Mary Means applies more than 25 years of experience, knowledge and insight to each client's assignment and leads a core team of results-oriented colleagues. Nationally recognized as a leader in community revitalization, heritage development and strategic planning, Mary has guided MMA since 1990. She has led multi-disciplinary teams for complex regional plans, designed and managed large visioning initiatives, facilitated resolution of high profile transportation and development projects, and coached organizations through the transition to implementation.

Jinni Benson's reputation as a master facilitator is well deserved. In her more than 20 years of experience, she has both led and advised planning agencies. Her knowledge of land use, growth management and zoning techniques brings MMA clients the tools needed to implement policies. Jinni is an expert trainer and coach of staff and volunteers. Her management insights and coaching skills help our client organizations put plans into practice. Jinni heads MMA's Charlotte office.

Jackie Barton is a planner with a background in public management and a passion for heritage development. Her multidisciplinary background allows her to understand our projects at many scales and from many perspectives. MMA clients benefit from Jackie's analytical skills and ability to synthesize wide ranging data and information into clear, insightful recommendations. She is our resident expert in web communications and runs MMA's Columbus, Ohio office.

Abby Scott is a land use planner and GIS wrangler and much more. With her passion for sustainability and her commitment to listening and understanding people’s attachment to community, she is an asset for us and for MMA’s diverse range of clients.

Cathie Lechareas in MMA's Alexandria, VA office, is our organizational support system, juggling our travel schedules, making sure public meetings work seamlessly, assuring that deadlines are met, bills are sent and much more. Plus, she does all this with excellent judgment, patience, and a great sense of humor.

Kweli Kitwana's background in community organizing and neighborhood revitalization has shaped an effective and pragmatic approach that helps citizen groups effectively participate in planning and consensus building.

What do we mean by "a small but mighty planning firm?"
Sounds flip, but it isn't. Many projects call for specialized expertise that's affordable. To provide our clients the very best talent available, MMA has developed a core network of distinguished practitioners with whom we regularly work. We are thus able to bring to challenging assignments some of the nation's most gifted experts. They, too are motivated by the enjoyment of collaboration and the satisfaction of seeing communities succeed. Among them are:

Dr. Shomer Zwelling, Center for History Now. Shomer is a visionary interpretive planner whose work with Sturbridge Village, Colonial Williamsburg, Lowell National Historic Site, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum vividly demonstrate his ability to forge connections between people, events, places and our own lives.

Elaine Van S. Carmichael, Economic Stewardship, Inc. Elaine works with us on assignments that require thorough market analysis, innovative strategies for revenue generation, and imagination. Elaine combines behavioral insights with great depth of understanding of market feasibility and familiarity with operational management of cultural and heritage attractions.

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