Congratulations Melissa!

We at Dunlap and Shipman would like to share some great news! Melissa Ward has earned the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credential. This professional certification reflects her commitment to our clients and demonstrates her expertise in the field.

The certification is awarded to individuals who pass the AICP examination, a rigorous 4-hour, 170-question exam that measures the skills essential for a professional in the field of planning.

The AICP certification is the only nationwide, independent verification of planner’s qualification. Achieving this certification proves that she has the academic qualification, relevant work experience, and mastery of essential skills required to serve our clients effectively.

Melissa is an experienced planner, with a career emphasis on land use planning and urban design, policy making, public involvement for better decision-making and community outreach, strategic communications. She has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors. She provides strategic guidance to clients to efficiently navigate a broad range of growth management and planning issues focusing on the local government planning and collaboration, project management, including her vast experience in public presentation before regulatory and policy-making agencies.

After her 10+ years at Walton County Planning and Development, Melissa has worked as a planning consultant and lead on land use planning projects for Sachs & La Seur, PA before coming to Dunlap & Shipman in 2017. She has served in several capacities in local groups such as Rotary Club of South Walton, serving the community by providing guidance and resources during critical or emergency situations.