PRESENTER BIOS
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Charles Marohn- Founder and President, Strong Towns Charles Marohn is the Founder and President of Strong Towns. He's a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of Minnesota and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Marohn has a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Marohn is the lead author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns — Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 — as well as the author of A World Class Transportation System. He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. He has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America and in 2017 was named one of the 10 Most Influential Urbanists of all time by Planetizen.
Ellen Dunham-Jones- Director of the Urban Design Program, Georgia Tech Ellen is Director of the Master of Science in Urban Design degree, an authority on sustainable suburban redevelopment, and a leading urbanist. Author of over 60 articles linking contemporary theory and practice, she is co-author with June Williamson of Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs, (Wiley, 2009, 2011). Its documentation of successful retrofits of aging big box stores, malls, and office parks into healthier and more sustainable places received a PROSE award as the best architecture and urban planning book of 2009 and has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Harvard Business Review, NPR, PBS, TED and other prominent venues. She serves on several national boards and committees, is former Chair of the Board of the Congress for the New Urbanism, lectures widely and conducts community workshops.
Nisha Botchwey, PhD, MCRP, MPH, Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning- Georgia Tech Botchwey is an Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning at the Georgia Institute of Technology and an adjunct professor in Emory University’s School of Public Health. An expert in health and the built environment as well as community engagement, she holds graduate degrees in both urban planning and public health. Dr. Botchwey co-directs the National Physical Activity Research Center, PARC, both the Atlanta Neighborhood Quality of Life and Health Dashboard and the data dashboard for Health, Environment and Livability for Fulton County, and directs the Built Environment and Public Health Clearinghouse. Dr. Botchwey has won distinctions including an NSF ADVANCE Woman of Excellence Faculty Award, a Hesburgh Award Teaching Fellowship from Georgia Tech and the Georgia Power Professor of Excellence Award, a Rockefeller-Penn Fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing and a Nominated Changemaker by the Obama White House’ Council on Women and Girls. She has also served on the Advisory Committee to the Director for the Centers of Disease Control Prevention, is a Social Sciences Panel Member for the Ford Foundation’s Fellowship Program, and member of the Voices for Healthy Kids Strategic Advisory Committee for the American Heart Association.
BREAKOUT SESSION PRESENTERS
Aaron Fortner, Owner Aaron has 20+ years of experience in community planning and design, Aaron works with neighborhoods, local governments, and organizations to create vibrant and sustainable communities. His skill set covers master planning, corridor planning, urban design, land use and zoning, community engagement and community branding. His true passion is in helping communities discover their truest competitive advantage - that unique identity that each community possesses which enables it to stand out amongst the competition. Aaron resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife and 2 children.
Aileen Daney, Senior Planner, Transportation Access and Mobility- Atlanta Regional Commission Aileen Daney is a Senior Planner with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Transportation Access and Mobility Group. Along with her talented peers, she leads ARC’s safety, equity, and performance measures analyses. Her background is in active transportation planning and design with emphases on equity and health. Aileen is motivated by a deep commitment to advance walking, bicycling, and transit as safe, enjoyable, equitable, and accessible means of transportation.
Andrew Heath- State Traffic Engineer, GDOT Andrew Heath joined the Georgia Department of Transportation in 2008. He has held numerous positions within the Department including within the Office of Planning, Executive Assistant to the Chief Engineer, and, most recently, as State Traffic Engineer within the Division of Operations. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Auburn University in Civil Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Georgia.
Ann Abramowitz- Decatur Active Living Board, City of Decatur Ann is co-chair to the Decatur Active Living Board. In her professional life, Ann is a Psychology Professor at Emory University and works as Chief of Staff to a state legislator. Ann is an avid walker in Decatur.
Beth Tucker- Urban Planner/Designer, Kimley-Horn Beth Tucker has worked for Kimley-Horn for six years, specializing in connecting and integrating land use patterns and urban design principles with transportation infrastructure to create great places. She also focuses on developing robust but scalable public engagement programs as well as designing targeted branding, communications, and marketing campaigns for planning efforts. Beth earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Masters of Urban Environmental Planning + Design from the University of Georgia.
