Planning Services Manager

• Jul 2023 - Present

In this position, I oversee the work of the Planning division within the Knoxville-Knox County Planning agency, dealing with both long-range planning efforts and the regulation of growth and development within the city and county, primarily through zoning, subdivision, and development plan review. I supervise planners and the customer service team in their efforts to support both the City of Knoxville and Knox County. I am also part of the team working on the Unified Development Ordinance for… Show more In this position, I oversee the work of the Planning division within the Knoxville-Knox County Planning agency, dealing with both long-range planning efforts and the regulation of growth and development within the city and county, primarily through zoning, subdivision, and development plan review. I supervise planners and the customer service team in their efforts to support both the City of Knoxville and Knox County. I am also part of the team working on the Unified Development Ordinance for Knox County. This will be a new comprehensive plan that incorporates land use and transportation elements based on the extensive public outreach data from the Advance Knox process.

Principal Planner & Planning Services Coordinator

• Jul 2022 - Jul 2023

This agency supports both the City of Knoxville and Knox County but is not part of either. Each jurisdiction has its own zoning ordinance and its own staff, and we work with both. Our support extends to all City and County boards except the Boards of Zoning Appeals. Supervisor Responsibilities: * Oversaw front desk operations & application processes * Coordinated the training of new staff on customer service functions * Supervised the plat, addressing, and customer service… Show more This agency supports both the City of Knoxville and Knox County but is not part of either. Each jurisdiction has its own zoning ordinance and its own staff, and we work with both. Our support extends to all City and County boards except the Boards of Zoning Appeals. Supervisor Responsibilities: * Oversaw front desk operations & application processes * Coordinated the training of new staff on customer service functions * Supervised the plat, addressing, and customer service teams * Trained the plat review team on plat intake and review processes * Assigned plats for review by internal staff * Supervised entry level planners * Mentored and provided professional guidance to other planners and planning technicians Monthly Responsibilities: * Served as primary liaison for subdivision regulations and zoning ordinance amendments * Prepared staff reports detailing analysis and recommendations for a variety of case types including rezonings, future land use map amendments, development plans, special use/uses on review, planned developments, street closures, etc. * Presented findings of controversial or complex cases to the Planning Commission and TTCDA * Reviewed and analyzed conceptual and formal applications for all Boards and Commissions to ensure compliance Long Range Planning Efforts: * Researched, coordinated, and wrote amendments for the Subdivision Regulations * Facilitated requested zoning ordinance amendments of both jurisdictions * Conducted research, data analysis, and field investigations of existing conditions to investigate possible long-range planning scenarios * Presented information at public outreach meetings * Lead planner on Alcoa Highway Corridor Study, an analysis of existing conditions and a series of recommendations to the City of Knoxville and Knox County * Team lead on annual One Year Plan updates from 2019-2022

Principal Planner

• Jan 2022 - Jul 2022

Senior Planner

• Jul 2020 - Jan 2022

Planner

• Apr 2019 - Jul 2020

Land Development Administrator (essentially a Planner II)

• Feb 2017 - Apr 2019

When I first began this position, my goal was to gain exposure to various planning elements to continue learning as a working professional. While I am most excited about the long-range planning experience this position afforded me, I appreciate the insight that working on everyday current planning requests has given me in understanding how long-term decisions can impact those who live and work in the present as an area is transitioning. Contributions/Achievements: * Co-wrote zoning… Show more When I first began this position, my goal was to gain exposure to various planning elements to continue learning as a working professional. While I am most excited about the long-range planning experience this position afforded me, I appreciate the insight that working on everyday current planning requests has given me in understanding how long-term decisions can impact those who live and work in the present as an area is transitioning. Contributions/Achievements: * Co-wrote zoning and corridor plan for commercial corridor in Maryville, TN * Created SketchUp model of proposed changes for commercial corridor Responsibilities: * Conducted research and data analysis and field investigations of existing conditions * Prepared and presented findings in written and oral reports and presentations to all City Boards and Commissions at public meetings * Reviewed and analyzed conceptual and formal applications for all Boards and Commissions to ensure compliance

