Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization Staff
Stephanie joined the MPO in May of 2013, shortly after its designation. Prior to working for the MPO, Stephanie was a Transportation Planner for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), where she served in both a partnership and oversight role for Kansas' Metropolitan Planning Organizations. While at KDOT she also served as project manager for statewide projects and corridor plans.
A Kansas native, Stephanie attended Kansas State University where she received a Master's in Regional and Community Planning and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Leadership Programs and Studies. She is also actively involved with the Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association (KS-APA), currently serving her second term as Vice President. She also served as Secretary for the Chapter from 2012-2016.
After graduating from K-State, Stephanie moved to Topeka to take the position with KDOT. Several years later, she had the opportunity to return to the region where she and her husband will raise their four sons.
Jared joined the MPO in July of 2016. His knowledge and passion for cycling, along with his extensive experience with mapping and data analysis, have been instrumental in increasing the MPO's capacity to serve its jurisdictions.
Prior to joining the Flint Hills MPO, Jared worked for the City of Manhattan, beginning as a GIS Technician and later as the Infrastructure Analyst. He also served as the Staff Liaison to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee where he worked towards increasing safety and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. He began his career in GIS with MJ Harden, working on a wide range of projects including pipeline mapping, LiDAR classification, and imagery analysis.
Jared's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Geography, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, all from Kansas State University.
After living in Kansas City for several years after graduating from K-State, Jared and his wife moved back to the region to raise their family. Jared's passion for creating a multi-modal transportation system are evident in his personal choices and commuting habits. Most of the time, you will see Jared walking, biking, or taking transit to meetings, leaving his vehicle at home.
Rachel Foss - Transportation Planner
A multi-year recipient of the Federal Highway Administration's Dwight D Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, Rachel brings energy and talent to the MPO. Several of the products produced by the MPO are a direct result of her incredible graphic design talents and ability to convey information in a visually-appealing manner. The MPO has been able to complete many of its work products in-house due to the assets Rachel brings to the team.
Rachel, a Colorado native, came to Manhattan in 2014 to pursue a Masters in Regional & Community Planning as well as a Graduate Certificate in GIS at Kansas State University (KSU). Though she isn't anticipated to graduate until May of 2019, Rachel has been offered a full-time position with the MPO upon graduation. She is past-President of the Student Planning Organization at KSU and has presented at the American Planning Association's national conference.