Director of Strategic Design & Communication
Renaissance Planning
Charlottesville, Virginia
Asa is a two-time National News Emmy Award-winning journalist, urban designer, filmmaker, and communication strategist who specializes in weaving human-centered storytelling with planning, visioning, and community engagement strategies. With a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, Asa taught design studio and communication courses in the School of Architecture before leading strategic design, marketing, and communications with Renaissance Planning. Asa believes that the science, art, and soul of authentic and well-crafted storytelling has the power to bridge divided communities and inspire solutions for positive change.
Asa’s documentary film “Landscapes of Longevity” examines the impact of the built environment on human health, well-being, and life expectancy in three “Blue Zone” locations around the world. After premiering at the 2014 Virginia Film Festival, the film received several national awards for storytelling and research around the social determinants of health, and the lessons-learned for planners and urban designers to create thriving communities.
Prior to Renaissance Planning, Asa had an eight-year career at ABC News in New York producing award-winning national news stories for World News Tonight, 20/20, Good Morning America, and Nightline while working in ABC’s Investigative Unit. Asa was awarded two National News Emmy Awards in 2008 and 2006.
Sunday, April 2, 2023
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM CDT