Mark Zitzow, Principal, Urban Planner for Johnson & Associates, was recently named Chair of Urban Land Institute (ULI) Oklahoma. The Urban Land Institute is a global, multidisciplinary real estate organization whose work is driven by 45,000-plus members dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact.

ULI Oklahoma is a growing council within ULI’s global network. With over 400 members in Oklahoma, Zitzow will serve on a voluntary basis for a two-year term that ends in 2027. Past District Council Chairs since ULI Oklahoma was founded in 2007 have included: Kirk Humphreys, Leslie Bachelor, Blair Humphreys, AJ Kirkpatrick, Todd Glass, Cameron Brewer, Ashley Terry, and Reeve Tarron.

Mark Zitzow is a partner and urban planner with Johnson & Associates in Oklahoma City, where he leads the firm’s planning and entitlement practice. With over a decade of experience, he has played a key role in shaping major infrastructure, mobility, and land use projects across the city. Further, Zitzow has been a member of ULIOK for over 10 years and has served on the ULIOK Management Committee in various roles.

“It is a privilege to serve the members of ULI Oklahoma,” Zitzow said. “ULI has been one of the most influential organizations in both my professional journey and in the growth of Oklahoma City. The friendships, mentorship, and professional development I’ve gained through ULI have shaped who I am as a planner and leader. It’s especially exciting to take on this role during such a pivotal moment for our city with a new development code on the horizon, the global spotlight of the Olympics approaching, and the momentum of a recent Thunder championship all underscoring the importance of thoughtful urban growth. I look at the list of past chairs and feel truly proud to be in their company. As Chair, I’m committed to ensuring ULI remains the premier real estate organization in the state—supporting our members through meaningful initiatives, expanding our reach, and advancing conversations that lead to more effective planning and quality development across Oklahoma.”

In addition to Zitzow’s appointment as District Council Chair, ULI Oklahoma is also pleased to announce Brent Gathright, Director of Preconstruction for Cowen Construction, will lead the growing membership base and program of work in the Tulsa metro area. Together, Zitzow and Gathright will preside over volunteer leadership teams of ULI members who lead various initiatives and committees.

“I am thrilled and honored to be able to lead the work of ULI Oklahoma in Tulsa. As a grassroots organization, we are actively involved in shaping policy and providing networking opportunities for those planning, developing and building urban developments and addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting our region including affordable housing, transit, and sustainable design.  Over the past two years, thanks in large part to our past chair Josh Kunkel and a fantastic leadership committee, we have seen a 30% growth in membership and doubled our sponsorships, and I look forward to continuing that momentum as we grow the organization in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma.”

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The Urban Land Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent multidisciplinary land use and real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. Learn more about ULI Oklahoma at oklahoma.uli.org.