“Each year I am invited to present to the UI’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, and each year I tell future planners it is critical that they understand and incorporate sustainable water management strategies as a foundation of planning for future growth. Jen has developed a strong understanding and an obvious passion for low impact strategies utilizing green infrastructure for sustainable stormwater management. She was a successful advocate for green infrastructure that will now be included in the next phase of Coralville’s Iowa River Landing Project, and she will be able to incorporate these attributes into her future work as a planner.
Jen is a thoughtful and articulate person; she will bring many strengths and skills to her future endeavors.”
– Wayne Petersen, Urban Conservationist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
“I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Jen for nearly 20 years. I hired her as an intern at my advertising and public relations agency while she was finishing college at Arizona State University, and later brought her on as a full-time employee after graduation.
A self-starter, Jen quickly assumed responsibilities normally reserved for someone with much more tenure. She learned fast, excelled in everything she did and was fun to be around. While she possesses many talents, her keen ability to put a strong sentence together stands out in my mind. The first question I ask potential hires is ‘can you write?’ Obviously, quality writing is one of the many keys to a successful career, and I’ve always remembered Jen’s writing to be exceptional.
A natural leader, she commands attention and respect in everything she does. She is extremely creative – almost a gift, actually. She has the unique ability to take a concept, an idea or a thought and turn it into something special.”
– Dave Gilbertson APR, General Manager, Communication Links
“I have had several opportunities to work with Jen in several different capacities. I have found her to be professional, highly creative, energetic, straightforward and reliable.
Jen served effectively as a member of the two most significant citizen commissions in our community. Upon her appointment to the Planning Commission her colleagues selected her to represent them as their liaison to the Business & Economic Development Commission. In these dual roles, Jen demonstrated that she was a quick study on the most complex issues confronting our community. She contributed common sense and creative ideas in a number of high-profile, high-pressure situations. Fellow commissioners and the council appreciated her dedication, follow-through and logical approach.
Her passion for community outreach and education and highly developed sense of professionalism were also apparent during her work on several local election campaigns, including the controversial and successful ‘Yes on K’ measure for Target Corporation.”
– Don Saylor, Yolo County District 2 Supervisor
