Maxwell L. Sokol, AICP – Chapter President Candidate
Statement:
It is with great honor that I submit my name for consideration to be the next APA NY Metro Chapter President. Building upon the past four years as a member of the Executive Committee, and seven years overall as an increasingly active Chapter member, my commitment to the Chapter is as strong as ever.
The Chapter membership deserves a President who is first and foremost ready for the job, and my extensive contributions to the Chapter have prepared me to assume this role. My APA credentials include the following leadership positions within the Chapter:
· Current Vice President of Committees (2015-Present)
· Former New York City Section Director (2012-2014)
· Current Member, Long Island Section Steering Committee (2009-Present)
· Current Chair, Mentorship Subcommittee, Young Planners Group (2013-Present)
· Former Columbia University Representative (2011-2012)
In these roles, and through collaboration with many Chapter members, I have gained invaluable experience contributing to the Chapter’s programming, financial operations, and communications strategy.
Another essential ingredient to a successful presidency is a forward-thinking vision for the Chapter’s future. In addition to providing continuing education and professional networking opportunities, and advocating for/against policy positions, I firmly believe the Chapter serves a larger purpose – to promote the inherent value of the planning profession and to continually demonstrate the relevance of the APA as an important voice in the region. My proudest APA achievement to date has been to build and enhance our Chapter’s inter-organizational partnerships by jointly organizing events with the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Civil Engineers, WTS, and other related professional associations. As President, I will further these efforts to get increased exposure for our Chapter and members.
I will also approach the presidency from a regional perspective, recognizing that there are four geographic Sections with distinct interests that comprise the Chapter. Beyond my active APA involvement in multiple Sections to date, my professional experience throughout the region (in the private, public, and non-profit sectors) effectively prepares me to assume the role of Chapter President – prior to joining WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, I worked for the Nassau County Planning Department, interned with the Regional Plan Association, and served as a September 11th Memorial Fellow with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council.
When I was graciously awarded the Floyd Lapp Award in 2014 for my service to the Chapter, I noted in my remarks that my APA involvement has been driven by the following mentality: “Ask not what the Chapter can do for you; ask what you can do for the Chapter.” Since I became an APA member in 2009 after winning the Arthur Kunz Memorial Scholarship from the Long Island Section, I have actively sought out opportunities to give back to the profession by immersing myself in the work of the Chapter. If elected President, I will approach the position with the same vigor and enthusiasm, and will seek to build upon the remarkable job of James Rausse and past presidents in providing a strong framework for the Chapter’s future.