Profiles of Planning Board Finalists: AI-Generated Insights – Continued

Today, the Montgomery County Council announced that the planning board finalists for the remaining two positions (one for planning board chair and a planning board member). Interviews will take place at the Tuesday 5/2 County Council Meeting.

We will have more coverage of this following the interviews and more research into the finalists. You can see the full staff report here which includes everyone’s cover letters and resumes. See the summaries of the Planning Board Chair Finalists here.

Here is Moco360’s coverage of the finalists being announced.

Disclaimer: Please note that parts of the following was generated by an AI language model and, as such, may contain inaccuracies or errors. While we strive for precision, we recommend reviewing the original sources for complete and accurate information. Please contact us for any corrections.

Upneet Singh Atwal

Resume

This candidate holds a Master of Professional Studies in Urban & Regional Planning from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management & Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland. They have experience as a Strategic Projects Coordinator at the Universities at Shady Grove, where they worked on implementing strategic plans, developing workforce pathways, and collaborating with various stakeholders. They also have experience as a Senior Legislative Aide and Graduate Fellow at the Montgomery County Council, focusing on land use, economic development, and education policies. Additionally, they have worked as a Graduate Intern at the Montgomery County Planning Department, where they conducted research and led engagement sessions. The candidate has been involved in several major projects, such as Silver Spring Business Improvement District & Main Street and Transforming Suburban Blight. They have also held various leadership and community service roles, including serving on the Montgomery College Alumni Association Board of Governors and participating in the Racial Equity & Social Justice Core Team.

Sunil Dasgupta 

Cover Letter

The applicant, a first-generation immigrant and resident of Aspen Hill, is applying for the position of Montgomery County Planning Board Member. They bring a background in political economy, local political economy expertise, experience in higher education, and work as a podcast host. The applicant highlights three key aspects that they believe make them suitable for the position:

  1. Teaching political economy, which is foundational to planning as a function and discipline. They value expertise and emphasize the importance of respecting and engaging the professional staff.
  2. Offering intersectionality in governance, with experience in various areas such as schools, the environment, agriculture, and road safety. They have a deep understanding of planning issues and have collaborated with experts, leaders, county residents, and elected officials.
  3. Demonstrating the ability to have substantive and meaningful conversations, as evidenced by their podcast. They believe the Planning Board must engage and act to improve the lives of all county residents.

The applicant acknowledges potential conflicts between their podcast and Planning Board work, and commits to seeking guidance from the Maryland State Ethics Commission if appointed. They are eager to be part of the upcoming dialogue and contribute to addressing the challenges faced by the Planning Board.

Resume

Sunil Dasgupta, Ph.D., is an Aspen Hill resident, first-generation immigrant, public school parent, community organizer, local political economy expert, podcast host, and longtime educator in Montgomery County. He is currently the Political Science Program Director at Universities at Shady Grove, where he focuses on local governance and public policy. Dasgupta has developed innovative curricula, created new courses on local political economy, and founded a local podcast, “I Hate Politics.”

His past employment includes faculty positions at Georgetown University and George Washington University, and various roles at The Brookings Institution. Dasgupta’s community service encompasses public engagement, testimony, and writing on various policy issues. He has served on several boards and committees related to education, transportation, and community development.

Dasgupta resides in a multigenerational household in Aspen Hill with his wife, Elana Mintz, their three children, his mother, and their dog. He is involved in various community organizations, including Temple Emanuel and the Booster Club for his local high school.

Warren Fleming 

Resume

The applicant has extensive experience in Information Technology, beginning with his studies at Virginia Computer College and continuing through roles at RCA, General Electric, and Honeywell, Inc. They founded Quality Software Testing, Inc (later Quality Solutions Technologies, Inc) and achieved recognition as a top MBE firm.

Their civil experience includes serving on the Montgomery County Historical Preservation Commission from 2004-2011, where they contributed to various projects, including the Riley Plantation restoration and Josiah Henson Museum. They founded the non-profit “The Damascus Connections Committee” to serve the Damascus community and established the Damascus Heritage Society Museum.

The applicant has also served on the WSSC Ethics Board, worked as an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College, and received the “Montgomery County Humanitarian of the Year Award” in 2010. They have been involved in various community initiatives, including preserving African American historical sites and improving civic, ethical, economic, and cultural conditions in Damascus, MD.

https://moderatelymoco.com/contact/

Carolyn Gallaher 

Resume

The applicant has extensive experience in academia and administration, with current positions as a Full Professor and Senior Associate Dean at the School of International Service, American University. They hold a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Kentucky and have expertise in software such as ArcMap and ArcGIS. Their research publications focus on topics like gentrification, urban history, and tenant rights. They have contributed to public-facing work through articles published in Greater Greater Washington and StreetSense, discussing issues related to housing, tenant rights, and urban development. The applicant is conversational in Spanish and can read French.

Josh Linden 

Resume to be provided at a later time

Donald Silverstein

Cover Letter

The applicant expresses strong interest in serving as a member of the Montgomery County Planning Board, citing their previous application and endorsement by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. They have lived in the county for 44 years and appreciate its high quality of life. They have a background in civil engineering and have held various positions in the development process, with a focus on problem-solving and collaboration. Their experience includes obtaining clearances from US government agencies, demonstrating their character. The applicant is willing and able to devote the necessary time and energy to the role and highlights their familiarity with the county’s recreational facilities. They believe their technical training, professional experience, integrity, work ethic, and love for Montgomery County make them an excellent candidate for the Planning Board.

Resume

The applicant has an MS in Civil Engineering from MIT and extensive experience in design and construction. They are currently the Executive Vice President of Design and Construction at Blake Real Estate Co., managing a $1 billion portfolio, with past experience in real estate development and construction management. The applicant is registered as a Professional Engineer in Maryland, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a licensed Class A General Contractor in Virginia. They are affiliated with various professional organizations and have a history of civic and volunteer involvement. They have been a registered voter in Montgomery County since 1979 and are currently registered as “Unaffiliated.”

Nichole Gibbs Thomas

Resume

The applicant has a background in organizational psychology and holds a PhD, two master’s degrees, and a professional certificate in Mediation. Their professional experience includes various roles in research and analysis, and they have served as a professor at multiple universities. They have volunteered in public service roles, including as a Commissioner for Montgomery County’s Charter Review Commission and a Mediator for the Office of the Attorney General. They possess knowledge of zoning ordinances and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, as well as skills in soliciting and synthesizing feedback from diverse groups to inform decision-making. The applicant is described as approachable, conscientious, diplomatic, ethical, and open-minded, among other key attributes.

Wendy White

Resume

Wendy White is an experienced board member with expertise in corporate governance and has practiced commercial real estate law for over 40 years. She is currently Of Counsel to Goulston & Storrs PC, focusing on financing transactions, joint ventures, and development. Wendy has served on several boards, including Chevy Chase Trust Company, Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, The Economic Club of Washington, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She has held various professional roles at Goulston & Storrs, Morris, Manning & Martin, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. Wendy is a member of the District of Columbia and Florida Bar Associations and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work. She holds a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, an M.F.A. from the University of California, and a B.A. from Sweet Briar College.

Other Planning Board Posts

Tech Meets Talent: AI-Crafted Summaries of the 3 Planning Board Chair Finalists
Exclusive: 5 of 6 Planning Board Finalists for Independent and Republican positions were Democrats in 2022 – Council to vote 2/28

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