Gerald Green, AICP

Principal

o. 828.254-1575

c. 828.216.6819

gerald@greenplanwnc.com 

Gerald Green graduated with a B.A. in Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech and a Master in City Planning from the University of Tennessee.  He worked with private and public planning agencies in Knoxville, serving communities in East Tennessee.  Gerald came to Brevard in 1982 to be the Director of Planning for the City of Brevard and Transylvania County.  In 1987, Gerald was the co-founder of a development company and worked in the Cashiers and Lake Toxoway Region.  In 1989, Gerald came to the City of Asheville and rose to the position of Chief Planner in charge of planning and downtown development activity.  

In January of 2003, Gerald left the City of Ashville and founded GreenPlan Inc.  He has been involved in a number of projects that stress sustainability, infill development, and the wise use of resources.  He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, serving as the Chair of the Mountain Sports Festivals, and working with the Merrimon Avenue Corridor Group.  

Michael Figura

Associate Planner

o. 828.254.1575

c. 828.337.8190 

michael@greenplanwnc.com 

Michael Figura began working with GreenPlan in the Fall of 2004.  He graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Environmental Thought and Practice, an interdisciplinary program that focuses on environmental protection through planning and development.

Since moving to Asheville, Michael has worked with GreenPlan on numerous projects such as 919 Haywood Rd and Hudson Street Cottages.  He also has real estate license and works with the Real Estate Center on helping developers and builders with site selection, highest and best use analysis, market studies, and sales for smart growth projects in the City of Asheville and also for conservation developments in the country.  

Michael is a strong advocate of green building and renewable energy.  He is the founding president of the Eco Agent Association, a group of real estate agents from different companies that have gone through the Asheville Board of Realtors' Eco Certification program and work together for the greater good of furthering green building and smart growth in Western North Carolina.  Michael also sits on the Board of the Asheville Design Center and is on the Board of Advisors for the local affordable housing non-profit Neighborhood Housing Services.   

Aaron Newell

Project Manager

o. 828.254.1575

c. 828.551.9250

aaron@greenplanwnc.com 

Aaron began working with GreenPlan Inc in the Summer of 2006.  He graduated from UNC Charlotte with a B.A. in Criminal Justice.  Aaron moved from Charlotte to Asheville in December of 1997 and began working in the commercial flooring industry, spearheading Western North Carolina's first carpet recycling program with Dupont.  With this program, Aaron's company saved several tons of carpet from the landfill over the course of hundreds of projects, the largest being Grove Park Inn's recent hotel renovations. Aaron also has experience with building and remodeling houses.   

Aaron currently works as GreenPlan's project manager.  He performs site inspections which include verifying that the erosion control, grading, landscaping and storm water plans are implemented correctly.  Aaron assists with permitting and serves as a liaison between developers and the City.   Aaron also maintains GreenPlan's vendor list that includes contractors, subcontractors, building suppliers, engineers, architects, marketing consultants, graphics designers and more.  

Aaron enjoys volunteering in the community and thrives in Asheville's diverse culture. He enjoys the outdoor experiences available in the area and looks forward to raising a family in Asheville.