President and CEO
John K. Trant, Esq., AICP, CZO, ASLA
(412)-838-2053 / john@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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
Community Planner II
Amanda Krickovich
(412)-838-2093 / amanda@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.com
Amanda’s ten years of public sector planning experience include managing zoning and historic review boards, overseeing residential and commercial permitting, and coordinating CDBG and HOME funds. As a former zoning enforcement officer, Amanda is a hands-on building code expert.
Education
Edinboro University (Now Pennsylvania West University)
Bachelor of Science in Geography
Senior community planner / Project Director
Lindsey Elam, AICP
(412)-857-2151 / Lindsey@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.com
With a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in city and regional planning, Lindsey’s work experience ranges from national to local. Her expertise in legacy cities (aka “rust belt cities”), zoning, and policy work related to housing and homelessness is applied to our comprehensive planning and zoning ordinance work.
Education
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, Social Work
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Master’s Degree, City and Regional Planning
Senior Community Development Specialist / Technical WRITER
Jason Vrabel
(412)-838-2759 / jason@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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
Urban Planner II, Policy and data Analyst
Kyle DeShong, MPPM
(412)-260-6475 / kyle@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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
COMMUNITY PLANNER II
Greg Garthe, AICP
(412)799-6563 / greg@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.com
Greg has more than 15 years of experience in planning, zoning, and GIS. With additional expertise in subdivision and land development plan review, transportation planning ,and public policy, Greg is vital to all of our public sector clients. As a State College-area resident with an education from Penn State, Greg’s vast knowledge of Central PA is especially valuable.
Education
Penn State University
Postbaccalaureate Certificate in GIS, 2008
Penn State University
B.A.,Communications (Film/Video), 2002
Organizations and Activities
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
American Planning Association (APA), PA Chapter
Halfmoon Township Planning Commission
cODE ENFORCEMENT oFFICER
Patrick John Kelly
(412)-838-2752 / pat@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.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 and executive assistance
Abby Bezilla
412-857-2151 / abby@strategics1stg.wpenginepowered.com
Abby serves as office manager and executive assistant at Strategic Solutions, where she oversees company logistics, coordinates scheduling, and manages a range of administrative functions for the firm. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental administration and brings a diverse background in water compliance, real estate marketing, and youth education programming.
Education
Saint Vincent College
B.S. Environmental Administration
Affiliations
Americorps