Planner

• Jul 2016 - Feb 2017

Research Assistant, Economic Development

• May 2015 - Jul 2016

The interesting thing to me about niche markets is how they can be leveraged, particularly by smaller municipalities, to drive local economies and create a unique sub-culture for the city at the same time. I researched Richmond's artisan economy and how the artisan business model has affected Richmond and other similar cities. My findings built on two previous CURA reports. I also began looking at certain institutional support systems that can assist artisans in their endeavors and how local… Show more The interesting thing to me about niche markets is how they can be leveraged, particularly by smaller municipalities, to drive local economies and create a unique sub-culture for the city at the same time. I researched Richmond's artisan economy and how the artisan business model has affected Richmond and other similar cities. My findings built on two previous CURA reports. I also began looking at certain institutional support systems that can assist artisans in their endeavors and how local municipalities can leverage these to create an atmosphere conducive to an artisan economy. Heritage Tourism is another niche market Virginia can tap into. I conducted research into how this type of travel could be an economic driver, utilizing Virginia's unique cultural landscape and historical significance to increase visitation to the state. Responsibilities: * Conducted research and data analysis of heritage tourism programs at state level * Performed analysis and data retrieval of statewide heritage and general travel * Researched museum expenditures to ascertain trends in operational expenditures * Presented findings at weekly meetings where we tweaked focus of ongoing plan development * Wrote introduction, methodology, and data portions of report in preparation for IMPLAN analysis * Researched and wrote three sections of Richmond's Artisan Economy: 2015 * Co-presented research findings at Virginia's Main Street program convention, Downtown Intersections Show less The interesting thing to me about niche markets is how they can be leveraged, particularly by smaller municipalities, to drive local economies and create a unique sub-culture for the city at the same time. I researched Richmond's artisan economy and how the artisan business model has affected Richmond and other similar cities. My findings built on two previous CURA reports. I also began looking at certain institutional support systems that can assist artisans in their endeavors and how local… Show more The interesting thing to me about niche markets is how they can be leveraged, particularly by smaller municipalities, to drive local economies and create a unique sub-culture for the city at the same time. I researched Richmond's artisan economy and how the artisan business model has affected Richmond and other similar cities. My findings built on two previous CURA reports. I also began looking at certain institutional support systems that can assist artisans in their endeavors and how local municipalities can leverage these to create an atmosphere conducive to an artisan economy. Heritage Tourism is another niche market Virginia can tap into. I conducted research into how this type of travel could be an economic driver, utilizing Virginia's unique cultural landscape and historical significance to increase visitation to the state. Responsibilities: * Conducted research and data analysis of heritage tourism programs at state level * Performed analysis and data retrieval of statewide heritage and general travel * Researched museum expenditures to ascertain trends in operational expenditures * Presented findings at weekly meetings where we tweaked focus of ongoing plan development * Wrote introduction, methodology, and data portions of report in preparation for IMPLAN analysis * Researched and wrote three sections of Richmond's Artisan Economy: 2015 * Co-presented research findings at Virginia's Main Street program convention, Downtown Intersections Show less

Graduate Teaching Assistant

• Aug 2014 - May 2016

In this position, I assisted a professor with various tasks. These varied greatly according to her needs each semester. I looked into Sustainable Cities programs at universities across the US, created a booklet for an Orientation/Training workshop for incoming MURP students, transcribed 1980's Washington DC housing data, graded papers for undergraduate planning courses, and other similar tasks. In this position, I assisted a professor with various tasks. These varied greatly according to her needs each semester. I looked into Sustainable Cities programs at universities across the US, created a booklet for an Orientation/Training workshop for incoming MURP students, transcribed 1980's Washington DC housing data, graded papers for undergraduate planning courses, and other similar tasks.