Britt Storck- Principal, Alta Planning + Design Britt is a professional landscape architect with a background in natural resource-based recreation projects, greenway and trail design, and active community design and planning. Britt is Alta’s Atlanta office leader, greenway and trail expert, and NICP CPTED professional. With over 13 years in practice, she has managed projects across the nation and cultivated an instinctual understanding of the complexities associated with design of open spaces and public trails in all landscapes. She approaches her work with the belief that each project provides the opportunity for community to activate, transforming its health, stimulating its economy, and boosting overall quality of life of its people.
Byron Rushing- Bicycling & Walking Program Manager- Atlanta Regional Commission Byron Rushing is a planner at the Atlanta Regional Commission focusing on walking, bicycling, trails, and livable communities. He has degrees from Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt University and is the past president of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Most of his walking and biking trips are with his wife and two children.
Caleb Racicot- Senior Principal, TSW Caleb is a community planner specializing in the interdisciplinary fields of place making, outreach and consensus building, master plans, and development regulations. He has practiced in both rural and urban areas, and understands the central role of the consultant as listener and facilitator. Caleb has worked in both the public and private sector, which provides him with a unique appreciation for the role that government, the private sector, and citizens play in shaping communities. He holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Caleb is an avid urbanist, and has not owned a car since moving to Downtown Atlanta in 1997.
Carla Harris, Director of Volunteer Support- GirlTrek Carla has a heart to serve and lives by Dr. Martin Luther King's quote, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' Before joining the GirlTrek National team where she is currently the Director of Volunteer Support, she volunteered for over a year as City Captain for GirlTrek Atlanta where she inspired a city-wide takeover, and led the growth of the city by hosting hikes in the Stone Mountain area, and inspiring women all over Georgia to be change-makers and health advocates in their communities by leading hikes and walks.
Cate Kitchen, Downtown Manager- City of Norcross After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling, Cate Kitchen made Atlanta her home. Through the writing of the book, “Norcross,” Cate became immersed in the rich history of Norcross. She has made many new friends through her work with the City and has enjoyed the experience immensely. Her duties have grown to include the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center, The Rectory and the position of Downtown Manager. Cate coordinates many cultural and historical events and activities that draw interest to Cultural Arts in Norcross.
Charletta Wilson Jacks, Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Charletta Wilson Jacks is Deputy Chief of Staff for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom, where she focuses on policy and legislation. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Jacks served as Director of the Atlanta Office of Zoning and Development, overseeing transportation, historic preservation and strategic planning, geographic information systems services and zoning and development review. Ms. Jacks was also appointed as the first female African-American to serve as Zoning Administrator for the City of Atlanta.
Chris McIntosh- Urban Planner II, City of Atlanta, Department of City Planning Chris McIntosh is an Urban Planner in the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning. In the Office of Mobility Planning, he is part of a trail-blazing team that fosters creative solutions to city transportation issues. His primary role in developing and administering the city’s Placemaking Program nicely merges his background in architecture and design with his desire to positively influence transportation design at the local level.
Chris Puglisi- Professional Engineer, Jacobs Chris is a professional engineer specializing in traffic engineering at Jacobs in their Atlanta, Georgia office. Originally hailing from New York, he holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His background includes traffic signal operations, traffic signalization studies, and traffic impact evaluations. For the past four years he has primarily worked on the Midtown [Atlanta] and Downtown Traffic Operations Programs focusing on the pedestrian and bicycle experience at signalized intersections.
Clara Kwon- Assistant Director, Park Design- City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation Clara Kwon is Assistant Director of Park Design at the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks & Recreation where she oversees park and facility development. With her strong interest in public spaces and green infrastructure, she was project manager on a best practices manual for sidewalk street tree planting in Toronto that was awarded the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects 2014 National Merit Award of Excellence.
