PLAN RVA - Key Persons

Barbara joined PlanRVA in 2009 and works as the Director of Community Development. Her role is focused on transportation and land use, working on projects like ConnectRVA 2045, BikePedRVA 2045 and Ashland Trolley Line (northern portion of the Fall Line). She enjoys working with her team of younger planners and finds their inquisitiveness and energy inspiring. Barbara is married to her husband Henry and has two daughters, Caitlin and Laura. She also has two grandsons, William and Connor, and grand-dogs Chief and Millie. In her spare time, Barbara does social justice work through her church and coalition of 22 metro churches focused on addressing affordable housing, gun violence and creating decent/safe and sanitary housing. Fun fact: Barbara has been a planner in the private sector for much of her career in the Richmond metro area. She helps transform areas and knit them all together with a strong multi-modal system without losing a sense of community or neighborhood.

Brent Chambers

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Planning Commissioner

Bret Schardein

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
CZA - County Administrator - ( Alternate )

Byron Adkins

Job Titles:

Member of the Executive Committee

Cameron George

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Citizen Representative

Charles H. Rasnick

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Charlie Waddell

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Citizen Representative

Chet Parsons

cp..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

CVTA Executive Director
PlanRVA in 2019 As the Director of Transportation

Chet joined PlanRVA in 2019 as the Director of Transportation. He is now Executive Director of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority. He works with staff to fulfill required federal and state obligations and acts as a liaison to our member governments to assist in transportation planning as well as the funding and implementation of major transportation projects. Chet enjoys creating cutting edge planning products and helping elected officials stay up-to-date on the most current and useful information to make decisions that impact the entire Richmond region. Outside of the office, Chet enjoys listening to live music, skiing and watching soccer. His favorite restaurant in Richmond is Brenner Pass in Scott's Addition. Chet earned his Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC State.

CHRIS BAST

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Citizen Representative

Christopher Winslow - Chairman

Job Titles:

Chairman

Corey Robinson

Job Titles:

Data Analyst
Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Cynthia I. Newbille

Job Titles:

City Council
City Council, 7th District

Dan Motta

dm..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Planner

Dan joined PlanRVA in 2019 as a Transportation Planner. His job focuses on advancing sustainable regional transportation. A typical workday for Dan involves assisting the regional partners in establishing accessible bicycle, pedestrian and transit infrastructure for the benefit of a more connected regional network. Dan likes that he can incorporate his past professional experiences in history, marketing, and the humanities to help inform his person-first approach to planning and public service. One thing you may not know about Dan is that he was an au pair in Italy and France. Here in Richmond, his favorite place to visit is Dogwood Dell and he enjoys cycling, gardening, and watching movies. Dan has his Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dan Van Doornik - CFO

Job Titles:

Director of Finance

Dan joined PlanRVA during the summer of 2022 and works as the Director of Finance. He is responsible for the financial functions of PlanRVA and handles the organization's financial reporting, analysis and planning. In his role, Dan enjoys integrating financial and other resource planning into the overall objectives, strategies and programs of PlanRVA. When Dan isn't working, you can find him reading, watching sports or enjoying the outdoors. His favorite spots around town include Maymont, Pony Pasture and other parks along the James River. Dan also enjoys spending time with his wife and family.

Daniel McGraw

Job Titles:

Member of the Executive Committee
Secretary / Town Council

Daniel Wagner

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Statewide Transit Planner

Diane Fusco

df..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Manager of Finance and Administration

Diane joined PlanRVA in 2017 and serves as Manager of Finance and Administration. Her job includes managing various accounting tasks including billing, receivables and payables. She also is responsible for HR tasks involving payroll and benefits for staff. PlanRVA's culture and contributions to the growth of the Richmond region is what Diane values most about working here. Outside of the office, Diane enjoys exercising, reading and going to the beach. She is married and has four children, as well as two dogs, two rabbits and a turtle. She also serves on the board for her Homeowner's association. Diane has her bachelor's degree from Mary Baldwin University.

Dorian Allen

da..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Planner

E. Todd Eure

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Assistant Director of Public Works

Eli Podyma

ep..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Environment Planner
PlanRVA in 2023 As an Environment Planner

Eli joined PlanRVA in 2023 as an Environment Planner. His work consists of regional projects addressing urban heat mitigation, water quality outreach and education, coastal management, public access and recreation, and environmental data analysis. Eli received his B.S. in Environmental Resource Management from Virginia Tech, and possesses professional certifications as an I.S.A. certified arborist, Virginia prescribed burn manager, ATFS certified tree farm inspector, SHARP logger, and a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional certificate in riparian buffer design. Prior to joining PlanRVA, Eli served as an Urban Forester in the Richmond Region with the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Elizabeth Greenwell

eg..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Data Analyst

Elizabeth began her career at PlanRVA in March of 2023 and works as a data analyst. On any given day, Elizabeth is researching methodologies and topics, and organizing and processing data based on the organization's needs. She also carefully analyzes and visually displays data. Elizabeth's favorite thing about working at PlanRVA is assisting the team on various projects, and the ability to continue to learn about data science. In her spare time, Elizabeth loves knitting, reading and cycling. Her favorite restaurant in RVA is Garnett's. Elizabeth earned an M.S. in Applied Geography from the University of Louisville.

