Below are the candidate statements for the 2018 YPT Baltimore Board. All Chapter members will be able to vote and will receive a link to the election ballot in an email sent by YPT International. Voting will begin on October 16th. Any position remaining vacant after elections can be filled with a vote by the elected Board.
Chair
Jade Clayton, Associate Planner at RK&K
I want to continue the steady progress YPT Baltimore has made over the past three years. YPT Baltimore has impacted my career in many positive ways and I want to continue providing opportunities for other young professionals to network, innovate, and learn to move transportation forward. If given the opportunity to continue leading the chapter, I hope to provide direction and support to other board members to grow collectively and individually.
What qualifies you for this position?
I have been with YPT Baltimore since its inception and have previously held the positions of Vice Chair of Finance, Deputy Chair, and Chair. I understand and have played each role, formally and informally, including marketing, event planning, and financial management. I am a self-aware, emerging leader in the field of transportation planning.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want this year to be both fun and productive for our board and chapter members!
Zayne Dietterick, Coffee Trader at Keffa Coffee
I am running for the chair position of YPT Baltimore with the goal of working together as a group to increase our presence and membership throughout the Baltimore region. As a current board member, I have a good set of experiences which will allow me to succeed in the role of Chair. I am excited about the opportunities YPT has to work within our larger community as both a professional development outlet, and also a networking tool. Thank you.
What qualifies you for this position?
I have prior experience on the YPT board, am actively engaged in networking both within the transportation industry, and outside of it, and I am enthusiastic about sharing our organization with as many people that I can to help broaden our reach and membership.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am excited to work with the upcoming board to continue to set and achieve higher goals.
Deputy Chair
Zayne Dietterick, Coffee Trader at Keffa Coffee
I am interested in this position so that I can further contribute to gaining more members for the Baltimore chapter of YPT. I believe that being in a leadership position would better position me to be able to encourage positive change and help to promote events which will draw potential members.
What qualifies you for this position?
I am good at managing projects and time, and I have a keen ability to see the whole picture, and understand what works and what doesn’t work. I am excited to help grow the YPT Baltimore membership base.
Nicholas R. Stewart, Senior Transit Service Planner at MDOT MTA
Not only are professional organizations important to the social aspects of their members, but they can also play a valuable role in professional development, allowing professionals to expand their knowledge of the industry and add skills to their toolbox.
In addition, there is potential for involvement in public education of transportation topics.
I am running for Deputy Chair to help YPT grow and increase it’s impact in and on Charm City.
What qualifies you for this position?
6 years on Board of Directors for academic non-profit.
+Helped organize annual collegiate conference.
+Vice President, then President
2 years on Executive Board of Planning Student Organization
+Speaker Coordinator; helped organize annual symposium
+Vice President; helped identify and pursue fundraising opportunities
Vice Chair of Programs
Kristen Jeffers, Founder of Kristen Jeffers Media
I’m running because I’ve done a lot of event planning, for YPT in DC and also for other organizations. I’d also like to go ahead and set a master calendar of events for 2017-2018.
What qualifies you for this position?
I’ve planned a ton of events, including an awards show that I shaved $12,000 of the budget of. I can easily plan Beers with Peers and other events we’d like to do.
Nicholas R. Stewart, Senior Transit Service Planner at MDOT MTA
As Vice Chair of Programs, I would work to establish events that would help members expand their professional and social network, hone professional skills, and have fun.
Beyond that, I will help to create more opportunities for YPT Baltimore to interact with the public to help foster better knowledge and understanding of transportation in the area.
What qualifies you for this position?
6 years on Board of Directors for academic non-profit.
+Helped organize annual collegiate conference.
+Vice President, then President
2 years on Executive Board of Planning Student Organization
+Speaker Coordinator; helped organize annual symposium
+Vice President; helped identify and pursue fundraising opportunities
Vice Chair of Communications
Kristen Jeffers, Founder of Kristen Jeffers Media
I feel like this is my best and greatest contribution I can give to the board, and I enjoy staying in the know and making sure we communicate to members and we tell the story.
What qualifies you for this position?
I assisted with the communication duties last year for the DC board, and I have an undergrad degree in communications, which I use daily to promote my urbanist blog and podcast.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I could be a great program chair, but a really, really awesome communications chair.
Open Positions for the 2018 Board:
- Vice Chair of Finance
- Vice Chair of Administration
- Vice Chair of Partnerships
