Governing Board

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The Governing Board of the Urban Affairs Association consists of fifteen (15) members. The members of the governing board are nominated and elected by the members of the Association. They serve three-year terms and formally meet as a group twice a year. SEE ALSO: Governing Board History (1969-present)

UAA Governing Board (2026-27)

Kathe Newman

Kathe Newman, Chair

Professor
Urban Planning and Policy Development Program
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
2024-2027 (2nd term)

José W. Meléndez

José W. Meléndez, Vice Chair

Assistant Professor of Planning for Engaging Diverse Communities
School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management
University of Oregon
2025-2028 (2nd term)

Kimberly Mayfield Lynch

Kimberly Mayfield Lynch, Treasurer

Dean and Vice President of External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Holy Names University
2026 – 2029 (2nd term)

Deyanira Martinez Nevarez, Secretary

Assistant Professor
Michigan State University
2025-2028 (1st term)

Martine August

Associate Professor
University of Waterloo
2025-2028 (1st term)

Meagan Ehlenz

Associate Professor / Associate Director of Planning
Arizona State University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

Arturo Flores

Professor / Coordinator Anahuac Global Research Center
Anahuac Mexico University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

TIA SHERÈE GAYNOR

Tia Sherèe Gaynor

Associate Professor
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
2026 – 2029 (2nd term)

Cecilia Giusti

Retired Faculty Member
Texas A&M University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

Rachel Kleit

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, College of Engineering;
Professor of City and Regional Planning
The Ohio State University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

Cathy Yang Liu

Cathy Yang Liu

Distinguished University Professor & Associate Dean
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Georgia State University
2025-2028 (2nd term)

Zhilin Liu

Professor
Tsinghua University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

Tom Skuzinski

Associate Professor
Northern Illinois University
2026 – 2029 (1st term)

Jocelyn Taliaferro

Professor
School of Social Work
Morgan State University
2024-2027 (2nd term)

NATHANIEL WRIGHT

Nathaniel Wright

Associate Professor
Rutgers University-Camden
2026 – 2029 (2nd term)