Cristina Pastore- Planner/Engineer, Kimley-Horn Cristina Pastore has been a transportation planner and traffic engineer with Kimley-Horn in Midtown Atlanta for 14 years. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Akron and a dual Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and City Planning from The Georgia Institute of Technology. Cristina specializes in complex transportation planning projects that require innovative thought and broad-scale collaboration, including managing comprehensive transportation plans (CTPs) for Gwinnett, North Fulton, and DeKalb Counties and the recently completed Comprehensive Transit Development Plan for Gwinnett County
Dan Hourigan- Director, Transportation and Sustainability, Midtown Alliance Dan Hourigan brings 14 years of diverse urban planning and program management experience in leading Midtown Alliance’s transportation & sustainability initiatives. Dan is currently responsible for developing and implementing projects and programs that make Midtown highly accessible and “green.” Prior to his work with Midtown Alliance, Dan worked in marketing and logistics positions. Dan received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton and a Masters of City Planning from Georgia Tech. Dan is accredited as a LEED Green Associate and is a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute and the Midtown Leadership Program. He is an avid cyclist and serves on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.
David McKee- Vice President of Sales and Marketing, PSS David McKee is currently the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PSS. He has been a member of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) since 1994 and a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Work Zone Traffic Control Committee (AHB 55).
Deborah McGlawn, Organizer, GirlTrek Deborah's healthy lifestyle began when she started running Atlanta road races with her pavement partner, and women of a local run group. After breaking her ankle, her determination to stay healthy shifted gears, and led her to GirlTrek. As an organizer, Deborah launched ch8singwaterfalls, a movement within the movement. She leads ladies of GirlTrek Atlanta, on monthly waterfall adventures throughout the north Georgia mountains.
Edgardo Aponte- Preconstruction Division Director, Transportation, Gwinnett County Edgardo Aponte holds a master’s degree in engineering management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a bachelor’s degree of science in civil engineering from Marquette University. He began working for Gwinnett County as the Division Director for the Preconstruction Division in early 2016. Prior to joining Gwinnett County, Edgardo worked in the private sector as a professional engineer for more than 16 years, performing transportation consulting work for local agencies, including the State of Georgia, Gwinnett County, and other counties and cities; his experience also includes working in the public sector for five years at the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority.
Eric Meyer- Planning Division Manager, Cobb County DOT Eric Meyer is the Planning Division Manager for Cobb County Department of Transportation. His division oversees the development of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Trail Plan, Transit Service Plan, and other planning efforts. Prior to joining Cobb County, Eric spent seven years on the Mississippi coast after Hurricane Katrina. He served as the Director of Planning and Economic Development with the City of Ocean Springs and City of Gautier. Eric has over twenty years of policy, legislative, planning and design work experience including work at the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Regional Business Coalition, and Georgia Conservancy. Eric earned his B.S. Industrial Engineering and M.S. Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”). Most of his weekends are spent watching his daughter play soccer or hiking with his son.
Felicity Davis- Landscape Architect Manager, GDOT Felicity Davis is a Georgia Registered Landscape Architect and LEED AP with over nineteen years of experience. She has designed and successfully managed the implementation of residential, commercial, and institutional landscape design, site design, and master planning projects in Metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. She joined the Georgia Department of Transportation in 2014. As Landscape Architect Manager for the GDOT State Maintenance Office, she oversees vegetation management and enhancements for Georgia’s Right of Way.
Gene Ramsay- Chair, Norcross Historic Preservation Commission Gene Ramsay, who has lived in the Atlanta area since completing a graduate degree in industrial engineering at Georgia Tech, has shown his passion for the history of the region in a number of ways. He gave tours of the Fox Theater in Atlanta for over a quarter of a century, served as President of the Current Historians at the Atlanta History Center, and has been an active volunteer at Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta for many years. Since moving to Norcross ten years ago he has focused on researching and sharing the history of this area, serving as a coauthor of the book Images of America: Norcross, developing and giving tours of the town and the city cemetery and developing an exhibit on the impact of World War I on the area.
Hugh Saxon- Deputy City Manager, City of Decatur Hugh Saxon supervises the City of Decatur’s capital improvement and construction management programs. He was employed as Decatur’s economic development director in 1977, became public works director in 1989, and was appointed deputy city manager in 1998.
