Mr. George Wheatle Williams, PP/AICP, is a licensed Professional Planner with over 30 years of experience in neighborhood planning, land use, and economic development, focused on advancing underserved communities. A Rutgers University graduate with a Master’s in City and Regional Planning, he spent over two decades in the public sector before founding Nishuane Group, a firm specializing in land use, redevelopment, and community planning. As a partner, he leads the firm’s land use practice, providing expert testimony, regulatory guidance, and strategic insight to both public and private clients. Beyond his professional work, he mentors emerging planners and young men through Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and equitable community development.

Ms. Michèle S. Delisfort, PP/AICP, is an accomplished urban planner, educator, and public servant with deep experience in planning, policy, and community leadership. A Rutgers University graduate with a Master’s in City and Regional Planning, she has served as Transportation Coordinator at the Port Authority of NY & NJ, Manager of Comprehensive Planning in East Orange, and is now a Principal at Nishuane Group. A licensed realtor and author of the APA-NJ Redevelopment Policy Guide, she is also an adjunct professor and active mentor within the American Planning Association. In Union Township, Ms. Delisfort has served as Mayor, Planning Board Vice Chair, and committee chair, earning numerous awards for her leadership and service. Through her work, she continues to bridge the gap between urban planning and the communities she is dedicated to uplifting.

Mr. Gerard M. Haizel, PP/AICP, has over 20 years of experience in urban planning, community development, and economic revitalization. He holds a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Urban Planning from New York University. Before joining Nishuane Group in 2009 as a Senior Associate, he served in key roles with the City of Jersey City, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the Bergen County Community Action Partnership, and as Executive Director of Episcopal Community Development, Inc. A licensed planner and GIS expert, Mr. Haizel has led community revitalization efforts, secured funding for affordable housing, and provided expert testimony before land use boards. His work continues to strengthen the link between urban planning, community development, and economic opportunity across the tri-state region.

Ms. Olivia Brown has 11 years of professional experience in the administrative field
in both the private and public sectors.

Mrs. Anika Dodson-Casimir has seven years of experience in construction project management, specializing in data centers, residential construction, and retail office fit-outs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Concrete Industry Management from NJIT and is a Certified Associate in Project Management. Since joining Nishuane Group in 2021, Anika has advanced project management processes that support efficient redevelopment implementation for municipal and private clients. She monitors construction conditions, ensures compliance with redevelopment agreements, and brings prior experience from Clune Construction, where she managed multimillion-dollar projects and supported training development. She is also an advocate for greater diversity within the construction industry.

Mr. Steven Martini, PP/AICP, is a licensed Professional Planner with nearly eight years of experience in redevelopment, land use, and economic development across public and private sectors. He holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University and began his career with the NYC Department of City Planning and the Superstorm Sandy Recovery Planning Studio for Sea Bright. Before joining Nishuane Group in 2019, he worked at VHB Engineering and Phillips Preiss Grygiel. At Nishuane Group, Steven prepares redevelopment studies, conducts economic impact analyses, and supports comprehensive planning initiatives, bringing a strong research and analytical focus to the firm’s projects.

Mr. Justin Melao is a multidisciplinary professional with experience in architecture, urban planning, and interior design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from NJIT and previously worked at an architectural firm in Bergen County, where he produced drawings and interpreted zoning ordinances. At Nishuane Group, Justin applies his GIS and architectural expertise to create form-based redevelopment plans, zoning ordinances, and maps while supporting Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development initiatives and assisting municipalities with zoning interpretation and application reviews.

Mr. Eziokwubundu Ukponu is a sustainability professional with seven years of experience in environmental consulting, energy efficiency outreach, and sustainable development. He holds a B.S. in Sustainability Science from Kean University, an MBS from Rutgers University, and a LEED Green Associate certification. Since joining Nishuane Group in 2024 as Sustainability Manager, he has advanced the firm’s sustainability initiatives by helping municipalities and organizations reduce carbon footprints, improve energy efficiency, and integrate resiliency planning to build more sustainable, future-ready communities.