Ellen Cook

ec..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Project Manager

Ellen joined PlanRVA in 2023 as a Project Manager. Her work involves coordinating resources, aiding in project management and reporting systems, evaluating project performance and nurturing relationships with stakeholders. Ellen enjoys collaborating with her team at PlanRVA to support the region's localities, stakeholders and citizens. She holds a bachelor's degree from Williams College and a master's degree in planning and environmental policy from Cardiff University in Wales. During her free time, Ellen finds solace in gardening, hiking and indulging in a good book. Her love for the Richmond region extends to her favorite place, the enchanting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Emily Williams

ew..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Grants Specialist
PlanRVA in 2024 As Grants Specialist

Emily joined PlanRVA in 2024 as Grants Specialist. In this role, she researches and facilitates applications for funding opportunities for PlanRVA and their community partners. She is dedicated to promoting community development that centers equity, sustainability, and innovation across the region. Emily has a background in higher education and seeks out collaborative and engaged learning in every area of her life and work. She reads extensively, immersing herself in fiction and nonfiction to broaden her understanding of the world. She plays with creative projects, throwing pottery, dabbling in watercolor, and plant-based cooking. She is a heavy user of the Richmond and Virginia parks systems, and takes an excessive number of photos of herons, trees, and bodies of water. Emily is originally from Roanoke, VA, and has called Richmond home since 2010. She earned her MA in English Literature from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Faith Walker

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

FRANK PETROSKI

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Planning Commissioner

Gary Mitchell

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Vice Chair - Community Development Department

Gilbrith Gogel

gg..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Coordinator
PlanRVA in 2021 As an Administrative Assistant

Gilbrith joined PlanRVA in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant and now serves as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. She supports PlanRVA's community outreach and communication efforts while also focusing internally on staff engagement and culture. Gilbrith loves that she has the unique opportunity to be exposed to the various activities happening across our different program areas and the region as a whole. She is grateful for a work environment that supports and cultivates her constant desire to learn.

Gordon Dixon

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Heather Barrar

hb..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Program Director

Heather joined PlanRVA in 2018 and works as a Regional Trails Program Director. Through her role, she is developing the 25-mile Appomattox River Trail and Park system in partnership with the community. Her workday can vary from presenting at a city council meeting to working alongside volunteers on the trail removing invasive species. She partners with many other organizations and is intentional about making sure our work is coordinated with serving community needs. Heather loves working at the regional scale - across jurisdictional boundaries to create a regional asset that all can enjoy. She also enjoys the stewardship aspect of protecting and improving the river and our natural resources for future generations. Hot yoga, spending time outside and reading on her screened porch are a few of the things Heather enjoys doing outside of the office. Heather attended Stephen F. Austin State University for her undergraduate degree where she received a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in Recreation Management. She also has a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Environmental Planning & Policy.

Herbert A. Richwine

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Holly Gordon

hg..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Community Engagement Manager

Holly joined PlanRVA in 2023. Her position oversees marketing and communications, facilitation, project management, and community engagement to ensure the public has input in and benefits from the planning efforts made across the nine localities in our region. Her career has spanned similar roles in nonprofit, higher education, tourism, and small business. She loves art, languages, urban planning, architecture, and music making with others. Holly has sung in the One Voice Chorus since 2004 and credits her biking group, Bike Monday Bros, with getting her through the pandemic. Holly graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond with a degree in Sociology and Business. She is a graduate of the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program and has a 120-hour certificate in Nonprofit Management from Nonprofit Learning Point.

JAMES INGLE

Job Titles:

Member of the Executive Committee

James J. Minor, III

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

James M. Holland

Job Titles:

Chairman, Chesterfield County

Janice Scott

ja..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Board Relations Manager
the Board Relations Manager for the PlanRVA Commission

Janice joined PlanRVA in 2021 and serves as the Board Relations Manager for the PlanRVA Commission, Central Virginia Transportation Authority and RRTPO Policy Board as well as their various committees. Her responsibilities include meeting preparation and facilitation, agenda and minute preparation, board and committee membership rosters, contact database maintenance and posting of all necessary meeting documentation. In addition, Janice serves as the FOIA Officer for PlanRVA. She loves the fast-paced environment and the challenge of supporting three public bodies.

