Board of Trustees

Shawn T. Kelly, FASLA, President-Elect

Shawn T. Kelly, FASLA, is married with three grown children. He was born in Colorado, grew up in Arizona, and was originally licensed as a Landscape Architect in California. He is currently licensed in Wisconsin.

Shawn is the Principal of Kelly Design Group, LLC, a Landscape Architecture firm located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. KDG produces full service concept to construction drawings for a variety of project scales and scopes.  All projects include stormwater management, with an edge toward water harvesting, water quality improvement, and place based design.

Shawn is also a full-time member of the Faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the Department of Landscape Architecture, where he has taught the core courses in the accredited Bachelors program for twenty-one years. At the university, Shawn is also the Director of the Center for Sustainable Design, which he created and manages. Shawn has been recognized by the students as a valued educator and lifelong mentor.

Shawn has been honored to be a prolific speaker at a host of education opportunities for professional development hours, at multiple states’ ASLA meetings, and at related profession’s annual meetings. The topics of his talks ranges from sustainable practice, resilient landscapes, stormwater harvesting, to cultural specificity, transdisciplinary action research, transformational learning theory in design, and the ethical practice of Landscape Architecture.

Vaughn B. Rinner, FASLA, Immediate Past President

Vaughn Rinner, FASLA, is known and respected as an articulate, diplomatic and credible spokesperson for the profession of landscape architecture.  A pragmatic visionary, she combines the abilities to listen, synthesize, and facilitate with the insight to move forward and take action.  Her leadership style is collaborative, demonstrating her firm belief that we must work together to support the growth and future of the profession.   

 A graduate of Iowa State University, Vaughn has worked for forty years in both small landscape architectural firms and as a partner in interdisciplinary firms.  Her management of a wide variety of project types has given Vaughn a broad understanding of the issues landscape architects face in both private and public practice. 
   
Vaughn‘s sustained involvement in the ASLA has been an integral part of her landscape architecture practice. She completed a term as Vice President for Finance and Investments after serving as chair of the Finance and Audit Committees, helping to lead the society through challenging financial times. Since relocating to Seattle, she is leading the advocacy efforts for the Washington Chapter.  In acknowledgement of her dedicated service to the society she was honored to receive the 2014 ASLA Presidents Medal.

Wendy Miller, FASLA, Vice President, Professional Practice

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.
As the VP of Professional Practice, she hopes to strengthen the resources, services and tools available to practitioners, enrich the research and communication of emerging issues, best practices and innovative projects through the LATIS series, PPNs, The Field, LinkedIn groups and improve the archival resources of ASLA.

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.

Vanessa Warren, ASLA, Vice President, Membership

Vanessa has been involved with ASLA since 1998.  At the chapter level she chaired the Licensure Committee in its successful campaign for a licensure upgrade, participated in professional outreach into grade schools throughout her region, served on numerous professional award juries, developed new programs for the chapter, and participated in numerous advocacy days in Washington DC, leading to greater professional recognition, and local project and grant support.

Nationally, Vanessa served as the trustee from 2008 to 2015, and also participated as a member of the Membership Committee, Public Relations and Communications Advisory Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Board Performance Task Force Subcommittee, Leadership Development Committee, Policy Committee, and Chair of the Chapters Presidents Council

Vanessa is employed with a Midwest based, multi-diciplinary firm and is responsible for project planning, design, contract administration, and the development of junior colleagues, and has been an instructor for the Michigan State University’s Landscape Architecture Program since 2007, teaching site engineering and construction courses.  

Thomas Mroz, ASLA, Vice President, Finance

Thomas L. Mroz, ASLA, is a senior vice president with the integrated design firm, SmithGroupJJR.  He has spent his entire 33-year professional career at SmithGroupJJR and is currently the director of the firm’s Ann Arbor office.  Mroz also sits on the firm’s board of directors and chairs the finance committee.

Mroz has always had a special interest in the business of landscape architecture, with a focus on business planning, growth and financial stability.   His work style encompasses an analytical approach and a passion for teamwork, with a strong belief that an integrated team can accomplish much more than any one individual.  At ASLA, Mroz has previously served on both the Finance and Investments and Audit committees.

Mroz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, a Masters of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Business Administration degree, also from the University of Michigan.  He is a licensed landscape architect in 17 states and is LEED accredited.

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

Nancy C. Somerville is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 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. Somerville initiated the ASLA Headquarters green roof demonstration project and directs the Society’s ongoing green roof and green infrastructure education and advocacy programs. She also directs ASLA’s participation as a founding partner in the Sustainable Sites Initiative™.

Somerville joined ASLA after 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.  
In 2004, Somerville was elected to membership in Lambda Alpha International, the honorary land economics fraternity, in recognition of her longtime advocacy for the design professions. She received the Civic Award of Excellence from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in 2008 and is an honorary member of ASLA and the American Institute of Architects. 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 | Mark Kimerer, ASLA,

Alaska Chapter

Mark Kimerer has 23+ years of experience in the field of landscape architecture.  He is a principal and senior landscape architect at Bettisworth North Architects and Planners, Inc., overseeing the firm’s landscape architecture department.  He also heads up human resources for the firm managing the needs of over 30 staff members.  Mark is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BA in landscape architecture.  His formative years in the profession began in northwest Montana working on a variety of project types.  He has been practicing in Alaska for over 12 years and has been actively involved in the Alaska Chapter ASLA for nearly as long serving as Member at Large, Vice President South Central, President Elect, President and now Trustee. 

