Board of Directors
Niki Wetzel, President
Niki Wetzel, a 27-year community development professional, is currently the Community Development Director for the City of Garden Grove. Niki is responsible for overseeing the City’s Planning Services, Building and Safety, and Code Enforcement divisions. Prior to Garden Grove, Niki served as the Deputy Director of Planning and Building for the City of Anaheim, overseeing historic and multi-billion-dollar projects such as the future OC Vibe mixed-use project and the Disneyland Forward project. She also managed and mentored a staff of 25.
Niki began her professional career in 1995 with the City of Laguna Niguel. She later joined the City of Anaheim as a planner until 2004, when she moved over to the City of Rolling Hills Estates managing large development projects as a Principal Planner. In 2015, she joined the City of Lake Forest, where she was promoted to Assistant Director of Community Development, overseeing the Planning and Code Enforcement divisions, before re-joining the City of Anaheim in 2020.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, where she was recognized as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Most Outstanding Graduate Student. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, graduating with high honors. She is a member of the American Planning Association and maintains membership and certification from the AICP.
She and her husband have three adult children. She loves dogs and has adopted two from local animal shelters. She is a registered yoga instructor and is passionate about promoting a healthy mind and body.
Matt Foulkes, Immediate Past President
Matt Foulkes serves as the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Buena Park, a position he held for the past two-years. Prior to joining Buena Park, Matt was the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Fullerton. Matt has spent his career in Orange County local government starting as a planning intern for the City of Santa Ana. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Analysis and Design and his Master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine. When not at work, you can usually find Matt working on a DIY project in his garage or chasing around after his two young children and dog.
Jason Killebrew, Vice President
Jason Killebrew currently serves as the Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director for the City of Brea. Jason is approaching two decades of planning, policy, and economic development experience serving various municipalities in the Southern California region. Prior to his work in Brea, Jason served as the Planning Manager for the City of Eastvale, Principal Planner for the County of Riverside, Planner for the City of Pasadena, and Assistant Planner for the City of Santa Clarita. Jason’s professional roots were established in Orange County obtaining a Bachelors of Arts degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton and interning for the City of Irvine Redevelopment Agency. Jason enjoys traveling with his family and is an avid Lakers fan.
Alicia Velasco, Vice President
Alicia Velasco is an accomplished professional with extensive municipal experience, currently serving as the Planning Director for the City of Cypress. In this role, she manages multiple divisions, including planning, code enforcement, economic development, and housing. Prior to this position, Alicia was the Director of the Community and Economic Development for the City of Lomita. Her very first position was as a planning intern for the City of Mission Viejo. Her educational background includes a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a B.A. in Geography from California State University, Fullerton.
Alicia resides in Long Beach with her husband, two daughters, and her chihuahua mix - Jojo. While she enjoys going to the beach and walking her dog, most of her time is spent shuttling her daughters to various sports events, and she humorously considers herself the lowest-paid Uber driver.
Alexa Smittle, Vice President
Alexa Smittle has served as the Community Development Director for the City of Seal Beach since November 2021, and was previously the Community Development Director for the City of Westminster. Prior to her career in the public sector, she was a Principal at RSG, Inc. working her way up over more than a decade with the firm, consulting for communities throughout the state in economic development, municipal finance, real estate, and affordable housing.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UC Irvine, and an undergraduate degree in Regional Development from the University of Arizona. She worked in the restaurant industry throughout her educational experience, meeting her husband, and eventually opening a deli together for a short period of time.
She enjoys walking, kayaking, and Pilates, especially when she can get at least one of her two children to accompany her.
Nate Farnsworth, Vice President
Nate Farnsworth is the Community Development Director for the City of Yorba Linda. With 25 years of experience in municipal planning, Nate has a proven track record of managing complex land use issues and delivering thoughtful, community-centered development solutions. Before his current role, Nate served in a variety of planning and leadership capacities at the City of Yorba Linda, including Planning Manager and Principal Planner. He was instrumental in advancing Yorba Linda’s 2021–2029 Housing Element. Nate’s public service career also includes various planner roles with Rancho Santa Margarita, Westminster, Costa Mesa, and Springville, Utah. He has also served in various leadership roles with the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee.
Russell Bunim, Vice President
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