JESSICA SCHNEIDER

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee

Jessica Winall

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Planning Commissioner

John B. Rutledge

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Director of Planning and Engineering

John D. Leonard

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

John Easter

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

John H. Hodges

Job Titles:

Vice Mayor

John Hamilton

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

John O'Keeffe

Job Titles:

Account Executive
Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

JORDAN STEWART - Treasurer

Job Titles:

Treasurer

Joseph E. Vidunas

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Chairman - Traffic Engineer

Karen Robinson

kr..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Finance Assistant

Karen joined PlanRVA during summer 2023 as a Finance Assistant. She oversees many different aspects at PlanRVA including, accounting, agency purchasing and procurement, grants support, financial reporting, payroll, human resources and benefits administration. Her favorite part of being a member of PlanRVA is the work life balance, as well as the friendly and welcoming work environment. In her spare time, Karen often travels to visit her family in Maryland and enjoys visits to Byrd Park with her Pit Bull Terrier, Rhino. As an avid Caribbean food lover, she loves Jamaica House on Broad St and often explores other restaurants in the RVA area.

Katie Moody

km..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Program Manager

Katie joined PlanRVA in 2018 as the Regional Emergency Preparedness Program Manager. Her work includes supporting the Emergency Management Alliance of Central Virginia and its ongoing Committee work, grant awards, and other activities. Her favorite part of the role is being able to work with top notch colleagues and getting to see the big picture of the region and how our work is making an impact! When she's not working, Katie loves to engage in outdoor activities in the Richmond area. This includes kayaking, cycling, climbing and hiking. She is also an avid gardener and has a huge vegetable and pollinator garden in her backyard. Katie also has a few animals, including her English shepherd dog Banjo, three cats, and foster rescue kittens. Katie has her master's degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kelli Le Duc

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Planning Manager

Kelli N. Rowan

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Kenneth Lantz Jr

Job Titles:

Mobility Coordinator

Richmond native Kenneth joined PlanRVA in 2014 and works for the Community Transportation Advisory Committee. In his role, he does everything from planning meetings, developing agendas, arranging presentations, and preparing summaries. He also represents PlanRVA at GRTC Board Meetings and other meetings for various human service networks and transportation service providers. His contributions help make plans for expanded public transit come to fruition. Kenneth is a life-long resident of Henrico county and proud father to three daughters. He also has four granddaughters and a house cat. His family is active in the Down Syndrome Association of greater Richmond. Kenneth received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech and his master's from the University of Virginia. He is also a registered professional engineer.

Keri Ragland

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Principal Planner

Kerry Ramos

kr..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Planner II

Leigh Medford

lm..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Operations Coordinator

Leigh has been with the PlanRVA team for about 24 years and today works as the Operations Coordinator. She provides support for GIS and special projects and her work includes analyzing data to add into maps, charts, illustrations and reports across many disciplines. Leigh's workdays are determined by the needs of the organization and vary day by day. She enjoys the diversity of the work and demand to keep up with the latest technologies, keeping the job fresh and enjoyable. Leigh lives in a multi-generational household, including teenage grandchildren, cats and dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts and gardening or dining at her favorite Richmond-region restaurant Sidewalk Cafe.

Lisa Guthrie

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

Mark Bittner

mb..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Director of Data & Technology

Mark joined PlanRVA in 2019 and serves as the Director of Data & Technology. In this role, Mark administers technology including GIS, hardware, software and the website and coordinates with IT vendors. He also manages data, research and planning projects that don't fall under PlanRVA's main program areas of transportation, environment and emergency management. Mark's favorite part about working at PlanRVA is the ability to be involved with several different roles and projects at the same time. In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing guitar and loves listening to the Beatles and Surf music. He also enjoys playing volleyball, hiking and watching comedy films. Mark's favorite place to visit in Richmond is Belle Isle, because there is so much to do and see. He has two sons, one in college and one in high school. Mark received his MURP & GIS certificate from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Martha Shickle

ma..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Executive Director

Martha joined PlanRVA in 2015 and is focused on ensuring the organization runs effectively. Her work includes supporting individual staff to provide any resources they need as well as the organization at large to build partnerships and maintain relevance. Martha enjoys seeing the connections across each PlanRVA program and how the work lays a foundation for localities to build on in completing projects and improving the community. When she's not in the office, Martha loves to spend time outside and with close friends and family. A few of her favorite Richmond spots to visit include Byrd Park and Carytown and dining at her favorite restaurant The Stables. Martha earned her master's in Public Administration from George Mason University.

Michael Testerman

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee

MILTON HATHAWAY

Job Titles:

Member of the Public Outreach & Engagement Committee
Planning Commissioner

Molly Frey

mf..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Planner

Molly's work consists of GIS, housing projects, and environmental projects such as hazard mitigation and working groups for watershed collaboratives. She enjoys engaging with the public as well as other local governments and organizations in order to create positive change in our region. She also appreciates the opportunities for training, education and growth within PlanRVA.

Myles Busching

mb..@planrva.org

Job Titles:

Member of the Technical Advisory Committee
Director of Transportation

Myles joined PlanRVA in 2019 and currently works as Director of Transportation. His job entails managing the short-range transportation planning process which focuses on selecting projects to receive federal transportation funding and ensuring those projects are authorized to move forward toward implementation. His favorite thing about his role is that every day presents a different type of challenge to keep projects moving forward. Myles' favorite restaurant in the Richmond region is Alamo BBQ in Church Hill. Myles has his masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.