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 | Mark A. Steyaert, Jr. ASLA,

California San Diego Chapter

Mark Steyaert, ASLA, has a bachelors of science in landscape architecture from California Polytechnic University Pomona and is licensed in the State of California. He received his masters degree  in Executive Leadership from the School of Business Administration, University of San Diego in 2007.

Mark served as Park Development Manager for the City of Carlsbad from 1983-2012. Prior to that, he worked as a project manager for a joint venture firm on the 1,200 acre Baldwin Hills Regional Park and as an associate landscape architect for the firm of Stone/Fisher in Del Mar.

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.

Great Plains | John P. Royster, FASLA,

Great Plains 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

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, ASLA,

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.

Iowa | Matthew O. Carlile, ASLA,

Iowa Chapter

Matt graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in landscape architecture with a minor in regional and community planning before moving to Iowa in 1998. After six years with another firm, Matt joined Confluence in the spring of 2004. He has continued to grow as a landscape architect and leader within the firm. His growth and dedication makes him a valuable member of the team. In the summer of 2012 he became a stockholder and in 2016, a Principal. Matt is currently the Trustee for the Iowa Chapter of ASLA, and has held several other positions within the organization. He is very committed to the present and future practice of landscape architecture.

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 | Dennis Nola, ASLA,

Maryland Chapter

Dennis R. Nola, PLA, ASLA, is the Chair of the Landscape Architecture Undergraduate Program, 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 was appointed by the governor to the Maryland Architecture Review Board and also serves on the University Landscape and Architecture Review Board.   His pro-bono work extends to underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.   He is the President of the Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization board of directors and helped organize substantial support in the form of local, county, and state funding, private contributions, and public grants to implement quality of life community improvements and services. 

Michigan | Robert Ford, ASLA,

Michigan Chapter

Robert “Bob” Ford, PLA, has been practicing LA since 1975 after graduating from Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, MI. Bob has held staff positions at the state, county and municipal levels, a private LA firm, an engineering firm and was V.P. of a development company before starting his own practice.  Bob Founded Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. (LAP, 1989 – present), located in Lansing, MI.  LAP serves Clients primarily throughout the Mid-West but also works through an affiliate firm in Suzhou, China serving private and municipal Clients along the eastern seaboard from Fuzhou to Beijing redesigning cities, towns and private developments.

Robert and his former partner Anthony Bauer established “Bauer Ford Reclamation” (BFR, 92’) which practices throughout the United States serving both governmental agencies and mining companies.

Robert has been an ALSA member since 1982.  Bob served as President and legislative chair for the state chapter for ten years and helped organize and successfully defended a challenge from the State of Michigan to deregulate the LA’s title act 1980’s-90’s.

More recently, Bob was the “Founder” and President of the MSU LA Alumni Advisory Board (LAAAB) 2009-2015.  His board organized and founded the alumni “Speakers Series”, which included 7 national and international speakers, hosted the 2015 World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society conference (WSEAS, 15’), annual newsletter and a new mentoring program which brings alumni and students closer together.  Bob currently serves MSU on student jury’s, guest lecturer and faculty advisor in addition to running his practice.

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 | Nicholas Tufaro, ASLA,

New Jersey Chapter

Nicholas (Nick) Tufaro’s career spans 38 years working as a professional consultant in Landscape Architecture, Transportation and Environmental Planning in public and private projects throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Currently Nick is a principal planner in the Middlesex County Division of Environment, Parks and Comprehensive Planning, where he is principally involved in watershed management planning, natural resource conservation and environmentally responsive strategies in regional policy actions for a balance of economic and ecological health in Middlesex County, NJ communities.

A long-time member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, New Jersey Chapter (NJASLA), Nick has served as president and chaired Chapter task forces, currently representing New Jersey on the Society’s Board of Trustees. The ASLA has been instrumental in assisting President Obama’s directives for all federal agencies to enhance native pollinator habitat in all programs and holdings. Nick is a member of the ASLA Native Pollinators Task Force that presented research issues and implementation recommendations to the Office of the President in December 2014 and an advisor for local native pollinator enhancements in Middlesex County.
 

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

New York Upstate | Douglas McCord, ASLA,

New York Upstate Chapter

Based in Penfield, New York, Doug's practice takes him to all corners of New York State and beyond into Pennsylvania. For more than 34 years, his practice has focused on site planning, parks, waterfront, and recreational development planning. Active community participation and involvement as well as thoughtful responsive design are the keys to his firm’s work and success. He began practicing landscape architecture after graduating from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1980. After arriving in Rochester NY in 1982, he was appointed and served as Chairman of the NYUASLA Rochester Section.  He has continuously been a member of ASLA for the past 37 and has served the Chapter in a number of positions including that of Chapter President from 2010-11. He has served with the New York State Council of Landscape Architects since 1999 and now, as Chapter Trustee, serves on the Licensure Committee.   

