, master planning and theme park design completed all over the world. Mr. Emmelkamp is licensed to practice landscape architecture in four states. He is a Board member of the Open Space Council, Chair of the Washington University in St. Louis Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts MLA Professional Advisory Council and a Past President of the Professional Advisory Board for the Fay Jones School of Architecture in Fayetteville, Arkansas. For many years he has volunteered for community clean ups and invasive species removal events. He was valedictorian of the Fay Jones School of Architecture where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture.  

Tennessee | Larry Mizell, ASLA,

Tennessee Chapter

Texas | Timothy W. May, ASLA,

Texas Chapter

Tim May has served the Texas Chapter as Treasurer, President-Elect, President, and now as Trustee. He has represented the Chapter on numerous occasions with the National ASLA and other Chapters across the country.  Throughout his volunteer service, Tim has contributed to the Chapter’s fiscal strategy of responsibility, sound decision-making, and accountability. With the Texas Chapter, Tim has been active in numerous national, state, and local advocacy decisions, as well as organizational structure and implementing diverse methods for communicating effectively with the Chapter membership. After graduating from Kansas State University, Tim has spent his entire professional career consulting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. He currently serves as Director of Landscape Architecture & Planning for Teague Nall and Perkins in Fort Worth. In his spare time, Tim enjoys time spent with family, his Scottish Terriers, travel, photography, and community volunteerism.

Utah | Tina Gillman, ASLA,

Utah Chapter

Vermont | Gail Henderson-King, ASLA,

Vermont Chapter

Gail Henderson-King, PLA, ASLA, is a registered landscape architect in Vermont. She currently works for White + Burke, where she uses her landscape architectural and planning skills for assisting clients with developing creative projects. Gail is committed to development solutions while maintaining professional integrity and respect for the environment and surroundings. With extensive background in the public and private sectors, she is able to effectively navigate through all phases of permitting from public presentations to resolving sensitive issues.  

She currently serves on the State Office of Professional Regulations Landscape Architectural Panel, is the VTASLA HALS Liaison and committee member, and chair of the Shelburne Tree Advisory Committee. Ms. Henderson-King holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. In her spare time, she enjoys running, gardening, hiking, yoga, and hanging out with her family.

Virginia | Lucille C. Lanier, FASLA,

Virginia Chapter

Lu Gay Lanier has been with Timmons Group for 11 years and directs their emerging landscape architecture/land planning practice. She was made a managing principal of Timmons Group in 2014. Since starting this practice in 2003, she has assembled a talented group of specialists.  Lu Gay and her team deliver exceptional projects to their clients. As an environmental scientist and licensed landscape architect, she excels at comprehensive stormwater master planning and manages award-winning projects from large conservation areas to Federal headquarters and data centers, to corporate headquarters.  Lu Gay integrates economic, environmental, community involvement and social responsibility into all design projects. Lu Gay demonstrates dedication, expertise and professionalism as a landscape architect assuring the successful implementation of projects.  Her passion for the profession includes service securing Landscape Architecture Licensure in Virginia, President of CLARB, LAAB Committee Member and currently Trustee for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

West Virginia | Tom Hall, ASLA,

West Virginia Chapter

Wisconsin | Gary A. Brown, FASLA,

Wisconsin Chapter

 Gary A. Brown, FASLA has 30+ years of experience as a professional landscape architect. He is director of Campus Planning & Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, overseeing campus master planning and site planning activities on the 936-acre campus. He is also director of their 300-acre Lakeshore Nature Preserve, an outdoor learning/research laboratory with over 4 miles of lakefront in downtown Madison. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from UW-Madison and is an ASLA Fellow recognized for his administrative works in 2004. Gary has served in various capacities with the Wisconsin Chapter-ASLA, including Member-at-Large, Secretary, and President, and is currently the Chapter Trustee. He served for many years as chair of the Campus Planning & Design Professional Practice Network and was the ASLA National Vice President for Professional Practice from 2008-10. He currently serves on the ASLA National Constitution & Bylaws committee and the Leadership Development committee.

Washington | Marieke Lacasse, ASLA,

Washington Chapter

  Marieke is on her first term on the Board of Trustees for the Washington Chapter. She has served as chapter president and has been working within WASLA for multiple chapter committees and as member at large. Marieke graduated from the Université de Montréal and is licensed in Washington and California. She has over 19 years of experience and is a principal in a multi-disciplinary firm, GGLO, headquartered in Seattle. She is accustomed to large integrated design teams with heavily involved community participants. The resulting spaces garner awards for their playfulness, highly sustainable features, long-term site stewardship and promotion of health and active living. Marieke’s studies abroad have given her an appreciation of history and culture, as well as bold contemporary designs and avant-garde concepts. She is active in her neighborhood and the community-at-large, with involvement in past and present efforts related to parks, P-Patches, and gardens. Marieke is a strong supporter of environmental and sustainability causes, affordable housing, and social equity. 

Adam Greenspan, ASLA, LAF Representative

Barbara L. Deutsch, FASLA, LAF Representative

Charles Kene Okigbo, Associate ASLA, National Associate Representative

C. Kene Okigbo, ASLA, is a landscape architectural intern with RDG Planning & Design in Omaha, NE. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from North Dakota State University. Kene has worked in varied markets including universities, parks and recreation, sports facilities, and urban design. He boasts being an ASLA member for almost twice as long he has been working in the industry. As an emerging professional himself, he understands the value of membership and is an advocate for the organization and its core values to other emerging professionals. This is evident as Kene chairs the Nebraska Dakotas Chapter’s Emerging Professionals Committee and as he serves as chair of the Associate Advisory Committee. Kene is also pleased to serve on the Honors & Awards Committee and the Landscape Architecture Editorial Committee. In both practice and in organizational service, people are his biggest motivator. Kene is proud and excited to serve alongside people passionately making a positive impact in our ecosystem.
 

Robynne Heymans, Student ASLA, National Student Representative

Robynne Heymans recently graduated with a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the City College of New York. She works at the City of Austin Parks and Recreation department in long-range parks planning.  Before pursing an MLA she owned a landscape design and build in Austin and Brooklyn for 6 years. She is interested in the intersection of landscape architecture and social justice and incorporates social issues into her work. She is the co-founder of Rising Urbanists, an annual student-produced conference on green infrastructure in New York City. She is excited to serve as the chair of the Student Advisory Committee and on the Landscape Architecture Editorial Committee.