USM Alumna Kara W. Drane, FAICP inducted into AICP College of Fellows

Wed, 04/17/2024 - 08:38am | By: Van Arnold

Colliers Engineering & Design, a national multi-discipline and leading engineering, architecture, consulting and design firm, is pleased to announce that Kara W. Drane, FAICP, Department Manager, Planning, has achieved the planning profession’s highest honor by being selected to hold the title of American Institute of Certified Planners Fellow for her outstanding achievements in urban planning.

“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the College of Fellows. This recognition is not only a testament to my dedication to the planning profession but also a reflection of the support from my colleagues and mentors throughout my career,” shared Kara. “I am excited to continue contributing to the advancement of planning and the creation of sustainable, equitable communities. Induction into the College inspires me to renew my efforts in shaping a better future for all."

A native of Petal, Miss., Drane earned her Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in 1991.

Fellowship is granted biennially to members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence in professional practice, teaching, research, community service, and leadership.

“Members who have earned the FAICP designation are the true leaders of the planning profession,” said Karen Wolf, FAICP, President of AICP. “Their contributions and impacts to the profession serve as inspiration for future generations of planners of how to best serve our communities.”

Prior to joining Colliers Engineering & Design, Kara’s 30-year planning career included positions as Senior Planner, Catawba Regional Council of Governments, Rock Hill, South Carolina; Planning Director, Forrest County, Mississippi; and Planning Administrator, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Kara greatly appreciates her former colleagues with the American Planning Association (APA) Mississippi Chapter who sponsored her nomination to the College of Fellows, with strong support extended to her from the Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery Planning Division of the APA, and the leadership within Colliers Engineering & Design.

As one of 33 inductees into the 2024 Class of Fellows nationally, Kara’s achievements and contributions to the planning profession will be recognized at the upcoming Fellows of AICP Induction Ceremony held during the APA National Planning Conference in Minneapolis.

Please join us in congratulating Kara W. Drane on this remarkable achievement and in celebrating her continued success in shaping the future of planning.