Ian Sansom- Senior Planner, Alta Planning + Design, Inc. Ian Sansom is a Senior Planner at Alta Planning and Design. In this role, he works to create active and livable communities throughout the Southeastern U.S. Ian moved to Atlanta in 2012 from Albuquerque, where he received a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. Since moving to Atlanta, Ian has gained experience as a Planner at the Atlanta Regional Commission and as Program Manager for the local nonprofit PEDS, where he focused on making metro Atlanta a more enjoyable and safe place to walk. He can frequently be found exploring Atlanta neighborhoods on foot. He lives with his family in the Cabbagetown neighborhood.
Jack Anninos- State Bicycle and Pedestrian Engineer, GDOT Jack is currently the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Engineer for GDOT. He graduated from Georgia Tech with his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.
Jack Cebe- Landscape Architect and Roadway Designer, Arcadis Jack has 7 years of combined experience in the transportation field, and has worked across North America on transportation planning, landscape architecture, and engineering projects. One of Jack’s greatest strengths is being able to incorporate many perspectives into his planning and design work. Jack’s expertise is in transportation planning, Complete Streets planning and design, landscape architecture, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible design, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, policy development, and community engagement.
Jack Kittle- Decatur Active Living Board- Pedestrian Committee Jack Kittle is a liaison for the Decatur Active Living Board. He is a retired software developer who worked on water resources applications. Jack is an avid walker in Decatur.
Janide Sidifall- Director, City of Atlanta Office of Mobility Planning Janide Sidifall is a transportation planning manager with over 24 years of multidisciplinary experience in transportation planning and policy development in the U.S. and Canada, particularly in the areas of planning studies, policy analysis, environmental and strategic planning, and project development.
Jonathan DiGioia- Project Engineer, Transportation, AECOM Jonathan DiGioia is a transportation engineer at AECOM in Atlanta. He works on designs for a wide variety of roads and streets for both state and local clients, with a special focus on complete streets and bicycle and pedestrian design. He received a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech with an emphasis in transportation systems engineering. At Georgia Tech, he researched new bicycle and pedestrian safety treatments, their effectiveness, and their potential applicability in the state of Georgia.
Jordan Dowdy- Urban Planner II, City of Atlanta Office of Mobility Planning An urban planner in Atlanta’s Department of City Planning - Office of Mobility Planning, Jordan was involved in the creation of the newly-adopted Atlanta’s Transportation Plan. He is the creator of the SHIFT ATL project, a city-wide suitability analysis that explores car (in)dependency in Atlanta. Jordan has a particular interest in how data and emerging technologies can be leveraged to support multi-modalism and human-scale development.
Katelyn DiGioia- Civil Engineer III, GDOT Katelyn DiGioia is a new mom; she is also a transportation engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation. She loves walking her son in his stroller and appreciates how using a stroller makes her more aware of the level of detail needed to build a sidewalk that is truly accessible. Katelyn graduated from Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.
Kemberli Sargent- Urban Planner III, City of Atlanta, Department of City Planning Kemberli Sargent is a planner at the City of Atlanta in the Office of Mobility Planning, where she works on the many exciting bike, pedestrian, placemaking, and trail projects in the city! She grew up on a cattle farm in Texas where every trip had to be taken by car. While she remembers the farm fondly, she is grateful not to be so car dependent anymore. Instead, Kemberli walks, bikes, and uses transit to get around in Atlanta. She has a Master’s degree in urban planning from Cornell University and has previously worked in pedestrian advocacy and regional planning.
Kevin Bacon- Studio Director, Atlanta City Studio Kevin has been designing cities for over a decade. From good master planning down to proper sidewalk construction, he brings a designer’s eye to all details. Kevin received his Master of Architecture and Master of City and Regional Planning right here in Atlanta at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He’s been an Atlanta resident since 2000 and currently lives in Kirkwood with his wife and two children. When he’s not in the Studio, Kevin enjoys camping with his family, running through Atlanta’s neighborhoods, and pretending to be a rock star on his guitar
Keyetta Holmes, Interim Director Office of Zoning and Development Keyetta M. Holmes, AICP joined the City of Atlanta in 2017. She currently serves as Interim Director of Zoning and Development in the Department of City Planning. In this role, she serves as the Zoning Administrator and manages Zoning, Land Development, Strategic Planning, and Neighborhood Coordination. Prior to the City of Atlanta, Keyetta worked as Senior Planner with the City of East Point. In that role, she was responsible for comprehensive planning and served as project manager for two revisions of the zoning code.
