President and CEO
John K. Trant, Esq., AICP, CZO, ASLA
(412)-838-2053 / john@strategic-solutionsllc.com
John partners with clients to address land use planning, organizational management, economic development, zoning, infrastructure, human resources management, and strategic policy issues. John’s work in both the public and private sectors provides a unique perspective, as does his experience with organizations of all shapes and sizes. He has over twenty years of public policy and management experience working with elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to successfully build consensus and achieve results. John founded Strategic Solutions in 2009.
Education
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2006
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, B.A. Geography, 1999
Affiliations
American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter
American Bar Association
Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors 2012-2014
Sustainable Pittsburgh, Board of Directors 2012-2015
Government administration specialist
Laurence Christian
(412)-667-0173 / laurence@strategic-solutionsllc.com
As both a former municipal manager in Delaware and Pennsylvania, Laurence adds vast public sector experience to Strategic’s organizational and financial assessments and interim leadership projects. From his 24-year career in the U.S. Army, Laurence brings additional human resources and capital improvement project knowledge from across the country and overseas.
Education
Central Michigan University
Master of Science in Administration (MSA)
Campbell University
Bachelor of Science in Social Science
Affiliations
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
ICMA Local Government Certification
PA Municipal Administration Training Center
ICMA Veterans Advisory Committee
Senior Community Planner
Alyssa Kelly
(412)-799-6563 / alyssa@strategic-solutionsllc.com
Alyssa’s municipal, university and private sector planning and project management experience includes zoning, master planning, and comprehensive planning. With a bachelor’s degree in city and regional planning, and a dual master’s degree in environmental and natural resources, Alyssa has also worked directly with the public on permitting issues for residents and businesses, as well as long-term visioning with broad community engagement.
Education
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Master’s Degree, City and Regional Planning, 2017
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Master’s Degree, Environmental and Natural Resources, 2017
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, City and Regional Planning, 2014
Technical WRITER
Jason Vrabel
(412)-838-2759 / jason@strategic-solutionsllc.com
An architect by training, Jason Vrabel is a writer, educator, and community development professional. With more than 20 years of experience, his career has ranged from working with small non-profit organizations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Education
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
B.E.D., Bachelor of Environmental Design, Architecture
WASHINGTON-ALEXANDRIA ARCHITECTURE CONSORTIUM
COMMUNITY PLANNER i / qUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
Emily Yzquierdo
(412)-838-2758 / emily@strategic-solutionsllc.com
With degrees in English and instructional leadership from Robert Morris University, Emily Yzquierdo has spent much of her career in the aerospace industry. With nearly a decade of experience as a quality specialist and instructional designer, she coordinates community engagement processes and brings clarity to planning documents for all of our clients.
Education
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification, 2021
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
M.S., Instructional Leadership, 2015
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
B.A., English Studies, 2014
COMMUNITY PLANNER i / Policy and data analyst
Kyle DeShong
(412)-260-6475 / kyle@strategic-solutionsllc.com
With a degree in finance and eight years of professional experience in data analytics, Kyle then earned a masters degree in public policy and management. With a focus in urban affairs and planning, Kyle is integral to all of our planning and financial management work.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Master’s Degree, Public Policy and Management
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, Finance
cODE ENFORCEMENT oFFICER
Patrick John Kelly
(412)-838-2752 / pat@strategic-solutionsllc.com
Patrick is an expert in the enforcement of local building and zoning codes. He has decades of experience working with communities on education and enforcement efforts related to property maintenance codes, apartment registry, building and fire codes, and zoning ordinances. Pat’s practical approach results in clear and consistent enforcement efforts.
Education
CONNELLY VOCATIONAL TRADE SCHOOL
Drafting and Design, Layout, Fitting and Welding, 1970
Affiliations
Findley Township UCC Appeals Board, 2009 to present
Moon Township Historical Architecture Review Board, 2006 to present
Dormont Volunteer Fire Department, 1979-1999
Office Manager
Kara Trant
(412)-838-2064 / kara@strategic-solutionsllc.com
Kara’s unmatched multi-tasking skills are an asset for the Strategic Solutions team. She oversees Strategic financial and human resource operations, while coordinating a broad range of services and functions. Kara’s experience in a variety of fields provides a strong backbone for the organization.
Office administrator
Lisa Barthelemy
(412)-838-2054 / lisa@strategic-solutionsllc.com
Recently retired from the University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Lisa’s 20 years of administrative experiences keeps our team organized and on schedule. Lisa also brings municipal experience from years working in local government offices and courts in Allegheny County.
