About Me
I am an urban planner and creative strategist that teaches people about the design of great spaces. I help communities work with local government to create the kind of world they want to live in.
I believe parks, public space and public land are our greatest collective assets. They help bring us together to relax, connect, learn, recreate and make memories, as well as helping us address some of our most pressing issues.
I have 21 years of public sector experience and led the visioning and design process for over $50 Million of investments in parks, greenways, complete streets and public art that has been built in Asheville, NC, and I'm keenly interested in making sure it is operated and maintained in a way that benefits all people. I am particularly good at working at the confluence of creative commercial development, cultural arts, and civic engagement.
Community engagement for the Nasty Branch Greenway, slated for construction in winter 2026/2027
Core Values
Integrity - Equity - Innovation -Perseverance
Core Strengths
Cross-Functional or Inter-Agency Team Leadership - Implementing Strategic Plans - Leading Community Visioning Processes - Promoting Placemaking and Public Art - Using an Equity Lens to Evaluate Work - Developing Innovative Economic and Community Development Strategies with Communities - Delivering Persuasive Presentations - Engaging in Honest and Open Communications
Professional Roles + Accomplishments
All roles at City of Asheville, North Carolina
Urban Design + Public Place Strategies Manager, Planning and Urban Design Department
Brought permanently into the Planning and Urban Design department to form a new division managing special projects, providing urban design services, and leading the visioning, design, and management for public spaces and select city-owned properties.
February 2020 - current
Select Accomplishments
-Managed the creation and adoption of the Haywood and Page Concept Plan, aka “The Pit of Despair”. Unanimously adopted master plan for super-contentious city land includes a new park and mixed use building in the heart of downtown Asheville.
-Co-founded Asheville Shares Space, an interdepartmental initiative to use public space to support economic recovery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90 businesses have participated.
-Selected to lead the North Pack Square Repurposing project, a community co-planning initiative to develop a vision for the former site of the (soon-to be- demolished) Vance Monument.
Interim Assistant Director, Planning and Urban and Design Department
Temporary assignment to assist the Planning and Urban Design Director with leadership, strategic planning, and the supervision of employees and work plan performance
October 2018- October 2019
Select Accomplishments
-Project managed Celebrating African Americans through Public Art (CAAPA), and installed Hope Springs Forth Brightly, a collaboration between community members, Art Ecologie, and local artists Joseph Pearson and Phyllis Utley. CAAPA is the city’s first initiative to intentionally diversify the public art collection with the work of African American Artists.
-Managed the creation of the Riverfront Tree and Riparian Plan, which was adopted unanimously by City Council and paid for entirely through grant funds.
Strategic Development/Redevelopment Director, Innovation Districts, Community + Economic Development Department
Oversaw large scale development and redevelopment projects in key city corridors and Downtown, the River Arts District, the South Slope and North Charlotte Street. Supported arts and cultural development though administration of the Public Art program and the management of two public flex spaces used to support community programming.
March 2017- October 2018, and October 2019- February 2020
Select Accomplishments
-Managed the Community Engagement Process for Affordable Housing Development at 319 Biltmore, a City-Owned Property; led to successful RFP process
-Spearheaded the City's first pop up neighborhood design studio in the South Slope.
Riverfront Redevelopment Director/Riverfront Coordinator, Community + Economic Development Department
Directed the City’s riverfront revitalization program to guide public and private investment in and around the French Broad Riverfront. Led engagement efforts, managed the creation and updating of plans.
JanuaMay 2010-March 2017
Directed the City’s riverfront revitalization program to guide public and private investment in and around the French Broad Riverfront. Led engagement efforts, managed the creation and updating of plans,
Select Accomplishments
-Created and Directed city’s first cross functional office in 25 years (Riverfront Redevelopment Office); supervised a team of 15+ staff from 8 departments
-Formalized and managed the the River District Design Review Process that increased incorporation of community feedback into new project development
-Led efforts to build relationships and secure over $20 Million in grant funding from 5 local, state and national partners
-Coordinated the visioning planning and design process for over $50 Million in capital projects, including the RADTIP, the largest public investment in Asheville for almost 100 years.
Economic Development Specialist/Downtown Specialist
February 2005- May 2010
Served in roles of increasingly higher responsibilities within the City’s Economic Development Office (then part of the City Manager’s office) over 5 years
Select Achievements
-Team lead on cities Brownfield Redevelopment Initiative funded by over $800,00 EPA grant
-Managed board performing Downtown Design Review and successfully received funding for a new Downtown Master Plan
Education, Training, Learning
Anticipated graduation May 14, 2021
College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University
Master's in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Received outstanding student award.
Graduated June 2005
Andrew Young School of Public Policy, Georgia State University
B.S. in Public Policy with a concentration in Urban Planning. Graduated Cum Laude. Received Dean's Scholarship Key Award.