Advisory Board

Tippe Morlan currently works as the Senior/Long Range Planner for the City of Saratoga Springs. She volunteers as the APA Utah Chapter President and the Director of Membership for APA Asian & Pacific Islander Interest Group. With a background in community development, sociology, and resort town planning, she is passionate about the crossover between tourism and planning. She received a BS in Public Policy, Management, and Planning from the University of Southern California, a MS in Sociology from Brigham Young University, and a specialized MBA in Tourism Administration (MTA) from George Washington University. She has worked for Park City, Lehi City, and Eagle Mountain City in the past. When Tippe  is not working, she can usually be found exploring cities around the world.

Meagan Booth is a Principal Planner for Salt Lake City. Her previous employment experience includes Farmington City and the City of Holladay, and she enjoys working in the public sector. She interned in Taylorsville City, where she grew up, focusing on neighborhood renovation. In 2015, she graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning. Community participation, urban design, urban ecology, grants, tactical urbanism, open space, trails, recreation, rural communities, and active transportation are some of her interests. As an APA Ambassador, she donates her time, skills, and talents to raise public awareness of planning and promote the profession to students in grades K–12. In 2021, she served as an APA Chapter Delegate, cooperating on zoning reform with planners and lawmakers, and she also participates in the APA Women’s Mentorship Program.

Spencer W. Brimley is the Community and Economic Development Director for Clearfield, Utah.  has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Urban Planning, from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah.  Before joining Clearfield he was a Planner with Salt Lake County. 

As a the Planner and Community Development Director for Clearfield City, Spencer has gained a growing range of experience in current and long planning processes and issues. In his efforts to make project reviews easier and more consistent, Spencer loves to have a process for everything he does to assure him and his staff are focused, efficient and consistent.  Spencer’s extensive experience in development review has allowed him to develop planning objectives and zoning standards with an understanding of how they will impact real projects. Spencer enjoys people and loves to make new friends and to network, especially on the golf course. Spencer is married and has four fun-loving and busy kids.  He is married to the most wonderful woman in the world and is extremely grateful to her for all her love and support that has allowed to find success at every turn.

Mike is the Assistant Director of Community Development in Duchesne County. His experience is in the public and private sector, serving areas along the urban-rural fringe in Utah and Virginia. Mike’s planning specialties include land use planning, master plan development, transportation and transit planning, and stakeholder collaboration. He holds a Master of Science in Bioregional Planning and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Utah State University. He is a native of Alpine, UT.

Kirsten Whetstone spent ten years as a City Planner in Fort Collins, Colorado learning and implementing intricacies of the Permit System approach to zoning and community development before moving back to Utah to learn the challenges of resort town planning. Kirsten was a Senior Planner in Park City, Utah for 25 years. Kirsten believes planners are visionaries, problem solvers, historic preservationists, protectors of community character, creative code writers, community engagers and advocates and balancers of varied community interests.

In 2019, Kirsten jumped on an opportunity to refocus on regional, rural town, agriculture preservation, and new urbanism planning for Summit County Community Development, Planning and Design. Kirsten is president of the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association. She was previously vice president and also chaired/co-chaired Utah APA Programs Committee for many years and coordinated the 2017 Utah APA Fall conference committee.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s in Town and Regional Planning from Utah State University. Kirsten hails from New Mexico, Land of Enchantment, and is an avid trail runner, Nordic skier and traveler who enjoys exploring canyons and mesas of southeastern Utah with her husband, Richard Bullough, and son, Garrett.

For inquiries about the APA UT Board or any matters concerning APA UT, feel free to reach out to Nicole via email at admin@apautah.org. She’ll be glad to assist you.

Nicole Masson, a native of Utah, embodies the spirit of versatility and passion in both her professional and personal endeavors. With a steadfast commitment to education, Nicole earned her master’s degree in education, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career as a teacher. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning has left an indelible mark on countless students over the years.

Driven by a familial legacy of entrepreneurship, Nicole ventured into the realm of business ownership, successfully managing her own enterprise for several years. This experience not only honed her leadership skills but also instilled in her a profound appreciation for innovation and resilience in the face of challenges.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Nicole is an avid traveler, seizing every opportunity to explore new destinations and immerse herself in diverse cultures. Despite her bustling schedule, she gracefully juggles the responsibilities of parenthood, cherishing her role as a devoted mother to two children.

