Sue Schwartz, FAICP is APA President. Her 40+ years in the planning profession includes a focus on neighborhood revitalization, greenway advocacy and a tenacious commitment to the planning profession and her fellow planners. She has been recognized at the state and national levels for both her creative projects and her leadership in the profession. These include APA National Awards in 1999 for Distinguished Contribution for the Community Planning Team Program, 2005 for Plan Implementation for the Southside Redevelopment Plan and 2022 Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan for GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan. AICP Also recognized Schwartz in 1999 with the President’s Award for AICP College of Fellows and 2016 for establishing the Certification Maintenance program.

Active throughout her career in APA serving as a chapter president, an AICP Commissioner, AICP President Since 2006, Sue has taught for NeighborWorks America and is also an Adjunct Professor for the Public Administration Program at UNC-Greensboro. She has given talks throughout her career and a sought after keynote speaker including In November 2022 a talk for TEDx Greensboro. 

Patrice Ruffin Dowdell, Esq., AICP, currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Brookhaven, GA. With over 20 years of experience in urban planning and local government, she leads strategic initiatives in sustainability, community engagement, and municipal operations. Recognized as a 2024 WLI ChangeMaker by ULI Atlanta for elevating her community through notable placemaking, creative policies, and selfless service, Ms. Ruffin Dowdell holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Urban and Regional Planning from Alabama A&M University.