Kimberly Estep- Executive Director, The South Fork Conservancy, Inc. Kimberly Estep, South Fork Conservancy Executive Director, is passionate about urban trails connecting communities, creating natural wildlife corridors and getting people moving. Her experience leading partnerships and programs at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area help her expand grassroots outreach. Kimberly earned degrees in Environmental Studies and Communication from Florida State University and a Masters in Communication from Florida Atlantic University.
Leslie Langley- Smart Cities and Mobility Technology Specialist, AECOM Leslie Langley is a smart Communities and Mobility Technology Specialist at AECOM. In her role, she works on intelligent mobility policy, technical solutions, and planning for multiple modes including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, freight, transit, and shared mobility. Through her work, she constantly seeks to apply context-sensitive solutions to address the most complex mobility problems in varying types of community.
Marc Start, Senior ITS/Traffic Engineer- AECOM Marc Start has performed numerous campus and downtown transportation projects that include pedestrian mobility and safety considerations. He enjoys working with clients to determine the root causes of pedestrian safety issues, and developing solutions that complement the behavioral tendencies of pedestrians and motorists. Marc’s background in transportation operations in a variety of environments has led to an interest in developing simple performance measures as a way to demonstrate benefit and improvement.
Maria Roell- Senior Planner, Transportation Access and Mobility, Atlanta Regional Commission Maria Roell is a Senior Planner at the Atlanta Regional Commission in the Transportation Group. Maria has worked at ARC for five years and has been a pedestrian for approximately 30. Maria holds a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Marian Lou- Founder & Executive Director, We Love BuHi Marian Liou is the Founder & Executive Director of We Love BuHi. Additionally, she is an attorney and planning consultant and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Studies at Georgia State University. Marian is passionate about affirming people and places to strengthen their purpose and become more just, inclusive, and whole.
Marielena Gutierrez- Metro Atlanta School Outreach Coordinator, GA Safe Routes to School Resource Center Marielena Gutierrez is the Metro Atlanta School Outreach Coordinator (SOC) for the Safe Routes to School Resource Center. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Yacambu University in Venezuela. Native Spanish speaker and had been working with GA Safe Routes to School since 2017. Marielena’s background includes community and environmental development as well as marketing and financial education in the US and Venezuela.
Marionette Audiffern- Volunteer Organizer, GirlTrek Marionette began her healthy-living journey like many...in the doctor's office. As a Girltrek Organizer, her goal is to motivate sisters to free themselves from the chains of chronic illness in order to live their healthiest lives. Following in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman, Marionette organizes treks on local trails and hikes on the North Georgia mountains.
Matt McDow- PE, Vice President at Arcadis Matt has over 20 years of transportation design and project management experience all with Arcadis in their Atlanta Office. He has led the design of a wide variety of roadway, multi-use trail, and pedestrian improvement projects for Georgia DOT and Metro Atlanta municipal / county clients. He obtained his Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Tech and enjoys spending his free time with friends and family traveling, camping, and watching sports.
Melissa Roberts- Community Engagement Manager, Transportation, Atlanta Regional Commission Melissa Roberts is the Community Engagement & Equity Manager for the Transportation, Access, Mobility Group at the Atlanta Regional Commission. Melissa has spent the past 15 years developing community-building and fundraising events, including marketing, soliciting sponsorships, detailing logistical plans and volunteer recruitment. At ARC, Melissa is responsible for conducting community engagement in the 20 county MPO area in support of The Atlanta Region’s Plan.
Mickey O’Brien- Director of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, AECOM Mickey O’Brien serves as the Director of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture for the AECOM Transportation group in Atlanta. His project experience has focused on complete street conversion projects and multi-modal and park and open space planning and design. He has completed several renovations to Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, including the award-winning Oak Hill as well as the park’s first community garden and urban orchard.