Nicole’s journey led her to APA UT, where she has thrived over the past two years, contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the planning field. Embracing the intricacies of the organization, she plays a pivotal role in steering it towards its objectives, all while expanding her knowledge and understanding of urban planning.

With a multifaceted background and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Nicole Masson continues to make a meaningful impact in education, entrepreneurship, and community development, embodying the ethos of lifelong learning and growth.

Jason Boal is a Certified Planner (AICP) and Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) in the Salt Lake City offices of the law firm Snell & Wilmer. Previously, he was the Deputy Director of Development Services for Ada County, Idaho. Prior to that, he was the Planning & Building Director in Teton County, Idaho and Victor City, Idaho. He also worked as a Planner in Latah County, Idaho and Heber City, Utah, after getting his start in the planning profession with Epic Engineering P.C. in Heber City, Utah. Jason taught land use courses as an adjunct professor at both Boise State University and the University of Idaho. He has served in several positions of leadership for APA Idaho, most recently he was the Legislative Committee Chair. Jason received a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems from Brigham Young University and a Master of Science in Bioregional Planning and Community Design from the University of Idaho. In his spare time Jason enjoys traveling with his family, backpacking, fishing, camping, playing hockey as well as restoring/building cars and motorcycles.

Meredith Covey is a graduate student in the Master of City and Metropolitan Planning program at the University of Utah. She graduated with a B.A. in Urban Studies and Community Development, a minor in Sustainability from Boise State University in 2021. While at BSU she served as the Student Liaison for the Idaho APA chapter, coordinating efforts between the chapter and the Boise Urban Community Club. She is currently working as a Planning Intern for the City of North Salt Lake. Meredith is interested in ecological planning and understanding how we can plan our cities to be more resilient for a changing future. In her free time Meredith enjoys spending time skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, and reading as many books as she can find time for.

Chris Hupp, ENV SP, STP

Chris Hupp is a seasoned project manager leading planning, urban design, visualization, and landscape architecture projects in Psomas’ Salt Lake City office. While at Psomas he has had the opportunity to plan/design over 260,000 acres of land across the Western United States. He is currently affiliated with the Urban Land Institute, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, Utah Alliance, American Society of Landscape Architecture, Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, and the Sustainable Transportation Council. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Urban Ecology, and a master’s degree from the University of Washington in Sustainable Transportation and Livable Communities. Before planning Chris spent nearly a decade and a half in marketing and public engagement. He enjoys hiking, biking, camping, golf, board games, and spending time with his family.

Ted Knowlton is the Deputy Director at the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC.org). Ted is an expert at coordinating transportation, land use, and economic development. Prior to joining WFRC, he worked with the non-profit organization Envision Utah as well as in private consulting. His experience includes efforts in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City that have garnered two prestigious Daniel Burnham awards from the American Planning Association. In Utah, he facilitated the development of Wasatch Choice, the region’s official vision for growth and transportation. Ted has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, and is a distinguished Alumni of the College of Architecture + Planning at the University of Utah. He is a past president of APAUtah and serves on the City Council for North Salt Lake City.

Bruce is principal of Planning and Development Services, LLC, Salt Lake City providing various planning services to public and private sector clients located throughout Utah and the West. He is also an instructor of planning courses at the University of Utah, including Small Town and Resort Community Planning. Bruce advises state and local officials on statutory laws affecting planning and development matters and serves as a special projects manager for community (municipalities and counties) general plans and plan implementation. He also provides litigation support and expert witness testimony for public and private sector clients. Bruce serves Utah Chapter – APA as the Chapter’s Professional Development and Ethics Officer.

Wilf Sommerkorn retired as the Director of Regional Planning and Transportation for Salt Lake County in 2019, where he served from 2014. Prior to that, he was Salt Lake City Planning Director from 2008 to 2014, and Director of the Davis County Community & Economic Development Department for 14 years. He was a planner in various positions with that Department from 1981. Wilf has also served as the Community Development Director for Centerville City, and as an adjunct professor of urban planning at the University of Utah, where he taught a class in The Politics of Planning, something every planner should know! Wilf has served as Legislative Chair for the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association since 1990, where he has had a role in writing the state codes regarding land use. He was President of the APA Utah Chapter from 1986 to 1988. Wilf holds a BS in Physical Geography and Geology from the University of Utah, and an MS in Urban Planning from the University of Tennessee. Wilf now works with the non-profit Utah Land Use Institute as Deputy Executive Director, and also does planning consulting work through his firm, Sommerkorn Consulting. He is currently serving on the Kaysville City Planning Commission.

