The APA-IL is starting 2019 with a new members-only newsletter feature called Member Spotlight. Every month, the APA-IL will turn the spotlight on members who are making an impact in Illinois urban planning and with the APA-IL. These members exemplify the APA-IL's determination to Make Great Communities in Illinois!
This month, we talk with...
Marcy Knysz, AICP Senior Planner, Rolf Campbell Associates and 2019 APA-IL Conference Chair
Tell us a little about yourself.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and my master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. Prior to joining Rolf Campbell Associates/Manhard Consulting, I held positions at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake County Planning Department.
What are some of your current or notable projects?
While I perform typical Village Planner duties for several communities in the metropolitan Chicago area, I also focus on natural resource related projects such as Watershed Planning and Creek Restoration.
I am currently working on a Comprehensive Plan for the Village of Round Lake Beach in Lake County, Illinois. I have also been working with other Rolf Campbell Associates planners on park planning projects in the Village of Pingree Grove, and review of a proposed Mixed Use project in the Village of Green Oaks TIF District.
Throughout my career and while raising two daughters, my interest in natural resources has grown. I truly enjoy working on watershed planning projects. In 2012, I became the Watershed Coordinator for the Buffalo Creek Clean Water Partnership and ultimately obtained grant funding to author a Watershed-Based Plan for Buffalo Creek in Lake and Cook Counties. I am currently the Technical Services Coordinator for the North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup. In 2018, I worked on the restoration design of 1,500 linear feet of Buffalo Creek adjacent to the Buffalo Creek Nature Preserve in Buffalo Grove, Lake County. I am currently working on two additional stream restoration projects.
How have you been involved with the APA-IL?
In 2017 and 2018, I was the Programming Chair for the APA-IL Conference. This year, I am the Chair for the 2019 State Conference and I am honored to have been chosen for the position. We have already started planning for the conference and I am excited about the unique opportunities we will have this year with the conference being held back in Evanston. I hope to see you September 25-27 and the Hilton Orrington / Evanston.
What is your favorite activity outside of the office?
My favorite activity outside of the office is spending time with my husband and two daughters. The majority of my time is spent shuttling my daughters to and from their activities and attending their dance and ice-skating competitions. I recently attended the IHSA State Dance competition in Bloomington followed by the UDA National Dance Competition in Orlando, Florida with my older daughter. In mid-February, I am traveling abroad with my family to cheer on my younger daughter who is representing Team USA at an international Synchronized Skating competition in Milan, Italy.