Zack A.

About Zack A.

My urban planning focus has been on examining the interplay between the built environment and its impact on communities and individuals.Through my work with community-based organizations and my experience at the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, I’ve witnessed grassroots-level change when those in power fail to take action. My coursework at the University of Washington equipped me to address more profound questions like global warming, social justice, and community empowerment.My primary focus has been on public participation and community outreach to genuinely involve affected communities in decision-making about critical issues that often impact future generations. I value authentic and equitable public participation.Currently, I’m working in the Sound Transit Passenger Experience division, to drive passenger-centered decision-making. My responsibilities include managing the Passenger Persona Program and assisting with station area planning.

Experience

1. Program Manager - Passenger Experience Integration

   Sound Transit

   Mar 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Leads station planning activities for Link Light Rail infill station projects, including implementing access integration and transit oriented development program goals. Liaisons with local jurisdictions on project development and integration of local planning projects- Serves as design review lead for Passenger Experience division for capital projects and programs- Coordinates and administers Passenger Persona Program across agency departments, projects and disciplines, including implementation of the Station Experience Design Guidelines. Engaged more than 200 staff and consultants across four Link Light Rail extension projects- Proactively identify passenger experience challenges and provide insights to appropriate departments for mitigation. Assist with cross-discipline collaboration efforts to embed Passenger Experience, values, goals and metrics into existing and future agency procedures- Develop constant improvement processes for passenger experience discipline and implementation within capital project planning to create a better experience for passengers at every step of their journey- Lead cross-functional and interdepartmental teams in rail activation processes to ensure passengers and communities are ready for new alright rail service in the Puget Sound. Actively coordinated efforts of approximately 20 colleagues to ensure project readiness.

Education

• University of Pittsburgh

  Bachelor's degree, Urban Studies/Affairs

  2004 — 2008

• University of Washington

  MUP, Urban Planning

  2011 — 2013

Skills

• Transportation Planning
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Arcgis
• Graphic Design
• Infrastructure Planning
• Grant Reviewing
• Grant Writing
• Project Management
• Microsoft Office
• Urban Planning
• Event Planning
• Research
• Land Use Planning
• Program Management
• Public Participation
• Fundraising
• Grant Reporting
• Nonprofits
• Data Analysis
• Data Collection
• Site Planning
• Comprehensive Planning