Kirby R. Blass

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Kirby R. Blass

krblass@gmail.com

 
Education:

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
Major: Environmental Planning 
Dean's List: Fall, 2005, Spring, 2007, and Summer, 2007
Graduated: August 17, 2007
Overall G.P.A.: 3.32  Major G.P.A.: 3.50
 
Southern Columbia Area High School
Catawissa, Pennsylvania
Graduated: June 5, 2002
 
Supplemental Education:
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Comprehensive Planning
Completed: February 28, 2013
Presenter: Peter Aluotto, PGM Director
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
2012 International Building Code, 2012 International Residential Code, Highlight of Changes in the 2012 Code
Completed: December 20, 2012
Presenter: Frank W. Ward, Chief, CPIS
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Respectful Workplace Training
Completed: May 3, 2012
Presenter: Pro-Skills Plus, Inc.
 
International Code Council
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland Accessibility Code & 2010 ADA Standards
Completed: December 14, 2011
Presenter: Jimmy Zuehl, Instructor
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program
Completed: November 17, 2011
Presenter: Aimee Dailey, Planner III
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Waldorf Zoning and Design Guidelines and Bryans Road Town Center Mixed-Use Zones
Completed: July 7, 2011
Presenter: Amy Blessinger, Planner III
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Sign Regulations
Earned: .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: October 7, 2010
Presenters: Reed Faasen, Planning Manager
 
Americans with Disablities Act (ADA) Basic Building Blocks
Online Continuing Education Course
regarding the History, Implementation and Enforcement of the ADA.
Presented by the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers
Earned .5 Continuing Education Credits
from University College at Syracuse University
Completed: September 24, 2010 
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
GIS Mapping Services Seminar
Completed: September 23, 2010
Presenters: Glenn Gorman, Resource Analyst, Jason Groth, Director Resource and Infrastructure Management Department 
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Storm Water Management & Storm Drainage Ordinance Seminar
Completed: August 5, 2010
Presenters: Frank Ward, Chief CPIS, and Bob Harrington, Engineer III
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Waldorf Urban Design Seminar
Completed: April 29, 2010
Presenter: Amy Blessinger, Planner III
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Dealing with Angry People
Maryland Association of Counties & The Maryland Municipal League
Regional Training Series for Local Government Officials
Completed: March 12, 2010
Presenters: Richard Alper and Phil Favero
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Environmental Site Design Inspector Workshop
Completed: February 26, 2010
Presenter: Michael Clar, P.E. (Ecosite, Inc.)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Stormwater Quality Treatment Design Guidelines Seminar
Earned: 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH)
Completed: January 26, 2010
Presenter: Glen Payton, Regional Sales Manager (Filterra Bioretention Systems)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
National Green Building Standard / Program Presentation
Completed: November 16, 2009
Presenter: Michael A. Bell, President (The Bell Company) 
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Airborne & Bloodborne Pathogens:
Preparedness Training Course
Completed: September 21, 2009
Presenter: Joane Gulvas (County Safety Officer)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Charles County Critical Area Program
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: August 20, 2009
Presenter: Aimee Dailey (Planner II) 
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Common Open Space and Home Owners Association Facilities
(Residential Subdivisions)
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: June 25, 2009
Presenter: Heather Kelley (Planner III)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Training & Development Program:
Intermediate Power Point Course
Completed: June 19, 2009
 
James Madison University & The U.S. Green Building Council
Achieving Solar - An Introductory Guide to Solar Energy:
Online Continuing Education Course presented by Eco Achievers - Education for the Sustainable & Green Collar Community
Earned 3 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: May 28, 2009
Instructor: Jason LaFleur
 
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Randall Arendt Workshop:
Re-development Design Strategies to Create Mixed-Use Centers (including a discussion of Planning for Conservation Subdivisions)
Completed: March 6, 2009
Presenter: Randall Arendt (Famous Landscape Planner, Site Designer, Author, and Educator)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Swimming Pool Permit & Inspection Process
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: February 26, 2009
Presenter #1: Don Litten (Building Code Official)
Presenter #2: Patrick Parsons (Code Enforcement Officer)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Sediment & Erosion Control Inspections
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: December 11, 2008
Presenter: Raymond N. Shumaker, Jr. (Field Operations Supervisor)
 
Chaney Enterprises Training Center &
Waldorf Jaycees Community Center
Waldorf, Maryland
Pervious Concrete Workshop:
Regulation / Implementation Lecture &
Placement Demonstration
Completed: December 9, 2008
Presenter # 1: John Strong - Huron Consulting
Presenter # 2: Rod Meyers - BASF
Presenter # 3: Matt Cockerham - North Star Foundations
Presenter # 4: Stuart Schwartz - UMBC
Presenter # 5: Martin Covington - Carroll County, MD Government
Presenter # 6: David Mitchell - Bunyan Industries
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Permits, Inspections and Bonding
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: October 23, 2008
Presenter: Raymond N. Shumaker, Jr. (Field Operations Supervisor)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Parking Lot Regulations - Bill # 2008-01
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: June 12, 2008
Presenter # 1: Karen Wiggen (Senior Planner)
Presenter # 2: Shelley Wagner (Senior Planner)
 