Scott Hess is the Planning Director for North Ogden City, Utah. He leads a department whose work covers General Plan development, short range planning, business licensing, building permit review, and economic development. He brings fifteen years of experience spanning positions in Municipal, County, and Regional Planning. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors, and riding bikes around the neighborhood with his wife and three daughters. He holds a B.S. in Urban Planning and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Utah.

Mackenzie Johnson is the Land Use Planner at the City of North Salt Lake where she guides responsible growth and development. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2020 where she received a Bachelor of Science in Urban Ecology and the Undergraduate Student Special Achievement Award for her graduating class. While obtaining her degree, Mackenzie worked in the construction industry as an Estimating/Project Management Assistant and Project Engineer where she fueled her passion for the built environment. She completed a yearlong internship with Salt Lake County’s Office of Regional Development in 2019 and has been with North Salt Lake ever since. She is excited to be a significant contributor to the implementation of the City’s Town Center Master Plan and Highway 89 development.

Michael Maloy, AICP, is Planning Director for Herriman City and has more than 20 years of professional planning experience in urban and suburban communities. He has presented at local and national planning conferences, published numerous articles and book reviews, and mentored dozens of urban planning students. Since 2009, Michael has also been an adjunct instructor for the City & Metropolitan Planning Department at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

spetheram@ffkr.com

Susie Petheram, AICP is a Senior Planner and Associate with FFKR in Salt Lake City, Utah. She enjoys working with communities to implement context-sensitive planning standards that promote sustainable development patterns. Susie helps her clients understand the value of their context and culture in planning for sustainable and resilient futures. Her planning projects focus on the analysis, planning, and design of multi-jurisdictional regions, cities, neighborhoods, downtown districts, historic neighborhoods, and transit station areas. Susie is a Ph.D. candidate in Metropolitan Planning, Policy, and Design at the University of Utah, where she is studying the relationships between transit and neighborhoods.

David Rodgers is thrilled to be joining the board of APA Utah as the new Welcome Coordinator. David has a degree in Criminal Justice and an MPA from Southern Utah University and has entered the planning profession with interests in public safety and placemaking. David has worked for both Sandy City and Saratoga Springs as a land use planner and currently works for Salt Lake County Planning and Transportation as the Transportation Program Coordinator. In this role he works with various agencies around the county on projects that include transit, roads, active transportation, and trail networks. David is looking forward to welcoming new Planners into APA Utah and developing his skills through conferences and other learning opportunities.

Areas: Box Elder, Cache, Rich, Weber, Davis, and Morgan

Email: brianc@brag.utah.gov

Brian Carver is the Community and Economic Development Director for the Bear River Association of Governments. For the past 15 years, he has supported regional and local planning efforts in rural communities of Northern Utah for issues such as capital infrastructure investment, affordable housing, and transportation. Prior to his service with BRAG, Brian worked for the Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, serving as staff to the Utah Quality Growth Commission and assisting with local government planning program development, community outreach, and Geographic Information System support. He earned a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning from Utah State University in 2001. He lives in Hyrum, Utah with his wife Stephanie. They have three children.

Central East

Iron, Garfield, Washington, Kane area rep.

Cody Christensen is an Associate Planner with the Five County Association of Governments.  He has over 10 years of planning experience in rural communities with both the Uintah Basin AOG and now the Five County AOG.  He grew up in the small town of Mountain Home, Utah, so helping small communities with their planning challenges that he embraces.

cchristensen@fivecounty.utah.gov

Areas: Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne

Email: jmackelprang@sevier.utah.gov

A little bit about myself, I started my career in 1998 for the Iron County Building and Zoning Department as a Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. I transferred to Sevier County in 2000 as a Building Inspector. I became the Sevier County Building Official and Zoning Administrator in 2016 where I am currently. I really enjoy the planning side, and I hope that with my 24 years of experience in the building and zoning field, I can bring them together and help small rural areas. In my spare time, I love to work on my farm, ride my horses and mules, and do anything that has to do with the outdoors. My wife, Alecia, and I have 4 daughters, 1 son, and 4 amazing grandkids.

Areas: Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan

Emails: todd.thorne@carbon.utah.gov

Todd Thorne is the Director of Building and Planning for Carbon County with over 10 years of experience working with rural communities in the eastern and central parts of the State. He enjoys working with small-town planning commissions to help them solve issues that are unique to rural Utah. He has served as the Southeastern Regional Rep since 2019.

Vacant Position