A third generation Oregonian with strong roots in the Portland metropolitan area, self-styled “transportation geek”, citizen activist, and journalist, I have extensive experience with transportation and land-use policy.

Transportation & Communication Research

I’m constantly fascinated with how humanity interacts with the world and each other using transportation as a medium of communication. Most recently, I completed a research project examining the practicallity of examining blog-based discourse as a conflict assessment tool for community affairs practitioners.

I received my Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies, as well as a Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, at Marylhurst University, Oregon’s oldest Catholic university. A significant focus of my academic studies includes how conflict dynamics apply to citizen participation and government, especially in support of land use and transportation projects.

I currently work as a communications consultant specializing in public outreach, social media, and web-enabled communication. I am also adjunct faculty at Marylhurst University, where I teach for the Communication Studies Department.

Civic Professional & Civic Leader

Civic engagement is central to me, both in my professional and personal lives. A member of the Cascade Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation, I have previously worked as a community affairs practitioner in support of public infrastructure investment. Community affairs work is, at heart, the communicative art of facilitating relationships, relationships that are central to sucessful implementation of public and private sector projects.

In addition to professional pursuits, I’m deeply committed to my community and to being an engaged citizen. Currently, I chair a commission overseeing a $22 million urban renewal district in the Portland metropolitan area. I have previously served in a number of public advisory capacities, primarily on topics relating to zoning, land use, and transportation.

Writer & Journalist

I primarily write on infrastructure, public transportation, and public policy topics. Previously I served as a special correspondent for the oldest consumer publication of railroading in North America, TRAINS Magazine, managing “City Rail”, a monthly news column on the rail-based public transit sector. My work has also appeared in Active! Northwest Magazine and Northwest Destinations. I’m also a photographer and watercolorist, and I write regularly about these topics along with other arts and culture issues at route99west.com/addendum.