Hometown
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Undergraduate education
Political science, Carleton College
Employer
Metro Transit, Twin Cities, Minnesota
Job title
Manager, Bus Rapid Transit Projects
Start date
June 2023
Primary job responsibilities
I manage development of a set of arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) projects, overseeing the planning, design, and construction phases prior to starting operations. As project manager, I’m responsible for project scope, budget, schedule, and reputation.
This role includes extensive coordination with internal and external stakeholders, including design reviews, negotiation of agreements with partner agencies, and public engagement and communication. It also includes oversight of environmental compliance and real estate acquisition processes for the projects, as well as financial management and grant reporting.
What was your early career path after La Follette?
From Madison, I moved to Sacramento, California, and worked as a consultant primarily on the environmental review for a large water infrastructure and habitat restoration project. This experience allowed me to learn about the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as project management. After moving to Minnesota in 2015, I continued to work in consulting, gaining more experience in transportation planning and environmental compliance prior to beginning with Metro Transit in 2018. I’ve worked within the Arterial BRT group at Metro Transit since I started, first as a senior planner on BRT lines, then as environmental compliance lead. As I learned more about project design and delivery, I took on a project management role in 2023. My time with Metro Transit has been very fulfilling and has provided me an opportunity to tangibly improve public transit in the Twin Cities.
What La Follette experience was most impactful for your career goals?
One memorable takeaway from my time at La Follette was learning how to compile and present information tailored to specific audiences, especially decision-makers who may be reviewing analysis or recommendations with limited time and/or technical background. This is an important and broadly applicable skill that I have used consistently in my current and previous positions. I recall in particular the extremely detailed review of a paper and presentation prepared for PA 881: Cost-Benefit Analysis at La Follette, in which my team members and I pored over every detail down to the formatting of charts. Over the first roughly 15 years of my career, I have often recalled these principles when summarizing alternatives and recommendations for decision-makers or compiling presentation materials for council members, project funders, or other stakeholders.
La Follette in the Twin Cities
I’m excited to help welcome a group from La Follette to the Twin Cities in January, and I believe the trip will provide a unique chance for students to explore some of the opportunities that the region has to offer. As someone who began my career outside of Madison after graduating from La Follette, I remember how valuable it can be to gain connections and insights into opportunities in other regions, so I’m looking forward to meeting the group and sharing some insights from my time in the Twin Cities at the La Follette School Twin Cities Alumni Reception.