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 | Ron Kagawa, ASLA,

Potomac Chapter

Ron M. Kagawa, ASLA LEED AP, served as President of the Potomac Chapter in 2000-2001 and 2007-2008 and led establishment of the Lt. Edward B. Ballard Student Scholarship Fund.  He co-authored Time+Space: Landscape Architecture In The Nation’s Capital (the first-ever Chapter history since its founding in 1938).  As Chapter Trustee in 2009-2012, he served as Chair of the National Emerging Professional Committee-Linkages Working Group, leading to establishment of the first-ever nationally recognized Emerging Professionals Chapter-Level Service Award and assisted in hosting the 2010 ASLA National Meeting in Washington, DC.

Ron holds an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas-Arlington and a graduate degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech – both with academic honors.  As a Landscape Architect he possesses more than 33 years of professional experience in private industry, academia and public service.  He served on the faculty of The George Washington University’s Landscape Design Program from 1988-2013.  As Associate Professor, he established the Master of Landscape Architecture Program at Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center from 1995-2005.  He is the co-author of 2 books and more than 35 peer-reviewed plenary sessions and publications.  Ron is licensed in Texas (1988) and Maryland (1988), holds OSHA, FEMA and NIMS certifications and is a Landscape Architect and PB with the Mid-Atlantic Office of Kimley Horn Associates, Inc.

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 | William T. Eubanks III, FASLA,

South Carolina Chapter

Bill Eubanks lives in Charleston, SC where he is the creative director of the Urban Edge Studio. The studio focuses on building community through sustainable urbanism with an emphasis on the charrette process. He serves on Charleston’s 10,000 Trees Committee; the Charleston Upper Peninsula Task Force; the Board of the East Cooper Land Trust; and as president of the Ashley Bridge District Board. He served on the ASLA Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2004 and was ASLA Vice President, Membership from 2005 to 2006. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture.

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 | David Harris, ASLA,

Utah Chapter

Dave has over 25 years of experience in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning services. He has worked on projects throughout the desert southwest in Nevada, Arizona, California, Minneapolis and internationally, and is a corporate expert in business development and leads interdisciplinary teams including, architects, planners, civil, structural, electrical and geotechnical engineers. He has managed and directed sustainable projects including LEED Platinum certified facilities and is experienced in developing sustainable, low impact developments for communities, parks, plaza’s, trails, town centers, and civic spaces, among others.  

Vermont | Ann Milovsoroff, FASLA,

Vermont Chapter

Ann Milovsoroff grew up in Vermont, earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Indiana University, and the MLA from University of Guelph, Ontario. She was landscape architect on staff at Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario for 14 years before moving back to Vermont where she practiced until retiring in 2013. 

Twice a candidate for President of ASLA in the 90s, she served as a VP for Membership, for PR and Services, and on the Editorial Advisory Committee for LAM.   In Ontario she was Secretary, VP, and President of OALA and served on the CSLA Board of Governors.  In Vermont she has taught courses at UVM, is a VT Certified Horticulturist, and is a board member of Friends of the UVM Horticulture Research Station.

She has dual citizenship, is a Fellow of ASLA and CSLA, and presently serves on the Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission, and the Town Tree Committee for the Village of Shelburne.

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 | Roger J. Kennedy, 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. 

Jennifer Guthrie, FASLA, LAF Representative

Jennifer Guthrie, FASLA is a founding partner of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol. Jennifer’s design leadership merges a guiding, experiential vision with innovative and precise detailing. Her work ranges broadly, from the neighborhood-scale — such as the new, urban district of green streets and mixed-use housing at the University of Washington — to public squares, gardens, and cultural work such as the Seattle Civic Center campus, the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park, and the South Coast Plaza Bridge of Gardens in Costa Mesa, California. Jennifer and her partners are the recipients of The Smithsonian’s 2011 National Design Award for Landscape Architecture, and her work has received numerous national and regional Honor Awards from ASLA and AIA. Jennifer lectures internationally and serves on the Landscape Architectural Foundation Board, the ASLA CEO Roundtable, and the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ Industry Advisory Panel.

Barbara L. Deutsch, FASLA, LAF Representative

Magdalena Aravena, Associate ASLA, National Associate Representative

Magdalena Aravena is an emerging designer and leader in ASLA. Driven by her experiences as a first-generation immigrant from Chile, she is passionate about exploring the role that landscape architecture plays in improving disadvantaged communities through education, advocacy, and collaborative design. She is constantly pursuing opportunities to further her knowledge, experience and professional network through education, design competitions, and community outreach events. Magdalena has been actively involved in leadership roles within the organization, and has participated in several national leadership activities, advocacy days and annual meetings, as well as the 2017 Diversity SuperSummit. She is excited to be elected Chair for the Associate Advisory Committee and Associate Representative to the ASLA Board of Trustees, and is thrilled to take on the goal of retaining and increasing associate membership, with the inherent perspective of a Latina and furthering the society's mission of increasing diversity within the profession. 

Abigail Reimel, Student ASLA, National Student Representative