American Planning Association | City Planning & Management Division

Who We Are

The APA City Planning & Management Division Mentorship Committee guides and supports the program, helping create meaningful connections between emerging and experienced planning professionals. We are also grateful to our past mentors, whose time, expertise, and commitment have helped strengthen the program and the next generation of planning professionals.

The Mentorship Committee

Jenifer Pruitt Pitts, AICP, LEED AP, CNU-A
Mentorship Program Manager

Jennifer is an experienced urban planner with a strong background in city planning, development services, and project management. She recently served as Senior Director of Planning for the City of Waxahachie, Texas (2021–2025), where she led sustainable planning initiatives and advised the City Council. Prior roles include Acting Development Services Director and Assistant Director in Burleson, Texas, and key planning positions in Arlington, where she managed major projects like the Viridian community and Loews Luxury Hotel.

Her career began in Carson City, Nevada, where she advanced from Planning Technician to Principal Planner II. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the New School of Architecture in San Diego and is certified as an AICP, LEED AP, and CNU-A. A U.S. Naval Reserves veteran, she served as a Hospital Corpsman during Operation Desert Storm.

Virginia Norris, MSP

Martin Garcia, PhD

Taeyoung (Paul) Kim

The City Planning & Management Division extends its sincere appreciation to the three individuals whose vision, dedication, and hard work brought the Mentorship Program to life. They conceived and developed the program, guided its inaugural cohort, and thoughtfully established the structure and resources that continue to support its success.

Their attention to detail and commitment to creating a meaningful experience for both mentors and mentees provided a strong foundation for the program to grow and continue beyond their direct involvement. We are grateful for their leadership, generosity, and investment in the future of the planning profession.