WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR
INVOLVEMENT WITH APA
ORANGE SECTION?
Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the planning profession, meet new colleagues, and get more involved in the Orange County planning community? Consider joining the APA Orange Section Board in an elected or appointed position!
These roles are perfect for planners at any stage of their career - from emerging professionals to seasoned practitioners - who want to contribute, connect, and help shape the programs and events our Section delivers each year. And if you’re wondering whether you’d be a good fit… you probably are. Our Board values enthusiasm, reliability, and a desire to support the planning field. If you bring that, we’ll find a place for you at the table.
ELECTED POSITIONS
Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026
Elected positions serve a two-year term and requires a vote by the APA membership.
Vice Director
for Administration
Supports the Section's administrative operations, including coordinating Board meetings, preparing agendas, and recording meeting minutes. Presides over Board meetings and fulfills the Section Director's responsibilities in their absence.
Vice Director
for Finance
​Oversees the Section's financial activities, including preparing the annual budget, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and providing financial updates to the Board. Coordinates with the Chapter to ensure appropriate financial management and reporting.
Vice Director for
Membership and Marketing
Oversees the Section's marketing and communications efforts, including coordinating with the contracted designer to produce the monthly eNewsletter and promote Section events. Supports membership engagement, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
Vice Director for
for Programs
​Organizes the Section's educational programs, including monthly lunch programs, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. Coordinates speakers and program topics to provide valuable learning opportunities and AICP Certification Maintenance (CM) credits.
Vice Director for
AICP Certification
Supports current and prospective AICP members by providing resources and guidance on certification, exam preparation, and continuing education requirements. Oversees the Section's responsibilities as an approved Certification Maintenance (CM) provider, including registering educational programs and managing CM credits.
APPOINTED POSITIONS
Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026
Appointed positions serve a one-year term and are nominated by the Section Director. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, multiple members may be assigned to a position to serve in a Co-Chair role.
Awards
Co-Chair
Organizes our annual Orange Section Planning Awards program; coordinates awards nomination process; works with jury panel to review nominations and select award winners.
At-Large
Board Member
Volunteers as-needed to assist with event setup, registration, and coordination; contributes to miscellaneous tasks that support APA's mission and operations.
California Planning Foundation
(CPF) Liaison
Attends monthly meetings of the CPF Board; promotes CPF scholarship and educational opportunities to local students.
City Liaison
Helps reserve city facilities as-needed for APA events and meetings; advocates for public sector interests in developing OC-APA's educational and programming priorities.
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Diversity Liaison
Attends regular meetings with State VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and other Section DEI leads; supports the APA California's DEI initiatives and priorities.
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Golf Tournament Chair
Organizes the annual memorial golf tournament to fundraise for student scholarships in collaboration w/ the Planning Directors Association of Orange County and ICC Orange Empire Chapter.
Historian
Organizes our annual Historic Symposium (half-day event).
Legislative Chair
Organizes our annual Legislative Update lunch program.
Webmaster
Maintains our website; works with the Board to update our latest news and events throughout the year.
Marketing Chair
Works with Board to promote OC-APA events and programs throughout the year; creates graphics, social media posts, and other marketing materials.
Sponsorship Chair
Administers OC-APA's annual sponsorship program; solicits corporate sponsors to support the Planning Awards, mentorship program, and other events.
Young & Emerging Planners Chair
Works with Board to promote OC-APA events and programs throughout the year; creates graphics, social media posts, and other marketing materials.
Interested in getting involved but not sure where to start? Or want to learn more about the Board responsibilities and time commitments? Contact Orange Section Director, Ryan Bensley by e-mailing: Ryan.Bensley@kimley-horn.com.
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Must currently work for a city in Orange County.
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This position is open to non-APA members and allies outside of the planning field.