Charles County Government
La Plata, Maryland
Policy & Proceedures Seminar Series:
Minimum Housing Square Footage
Earned .10 Continuing Education Credits
Completed: May 29, 2008
Presenter # 1: Janice Erickson (Permits Processing Supervisor)
Presenter # 2: Reed Faasen (Acting Planning Director)
 
College of Southern Maryland
Waldorf, Maryland
Workforce Training & Development:
Customer Service Excellence Course
Completed: March 6, 2008
Instructor: Sophia Evans
Course Manager: Tresa Sullivan

Professional Experience:
 
Charles County Government
Department of Planning & Growth Management
La Plata, Maryland
Planner / Site Design & Architectural Review (SDAR) Planner
January 7, 2008 - Present
 
My current job responsibilities include the review and approval of Single Family Dwelling (SFD) building permits, Residential Alterations (RAL's), Residential Additions (RAD's) and Major Subdivision Plats; for compliance with Charles County Zoning Regulations (Chapter 297). Additionally I am assigned as a Case Planner to numerous Zoning Variances (ZV's), Zoning Text Amendments (ZTA's), Zoning Map Amendments (ZMA's), Special Exceptions (SE's) and Planned Residential Developments (PRD's).  I also serve the role of Site Design & Architectural Review (SDAR) Planner. Functions of this position include the review of Architectural Design Codes, Site Development Plans (SDP's), Preliminary Subdivision Plans (PSP's) and residential and commercial architectural designs for compliance with Charles County's Architectural and Site Design Guidelines and Standards (A.S.D.G.S.). As of August, 2010, I was additionally assigned the responsibility of  reviewing Site Development Plans (SDP's) for ADA Accessibility Compliance to ensure that handicapped parking spaces in commercial developments are constructed in accordance with State and Federal Laws.
 
In addition to these duties, on February 12, 2009, I was appointed the County Representative to the St. Charles Planning & Design Review Board (PDRB) which oversees all residential and commercial development within the St. Charles (Planned Unit Development) zone of Charles County, Maryland. Responsibilites of this position include voting on motions, approving achitectural designs, and providing the PRDB members with insight into what County regulations specific projects will have to adhere to.
 
Professional Awards / Promotions:
 
*Received "5 Years of Service" Award on February 26, 2013 from the Charles County Commissioners. This award was part of a Recognition Ceremony to thank County employees for their hard work and dedicated service.
 
*Promoted to "Planner, Level II" on April 21, 2012 based upon the recommendation of my direct supervisor, my Planning Director, and my Department Director.
 
*Received "The MVP Award" on May 1, 2011 from the Charles County Commissioners. This award was presented to me during the Charles County Employee Day at Regency Furniture Stadium.
 
*Received "Employee of the Month" Award on March 29, 2011 from the Charles County Commissioners. This award was presented to me with the following rationale:

"This recognition is for carrying out the added responsibility of implementation of the County's Site Design and Architectural Review (SDAR) codes and processes in a timely and professional manner. Your direct work with project designers has aided in ensuring a high standard of aesthetics for both residential and commercial developments. As a result of your experience gained in this capacity, you were recently appointed to serve as a member of the St. Charles Design Review Board. All of these responsibilities are in addition to your normal workload. You are also recognized as one of PGM's "go to" staff when technical assistance is needed in a timely manner. Your very positive customer service attitude and willingness to assist others exemplify the utmost in excellent customer service to your co-workers and the citizens of Charles County alike".

*Received the "Great Job!" Award on August 25, 2009 from Charles County, Maryland, Planning & Growth Management Director, Mr. Melvin C. (Chuck) Beall, Jr. in recognition of my helpful and customer orientated service while assisting Meridian Ventures, Inc. revise an existing issued permit with an alteration permit in order for the builder to maintain compliance with Site Design & Architectural Review regulations. This award was included in the Charles County Government Human Resources Brag Book.
 
*Received "1 Year of Service" Award on April 17, 2009 from the Charles County Commissioners and County Administrator. This award was part of a Recognition Ceremony to thank County employees for their hard work and dedicated service.
 
*Received the "Great Job!" Award on March 17, 2009 from Charles County, Maryland, Planning & Growth Management Director, Mr. Melvin C. (Chuck) Beall, Jr. in recognition of my precise efforts and excellent internal customer service while working with the Department of Economic Development Director, Mr. George Robertson, on revising the Solar & Wind Energy System Zoning Text Amendment to make certain regulations more clear and effective to benefit citizens of Charles County.The award was included in the Charles County Government Human Resources Brag Book.
 
*Received the "Good Job!" Award on October 28, 2008 from Charles County, Maryland, Planning & Growth Management Director, Mr. Melvin C. (Chuck) Beall, Jr. in recognition of my guidance, patience, and responsiveness while working with a local amish family and engineering firm toward the creation of a family subdivision. The award was included in the Charles County Government Human Resources Brag Book.
 
