2025 National Planning Awards

Bob Duffy's distinguished planning practice has traveled a unique and highly diversified journey dedicated to public service and strategic leadership of planning organizations. Throughout his career, he has been committed to ensuring that planning plays an enduring role in achieving sustainable and equitable futures for communities. He has served as a planning director and planning commissioner for towns, cities, and counties in the Midwest, Northeast, New England, and Florida. He most recently served as planning director for Arlington County, Virginia. His award-winning planning practice has been recognized by APA, civic leaders, and local and state officials.

Mateo Alexander is a Master of Urban Planning ‘25 graduate from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, concentrating in urban analytics. With an individualized study background from the Rochester Institute of Technology, his work bridges technology, data, design, and community and economic development. Mateo has contributed to economic development, transportation planning, urban design, and smart city strategies. Passionate about inclusive and tech-forward planning, he brings a global perspective shaped by international research and local impact. He has supported planning efforts in the UAE, U.S., Paraguay, and Brazil, and aspires to advance equity-driven innovation across urban systems.

Samantha Castro, AICP, LEED ND, leads the Kentucky office of the planning, architecture, and landscape architecture firm TSW | Tunnell Spangler Walsh Associates. Samantha has a Master of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She has 20+ years in the public and private sectors in large-scale master planning, transportation planning, urban design, and community engagement. Samantha serves as a guest professor/lecturer at the University of Kentucky’s College of Design and Department of Landscape Architecture. Samantha serves as the chair of APA Kentucky’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and sits on the national APA Change Ambassador group.

Mary Cierebiej, AICP, is strategic and mission-oriented with extensive experience in building strategic coalitions and relationships with the purpose of creating and expanding new economic and business opportunities for communities. With over 20 years of planning and economic development experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, she is recognized as an influencer and convenor through public service and leadership on local, regional, and national committees. Mary showcases a deep dedication to realizing proactive, sustainable, and healthy communities that offer a solid foundation in which residents and businesses can succeed.

P.J. Ginty, AICP, serves as the planning manager for Deerfield Township, Ohio. P.J. is a 2019 graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Planning and obtained his MPA from Northern Kentucky University in 2024. P.J. serves as an instructor for the Center for Local Government Leadership Academy Land Use Planning Class, teaching southwest Ohio public sector employees about the importance and benefits of planning. In addition, he participates in the Adopt-A-Class program in partnership with the Cincinnati Section of the APA Ohio Chapter and the Academy of World Languages Elementary School to teach 7th-grade students about the planning profession.

Zack Magallanez is a senior planner with the City of San Antonio, supporting the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Planning efforts to guide long-term growth and development. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning. Previously, he was a transportation planner with the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, leading sustainable transportation and travel demand management initiatives. Zack recently served as the Emerging Professional Representative for the 2025 National Planning Conference. Passionate about creating active, sustainable, and safe cities, he brings a people-first perspective to every project.

Yogesh Saoji, AICP, is the global planning leader at DLR Group, a prominent integrated design firm. A senior planner, urban designer, and architect with more than 30 years of experience, he plays a key role in shaping the firm’s planning practice. His work spans campus planning, transportation initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration. Deeply committed to socially and ecologically responsive planning, Yogesh partners with organizations addressing social justice and equity. Recognized for his leadership and contributions, he champions inclusive, sustainable urban development in projects across the U.S. and internationally.