Planning Intern, Community Development

• May 2015 - Aug 2015

My internship was focused on business attraction to an under-performing commercial corridor in Richmond, VA. The area contains small, connected buildings reminiscent of a typical Main Street downtown, though it is not located downtown. Nehemiah's goal was to provide incubation services to new entrepreneurs, remodeling and filling vacant buildings in an effort to revitalize the community. Nehemiah was very focused on investing in social capital while forging connections in the surrounding… Show more My internship was focused on business attraction to an under-performing commercial corridor in Richmond, VA. The area contains small, connected buildings reminiscent of a typical Main Street downtown, though it is not located downtown. Nehemiah's goal was to provide incubation services to new entrepreneurs, remodeling and filling vacant buildings in an effort to revitalize the community. Nehemiah was very focused on investing in social capital while forging connections in the surrounding neighborhoods, providing an example to me of how to do this well. Tasks Performed: * Developed and administered multiple resident surveys * Developed a prospectus for several properties targeted for development * Created infographics documenting Nehemiah’s incubation processes * Created marketing products for grand opening events * Provided staff support at public meetings and events * Researched feasibility of a commercial corridor as a Main Street Affiliate in the Main Street Program Show less My internship was focused on business attraction to an under-performing commercial corridor in Richmond, VA. The area contains small, connected buildings reminiscent of a typical Main Street downtown, though it is not located downtown. Nehemiah's goal was to provide incubation services to new entrepreneurs, remodeling and filling vacant buildings in an effort to revitalize the community. Nehemiah was very focused on investing in social capital while forging connections in the surrounding… Show more My internship was focused on business attraction to an under-performing commercial corridor in Richmond, VA. The area contains small, connected buildings reminiscent of a typical Main Street downtown, though it is not located downtown. Nehemiah's goal was to provide incubation services to new entrepreneurs, remodeling and filling vacant buildings in an effort to revitalize the community. Nehemiah was very focused on investing in social capital while forging connections in the surrounding neighborhoods, providing an example to me of how to do this well. Tasks Performed: * Developed and administered multiple resident surveys * Developed a prospectus for several properties targeted for development * Created infographics documenting Nehemiah’s incubation processes * Created marketing products for grand opening events * Provided staff support at public meetings and events * Researched feasibility of a commercial corridor as a Main Street Affiliate in the Main Street Program Show less

Management (various titles)

• Apr 2009 - Aug 2014

I was a retail manager while an undergraduate at UT and again during the recession to have more consistent work than interior design could provide. It was a temporary career focus, as I like to be challenged in different ways and use a different set of skills. There are some soft skills that transfer between job industries, however. Conflict resolution, teamwork, collaboration, delegation, and organization are part of a retail manager's daily life. As the job duties for these jobs are very… Show more I was a retail manager while an undergraduate at UT and again during the recession to have more consistent work than interior design could provide. It was a temporary career focus, as I like to be challenged in different ways and use a different set of skills. There are some soft skills that transfer between job industries, however. Conflict resolution, teamwork, collaboration, delegation, and organization are part of a retail manager's daily life. As the job duties for these jobs are very similar, I have grouped these positions together here for brevity. Assistant Manager | American Eagle Outfitters | Sevierville, TN | Aug. 2013 – Aug. 2014 Merchandise Team Manager | Macy’s | Tampa, FL | Jan. 2012 – Feb. 2013 General Manager | Gap, Inc. | Knoxville, TN | Apr. 2009 – Jan. 2012 & Oct. 1998 – Jun. 2006 * Developed teams to be more effective with less friction and confrontations among team members * Guided teams to work more efficiently towards meeting aggressive productivity goals * Collaborated with management peers for coordinated results * Balanced multiple tasks, departments, and team member needs throughout each day * Trained and developed staff in all areas of job responsibility * Provided ongoing performance feedback to all levels of store team * Oversaw all aspects of finance and business tracking, using sales results to determine business strategy * Hired all sales associates for total staff of 80 associates * Conducted group and individual job interviews * Created new orientation class for onboarding associates; implemented throughout the district * Raised HR score on corporate audit from 27% compliance to 100% compliance after 6 months * Oversaw all merchandising processes and teams: signage, receiving, markdowns, and merchandising * Raised Gross Margin performance in another store significantly after 30 days as a borrowed manager Show less I was a retail manager while an undergraduate at UT and again during the recession to have more consistent work than interior design could provide. It was a temporary career focus, as I like to be challenged in different ways and use a different set of skills. There are some soft skills that transfer between job industries, however. Conflict resolution, teamwork, collaboration, delegation, and organization are part of a retail manager's daily life. As the job duties for these jobs are very… Show more I was a retail manager while an undergraduate at UT and again during the recession to have more consistent work than interior design could provide. It was a temporary career focus, as I like to be challenged in different ways and use a different set of skills. There are some soft skills that transfer between job industries, however. Conflict resolution, teamwork, collaboration, delegation, and organization are part of a retail manager's daily life. As the job duties for these jobs are very similar, I have grouped these positions together here for brevity. Assistant Manager | American Eagle Outfitters | Sevierville, TN | Aug. 2013 – Aug. 2014 Merchandise Team Manager | Macy’s | Tampa, FL | Jan. 2012 – Feb. 2013 General Manager | Gap, Inc. | Knoxville, TN | Apr. 2009 – Jan. 2012 & Oct. 1998 – Jun. 2006 * Developed teams to be more effective with less friction and confrontations among team members * Guided teams to work more efficiently towards meeting aggressive productivity goals * Collaborated with management peers for coordinated results * Balanced multiple tasks, departments, and team member needs throughout each day * Trained and developed staff in all areas of job responsibility * Provided ongoing performance feedback to all levels of store team * Oversaw all aspects of finance and business tracking, using sales results to determine business strategy * Hired all sales associates for total staff of 80 associates * Conducted group and individual job interviews * Created new orientation class for onboarding associates; implemented throughout the district * Raised HR score on corporate audit from 27% compliance to 100% compliance after 6 months * Oversaw all merchandising processes and teams: signage, receiving, markdowns, and merchandising * Raised Gross Margin performance in another store significantly after 30 days as a borrowed manager Show less

