Sandra Whitehead
About Sandra Whitehead
Sandra Whitehead serves as the Program Director for the Sustainable Urban Planning Department at The George Washington University, where she has worked since 2019. She has extensive experience in urban planning across various sectors and has held multiple academic and leadership roles throughout her career.
Work at The George Washington University
Sandra Whitehead has served as the Program Director for the Sustainable Urban Planning Department at The George Washington University since 2019. In this role, she leads an interdisciplinary urban planning program that emphasizes the development of healthy and sustainable communities. Her leadership has contributed to the recognition of the program's graduates for their significant impact on global urban planning and sustainability.
Previous Academic Positions
Prior to her current role, Sandra Whitehead held several academic positions. She worked as an Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University for a brief period in 2011 and at the University of Florida from 2010 to 2011. These positions contributed to her extensive experience in urban and regional planning education.
Professional Experience in Urban Planning
Sandra Whitehead has a diverse professional background in urban planning across various sectors. She was the Director of Program and Partnership Development at the National Environmental Health Association from 2016 to 2019. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Healthy Community Design at the Florida Department of Health from 2007 to 2014. Her experience spans governmental, non-profit, and private sectors, providing her with a broad perspective on urban planning challenges.
Educational Background
Sandra Whitehead holds a Research Doctorate in Public Administration from Florida State University, where she studied from 1988 to 1994. She also earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the same institution in 1989. Earlier, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Anthropology at the University of West Florida from 1984 to 1987. Her educational background supports her expertise in urban planning and public policy.
Early Career and Internships
Sandra Whitehead began her career with an internship at the City of Tallahassee in 1988. This experience laid the groundwork for her future roles in urban planning. Following her internship, she worked as a Consultant at Cardno-TBE from 2014 to 2015, further enhancing her practical skills in the field. Her early career experiences contributed to her comprehensive understanding of urban planning dynamics.