OBJECTIVE:

To undertake a challenging and rewarding position that will allow me to utilize skills obtained in both past and current educational and professional planning environments.

Assistant Planning & Development Director        December 2004 to Present

Assistant Planner - City of Marion, Iowa                July 2000 to December 2004 

• Administers and enforces the Marion Sudivision and Zoning Regulationsas well as participate in short and long range planning studies related to land use, annexation, transporation and infrastructure to achive the goals and objectives of the community.
• Maintains and update the Marion Future Land Use Map and Marion Zoning Map wit the assistance from the Marion Engineering Department.
• Reviews applications for residential, commercial and industrial develpment / 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, enorces compliance wiht regulations, prepare reports and related data as required.
• Prepare development agreements between the City and develpoer regarding improvements 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 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, partks / 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 administared five(5) Certiied 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.
• Drated 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 presenation for the Annual State of the City address.
• Provide training as needed to other City Departments, builders and developers regrading ongoing amendments to the Marion Zoning Ordinance.
• Responsible for general maintenance of City of Marion Website (2006 - Present)  and act as staff technology liasian (2008 to Present) to contracted technology support company.

Owner / Operator - Elevated Imagery

Marion, Iowa                             April 2009 to Present

• Specialized real-estate photography business serving primarily the Cedar Valley Corridor (Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City) - www.elevatedimageryofiowa.com
• Work with local real-estate and leasing agents to provide low altitude aerial mast photography to assist in the marketing of they're clients properties

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).
• Drated, updated and provided technical assistance in the interpretation of numerous planning and zoning, general administrative, economic development and human resources issues.
• Prepared salary scheduels and conducated salary surveys.
• Researched and prepared grant applications.
• Assisted in development and presenting of training programs to MVCOG jursidictions on local government issues.

Minnesota State University, Mankato     
Master of Arts, May 2000

Degree Program:  Urban Planning

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

• 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

Computer:  Proficiency in the use of personal computers and office equipment / software including Microsoft Office products and software.  Limited exposure to GIS programs, however 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 efectively both orally and in writing.  Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individual from other city departments / organizations, and citizen customers.

Member:     American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

                   American Planning Association (APA)

Volunteer:   Vice-President Northwest Missouri State University - Eastern Iowa Alumni Association (2010 to Present)

                   Coaching (youth sports) - Marion Parks & Recreation Dept. (2006 to Present)