Interior Designer

• Jun 2006 - Feb 2009

I have a fascination with the built environment that began when I lived overseas as a child. I love architecture and creating spaces. There are several crossover skills between design and planning, and they are the skills I most enjoyed using while in the design/architecture industry. I liked working on floor plans, essentially taking things apart in my head and putting them back together - almost like working a puzzle. I enjoyed working with architectural elements such as massing, scale, and… Show more I have a fascination with the built environment that began when I lived overseas as a child. I love architecture and creating spaces. There are several crossover skills between design and planning, and they are the skills I most enjoyed using while in the design/architecture industry. I liked working on floor plans, essentially taking things apart in my head and putting them back together - almost like working a puzzle. I enjoyed working with architectural elements such as massing, scale, and texture when designing a space. Urban design and planning can incorporate many of these same skills in planning outdoor spaces and cityscapes, but on a much larger scale that better suits me. Tasks Performed: * Designed different spaces consisting of mostly entry lobbies, offices, and lounge spaces for confidential client * Produced construction document package for redesign of existing office space for Deloitte; team effort * Performed site survey of multi-building complexes; Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA, team effort * Created custom furniture package of 700+ designs for confidential client; team effort * Worked as a consultant for MGM Mirage Design Group representing Gensler; role was Assistant Design Project Manager Clients included: 1. Confidential client - 267,000 square foot building in Clearwater, FL 2. Bank of America - 2 separate sites in different states 3. Deloitte - 3 floors of building with 27,000 square foot footprint As consultant for MGM Mirage Design Group, Assistant Design Project Manager: 1. Bellagio Hotel and Casino 2. Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino Show less I have a fascination with the built environment that began when I lived overseas as a child. I love architecture and creating spaces. There are several crossover skills between design and planning, and they are the skills I most enjoyed using while in the design/architecture industry. I liked working on floor plans, essentially taking things apart in my head and putting them back together - almost like working a puzzle. I enjoyed working with architectural elements such as massing, scale, and… Show more I have a fascination with the built environment that began when I lived overseas as a child. I love architecture and creating spaces. There are several crossover skills between design and planning, and they are the skills I most enjoyed using while in the design/architecture industry. I liked working on floor plans, essentially taking things apart in my head and putting them back together - almost like working a puzzle. I enjoyed working with architectural elements such as massing, scale, and texture when designing a space. Urban design and planning can incorporate many of these same skills in planning outdoor spaces and cityscapes, but on a much larger scale that better suits me. Tasks Performed: * Designed different spaces consisting of mostly entry lobbies, offices, and lounge spaces for confidential client * Produced construction document package for redesign of existing office space for Deloitte; team effort * Performed site survey of multi-building complexes; Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA, team effort * Created custom furniture package of 700+ designs for confidential client; team effort * Worked as a consultant for MGM Mirage Design Group representing Gensler; role was Assistant Design Project Manager Clients included: 1. Confidential client - 267,000 square foot building in Clearwater, FL 2. Bank of America - 2 separate sites in different states 3. Deloitte - 3 floors of building with 27,000 square foot footprint As consultant for MGM Mirage Design Group, Assistant Design Project Manager: 1. Bellagio Hotel and Casino 2. Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino Show less