People You Should Know: Patrick R. Zenner

AGE: 38
JOB DESCRIPTION: The development services manager is responsible for coordinating and processing all current planning activities (annexations, development proposals and land use changes) of the city’s Planning and Development Department. The manager also assists the planning director with regulatory development and strategic planning activities geared toward promoting orderly and quality development within the city, which is responsive to community needs or the requests of City Council.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: Three months
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Barrington, Ill. Relocated from Myrtle Beach, S.C.
EDUCATION: Master of Science – Planning, University of Tennessee – Knoxville (1998) and Bachelor of Science – Community and Regional Planning, Iowa State University (1993)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Having recently relocated to the community, I have not had an opportunity to fully scope out all the possible ways for me to engage. Traditionally, I have become involved in my church (technical ministry) or athletics with my kids. However, I have interests in housing and development organizations. I’m sure that once the dust settles from the recent relocation, I will engage in a community group that matches my skills and interests.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have worked in the planning profession for approximately 14 years. My employment prior to working for the city was as a land development director with a national homebuilder. Due to the housing market turmoil, my position was eliminated. Although unfortunate, I was eager to get back into planning issues at the local level. My prior employment afforded me the opportunity to gain knowledge in the areas of development review and processes, regulatory development and practical problem solving. I have worked in urbanized areas twice Columbia’s size and have seen the positive effect that planning can have on a community and its future.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Being so new to the community, I really cannot answer specifically. But what sold me on the city and the position were the efforts that were made to create an inclusive process for all residents to participate in. One of the core visions of the planning profession is to engage the public in the discussion of what the future should be like. My research on Columbia provided me with a surprise – a community whose leaders shared that vision. Politicians often get a bad rap in most communities, and you often don’t what to aspire to be like them, but I’ll tip my hat to those on the council. They took a bold step to engage the community, and a lot can be said for that.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I’m passionate about what I do because it provides me a sense of accomplishment and affords me the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams. Planners can help establish win-win opportunities that facilitate community growth or can be instrumental in developing regulations that will provide protection. I view myself as being a facilitator, who remains impartial and observant, always looking for the win-win solution. I have seen success in planning when there has been an engaged and representative cross section of the public participating in the process. I believe the ingredients exist in Columbia for successful planning. I’m excited to be part of it.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: If I weren’t a planner, I’d want to be an airline pilot. The opportunity to soar above the clouds, which is often what people say planners do, and the worldly travel interests me. My experience with air travel has been changed significantly since the tragedy of 9/11, but the thought of being able to fly hasn’t.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: The implementation of several key regulatory initiatives related to managing rapid growth and development sprawl. Success was achieved through a combination of negotiation, open-mindedness and relying on the expertise of those professionals participating in the process. While compromise was employed significantly throughout the process, the ultimate product has been a successful model that still is being used today.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Time for a project … are you kidding? I’ve been trying to find all the things that were packed from our move.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Planning is both an art and a science. Planning is a highly collaborative field, and planners spend much of their time working with others. Planners are also responsible for knowing state and federal legislation and court rulings that relate to the projects, plans or guidelines they are engaged in. Planners help government officials, business leaders and citizens create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. The planning profession is not limited to just the United States. Planners are found throughout the world, typically engaged in many of the same activities that we are here in Columbia.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I enjoy playing golf, woodworking and spending time in the yard.
FAMILY: I live with my wife, Jean, and my two children, Elizabeth, 9, and Dominic, 8.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Haven’t found one yet, but it will most likely be somewhere outdoors.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Being happily married for the past 14 years to a supportive and encouraging spouse who is willing to follow me wherever my job takes us and to be blessed with two wonderful children.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Was awarded the Bronze Medal of Citizenship by the Sons of the American Revolution in 1989 for entrepreneurial efforts.ϖ