PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Principal Planner - City of Marion, Iowa                                                     April 2018 to Present

Assistant Planning & Development Director - City of Marion, Iowa        February 2005 to April 2018

Assistant Planner - City of Marion, Iowa                                                    July 2000 to February 2005​

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• Administers and enforces the Marion Subdivision and Zoning Regulations as well as participate in short and long range planning studies related to land use, annexation, transportation and infrastructure to achieve the goals and objectives of the community.​

• Maintains and update the Marion Future Land Use Map and Marion Zoning Map.

• Reviews applications for residential, commercial and industrial development / platting; evaluates alternatives and conformance with City Policies, ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan and state and federal laws; schedules hearings and actions, monitors through the approval process, enforces compliance with regulations, prepare reports and related data as required.

• Prepare development agreements between the City and developer regarding improvements and expectations related to subdivisions.

• Establish development timelines and alternative timelines based on information submitted by the applicant to ensure projects continue to move forward through the City review process in a timely manner.

• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects and the general public regarding conformance to standards, plan specifications and codes; explain code requirements and procedures and evaluate alternatives.

• Conducts thorough review of site plans, landscape plans, central business district improvements, parks / trails / signage, variances and conditional uses for compliance with the established zoning and land development regulations.

• Assist the Planning and Development Director in various state and federal grant applications, preparation and administration.

• Successfully administered five (5) Certified Local Government (CLG) Historic Preservation Grant Projects.  Coordinated completion of grant application and proposed budget, upon acknowledgement of Grant award assisted in review of and section of professional consultant, and all aspects of generating public involvement and awareness of historic preservation activities.

• Assisted in the completion of three (3) National Register of Historic Places District Nominations and one (1) Individual National Register of Historic Places Nomination of a City owned structure.

• Assisted in administration of 2016 United States Special Census.

• Drafted new application forms and guidelines / instructions for rezoning, variance and conditional use requests to ensure that adequate and complete information was being submitted by the applicant.

• Assist the Administrative Assistant in maintaining records of projects, daily activities and other pertinent records and reports.

• Assist Mayor in creating presentation for the Annual State of the City address (2000 to 2012)

• Provide training as needed to other City Departments, builders and developers regarding ongoing amendments to the Marion Zoning Ordinance.

• Responsible for general maintenance / update of entire City of Marion Website (2006 to 2012) and for Planning Department Webpage (2001 to Present).  In addition act as staff technology liaison / support (2008 to 2012) to contracted technology support company.

 

Human Resources / Staff Planner (Internship) - Minnesota Valley Council of Governments (MVCOG)

Mankato, Minnesota               May 1999 to June 2000

• Served as intern with the MVCOG through Minnesota State University of Mankato (5/99 - 5/00) and then through the MVCOG (5/00 - 6/00).

• Drafted, updated and provided technical assistance in the interpretation of numerous planning and zoning, general administrative, economic development and human resources issues.

• Prepared salary schedules and conducted salary surveys.

• Researched and prepared grant applications.

• Assisted in development and presenting of training programs to MVCOG jurisdictions on local government issues.

 

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

 

Minnesota State University, Mankato      
Master of Arts, May 2000 - Urban & Regional Studies Institute

Degree Program:  Urban Planning

Thesis Paper (Alternative Plan):  "St. Peter Vision Plan & Design Recommendations"

 

• Served as Teaching Assistant to Dr. H. Roger Smith (August 1998 to May 1999) for URBS 100 - Introduction to the City (3 Credits)

 

Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville     
Bachelor of Science, May 1998 
Major:  Geography          Minor:  Economic Development

 

• Member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) - Delta Nu Chapter

• Member Interfraternity Council (IFC)

 

North Iowa Area Community College - Mason City
College Transfer Program, May 1995

 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

 

Computer:  Proficiency in the use of personal computers and office equipment / software including Microsoft Office products and software including exposure to GIS programs.  I possess the ability to quickly adapt to new systems and software applications. 

 

Research & Analysis:  Ability to make complex computations with speed and accuracy.  Ability to conduct research and compile technical information for reports and studies including analysis of alternatives generated by staff and applicants.

 

Communication:  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individual from other city departments / organizations, and citizen customers.

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS / VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

 

Member:    

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) - Awarded 2005

• American Planning Association (APA)

• American Planning Association (APA) - Iowa Chapter

  •  Served as Social Media Chair:   Maintain/ update chapter social media accounts (2012-2015)

• Uptown Marion Main Street Community

  •  Design Committee Member (2015 to Present)

 

Volunteer / Activities:​

• Linn-Mar Community School District

  • Boundary Update Committee Member (2013​)

  • Linn-Mar High School Parent Advisory Council Member (2017/2018)

• Panoramic Images of Iowa (Creator / Historian / Photographer)

  •   Project Website:  www.panoramicimagesofiowa.com

• The Game of the Century:  Roque (Creator / Historian)

  • Project Website:  www.roquegame.com

• Youth Coaching: Youth Basketball League Traveling Team (2015 to 2016)
                              Youth Parks & Recreation Basketball Team (2007-2013)

• Northwest Missouri State University - Eastern Iowa Alumni Association

  • Served as:  President (2012 to 2015) and Vice President (2010-2012)​