ASLA Florida Town Hall
Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
Connect with chapter leadership and fellow members for a brief, informative session covering key updates, legislative news, conference highlights, member benefits, and ways to get involved. Bring your questions and ideas—this is your chance to engage and be heard!
Meet the Speakers:
Helen Cohen
Helen holds both BSLA from Cornell University and an MLA from the University of Michigan. She has worked for the past 19 years with Urban Design Studio in West Palm Beach Florida where she is a Senior Landscape Architect. Her practice spans a wide range of project types from institutional to private sector where she focuses on full-service project management and design for projects seeking zoning entitlements. A member of ASLA’s Florida Chapter since 2008, Helen became involved as a volunteer serving as 2017 ASLA Florida’s state conference chair and as Education Chair for three years before holding her current position as Member at Large for Education and Research. She was recently elected to serve as President Elect for the ASLA Florida chapter and will step into this role following the ASLA National Conference on Landscape Architecture in late October 2024.
Alex Fenech
While embracing and practicing sound leadership, mentorship and continuous education continue to be a staple in Alex’s professional journey. His involvement with ASLA through various committees and initiatives has been a key to his growth, and now serves as Trustee of the ASLA Florida Chapter. Championing a “lead by example” mentality, he serves as Principal with the Hitchcock Design Group’s South Florida Office. With a focus on his elevating his craft in executing projects in the region, he has put mentoring members of the team and nurturing the next generation of landscape architects at the forefront of his career. Alex received a BLA from Michigan State University in 2011.
Diana Ferguson
Diana joined Rutledge Ecenia in January 2011 as an attorney and lobbyist. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of environmental and administrative law, regulated industries and government relations. She currently provides governmental advocacy services for several clients, including businesses, local governments, associations, and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the firm, Diana provided legislative counsel to the Florida Association of Counties. In that capacity, she lobbied numerous environmental issues as well as other local government issues.
Leigh Gevelinger
Leigh is the founder and lead landscape architect of Coastal Vista Design, bringing diverse experience from design-build work to large-scale planning across coastal Southwest Florida. She launched her firm to foster an innovative, community-focused design culture.
Leigh has led the transformation of hundreds of properties and played a key role in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. A dedicated member of ASLA Florida, she actively mentors students, supports local charities, and advocates for the profession. Outside of work, she’s a proud wife, mom of three, and outdoor enthusiast who leads by example.
Leah Heinzelmann
Leah Heinzelmann traveled over 1,500 miles to begin her career at Cotleur & Hearing in June of 2016. She is a Wisconsin native who attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated with a double major in landscape architecture and music performance. Leah is a registered landscape architect and has gained experience working on various projects in Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County. Her work has involved designing and planning outdoor spaces, including parks, commercial spaces, master plan communities and other landscapes. This past June, Leah became an Associate Partner at Cotleur and Hearing and looks forward to continual growth with the company. In 2022 Leah became President-Elect for the American Society of Landscape Architects Florida Chapter and will become President this November. Apart from her career, Leah has a passion for strength training. She has become deeply involved in powerlifting and CrossFit, and she actively competes in meets across the state of Florida and Nationally.
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is a dynamic project manager and registered landscape architect known for aligning project teams with client goals while fostering innovative, solutions-driven design. Rising from entry-level designer to licensed professional and project manager in just four years—a journey that often takes a decade—Adam has proven his natural leadership and commitment to excellence.
In 2019, he was recognized as the Florida Chapter ASLA Exceptional Emerging Professional of the Year and was elected Chapter President later that year, a testament to the high regard of his peers.
Currently, Adam continues to contribute to the profession as the Chair of the 2025 ASLA Florida Annual Conference Planning Committee, leading efforts to organize a pivotal event for landscape architects across the state.
Kevin White
Kevin White is a Senior Landscape Architect with England Thims & Miller Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science, College of Agriculture, University of Florida and his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida- 2002 (1st graduating class of the 5-year accredited program). Kevin has been a committed member of ASLA Florida for 24 years and has served in various roles including President of the Chapter and currently serves as the Member at Large for Advocacy and Licensure.