Nima Daivari- Community Affairs, Georgia & Operations Manager, Hawai'i, Lime Nima Daivari has been an alternative transportation advocate since 2005 having been car-free for most of the past 14 years. He is currently the Community Affairs Manager for Lime for the state of Georgia. Prior to joining Lime Nima was the Director of Development for the Hawaii Bicycling League, the statewide nonprofit for bicycle advocacy. In his past career Nima was a media executive, most recently as the Director of Business Affairs for the Disney-ABC Television Group. He has been admitted to the New York and California state bar associations and holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in film from the University of Southern California.
Patti Pittman- School Outreach Coordinator, Safe Routes to School, GA Patti Pittman is the North Georgia School Outreach Coordinator (SOC) for the Safe Routes to School Outreach Center. She has a diverse background including bank management, credit risk consulting, project and program management, and education. She is enjoying her third year with Safe Routes to School. Patti graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing and is currently finishing the GIS Certification Program with Penn State.
Peggy Merriss- CEO, Merriss Management and Leadership Consulting Peggy Merriss is the principal of Merriss Management and Leadership Consulting. She previously was with the City of Decatur, Ga for 35 years, including 25 years as City Manager. Her experiences including emphasizing innovation in local government organizations with an emphasis on community-based strategic planning and implementation.
Richard Cohen- Chair, Decatur Active Living Board, City of Decatur Richard Cohen is the current chair of the Decatur Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Richard is a longtime healthcare journalist, serving as the Editor of two national healthcare publications. He is an avid walker in Decatur.
Robert Patrick- Senior Planner, City of Norcross Robert Patrick began his local government career with the City of Norcross and has been with the Norcross for more than twelve years. He started as a permit coordinator and has advanced through the years to become the senior planner. Currently, Robert is the staff representative/assistant before the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Appeals, Architectural Review Board and Historic Preservation Commission. Because Robert believes that idle hands are the devil’s workshop, he has three children, holds elective office and is happily married.
Sally Flocks- President & CEO, PEDS Sally Flocks is the founding President & CEO of PEDS, an advocacy organization dedicated to making communities in Georgia safe and accessible to everyone who walks. Sally served previously on the Board of Directors of America Walks and on the steering committees of the Complete Streets Coalition and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. Sally has been unable to drive for most of her adult life, which inspired her passion for pedestrian safety and her ability to become a self-trained transportation professional.
Sally Sears- Founding Director, The South Fork Conservancy Sally Sears co-founded the award winning South Fork Conservancy to connect communities and neighbors along this vital tributary of Peachtree Creek. The Trust for Public Land named her its 2015 TrailBlazer for her leadership of the vision of the South Fork. Her concern for the region's growth and its effects on the environment follow 30 years of news reporting in metropolitan Atlanta.
Tina Fleming- Director, Community Services, Gwinnett County Community Services Tina Fleming has worked for the Gwinnett County Department of Community Services since 2001, serving as the Division Director of Parks and Recreation Operations before being appointed Director of Community Services in 2016. As Director, her areas of responsibility include Parks and Recreation, Health and Human Services, UGA Extension, Animal Welfare and Enforcement, Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Voter Registrations and Elections, and liaison to several community service organizations. Her more than 20 years of public service experience includes work with communities throughout Georgia.
Tracy Rye- Community Development & Planning Director, City of Norcross Tracy Rye, an Atlanta native and Georgia Tech graduate with a degree in City Planning, has been with the City of Norcross for just over a year. After taking this role in Norcross after 15 years in Douglas County and relocating with her family to Suwanee, she and her team dove into an update of the Norcross Comprehensive Plan and a rewrite of the City’s zoning ordinance. Through both endeavors, Tracy hopes to help preserve the historic charm of Norcross while making it safe for visitors via all modes of travel.
Vanessa Lira- Urban Designer, Atlanta City Studio Vanessa has been with the Atlanta City Studio since its birth in 2016. She is an urban designer with a Master of Architecture from Georgia Tech, where she also received her undergraduate degree. Go Jackets! She enjoys all things design, from interiors and architecture to cities and fashion. Vanessa attributes her love for cities to spending her childhood in her hometown of Campinas, Brazil. In her spare time, you’ll find her practicing yoga or walking in Midtown.