Pre-Professional Experience:

SEDA-Council of Governments
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
12 Week Summer Internship
Historical Research Intern
May 21 - August 17, 2007
Conducted in depth background research for a five county historical feasibility study to obtain heritage area designation within the state of Pennsylvania. Responsibilities included working directly with local historical societies, conducting one-on-one data collection interviews, producing reference information databases, presenting findings in front of steering committees, creating historically themed timelines, and writing regional historical summaries.
 
Upon completion of internship experience recieved a 4.0 GPA for my performace during the 12 week course.

Technological Experience:
 
Software: Microsoft Office, Open Office, Novell GroupWise, AS400, and ArcGIS / ArcMap software programs.  
 
Hardware: Printers, Scanners, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, and Voice Recording Devices.

Other Work Experience:
 
Borders Express @ The St.Charles Towne Center
Waldorf, Maryland
Literature Sales Associate
September 2007-December 2007
Worked as a sales associate helping seasonal shoppers locate the perfect holiday gift.
 
Color Coat Painting
Catawissa, Pennsylvania
Owner and operator of my own
interior/exterior painting business.
2003-2007
Worked for private individuals in Columbia & Montour Counties in Pennsylvania.

Volunteer Work:
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland
2009 Bowl for Kids Sakes Event
Waldorf, Maryland
March 15, 2009
Bowled with friends, at AMF Lanes, as a member of the "One Strike Wonders" in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Combined our 8 member team raised close to $1,000.
 
Alzheimer's Association
Memory Walk "Taking Steps To End Alzheimer's"
La Plata, Maryland
September 20, 2008
Walked through the town of La Plata, Maryland with hundreds of fellow Charles County citizens to create awareness and raise money to help fight the heartbreaking disease.  
 
Eva Turner Elementary School
Career Day Presentations
Waldorf, Maryland
May 16, 2008
Volunteered to speak about my career as an Environmental Planner with students in Grades 1 though 5. Gave 6 - 20 minute presentations discussing my daily routine, my responsibilities, and the many rewards / benefits of pursing a career in the planning field.
 
The Alice Ferguson Foundation
20th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup
Allen's Fresh, Maryland
April 5, 2008
Volunteered with fellow members of the Charles County Planning Department to cleanup garbage dumped illegally along Route 234.
 
The "300" North Branch Canal Towpath Project
Danville, Pennsylvania
July 14, 2007
Worked with 300 fellow volunteers on the reconstruction of a 1 mile section of Pennsylvania's North Branch Canal towpath which will be used as a community walking/biking trail by citizens of Danville and Catawissa, Pennsylvania. 
 
Clean up Our American Lands and Steams (C.O.A.L.S)
Dumpsite Removal in Millville, Pennsylvania
April 21, 2007
Volunteered with a dozen fellow classmates to collect and dispose of garbage dumped illegally in the surrounding community. Group collected over 250 bags full of trash in 6 hours.
 
Annual Children's Fair @ The Columbia Mall
Buckhorn, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2007
Dressed up as Elmo, from Sesame Street, to greet and entertain the hundreds of children in attendance.
 
Habitat For Humanity
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
2004-2006
Volunteered on weekends as a painter & carpenter at variety of locations in the surrounding community including a children's museum and women's shelter.
 
Habitat For Humanity Collegiate Challenge
Raleigh, North Carolina
Spring Break, 2005
Worked for a week on the construction of three homes which were donated to homeless families in the surrounding community.
 
Activities:
 
St. Charles / ACPT  "Model Green City" Announcement
(Smart, Green & Growing Innitiative)
O'Donnell Lake Office Building
Waldorf, Maryland (St. Charles)
November 30, 2009
Attended the event as the Charles County representative to the St. Charles Planned Development Review Board (PDRB) hosted by American Communities Property Trust (ACPT) in which Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and other high ranking state and local political figures made statements of support for ACPT's plans to transform the remaining development areas in St.Charles into LEED certified and green communties, as well as retrofiting existing development, in addition to the construction of a new natural gas power plant and an 86 acre solar farm.
 
Residential / Small Scale Wind Energy Forum
Accokeek Foundation @ Piscataway Park
Accokeek, Maryland
May 26, 2009
Met with Clean Energy, Maryland Energy Administration representatives, (Ross Tyler, Director of CE,MEA and Andrew Gohn, Program Manager of CE,MEA), to discuss how wind enegy can help Marylanders achieve energy autonomy and contribute to the fulfillment of Governor Martin O'Malley's "Smart, Green, and Growing" initiative.
 
Environmental Stewardship Public Meeting
Charles County Government Building
La Plata, Maryland
June 26, 2008
Discussed the many differences between conventional and cluster subdivisions with fellow Charles County citizens.
 
Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
2006-2007
Gave presentations on current environmental issues to promote group discussion and awareness.
 
Pennsylvania Planning Association Conference
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
October 22-24, 2006
Attended numerous professional presentations regarding current historical, community, and downtown revitalization / development practices.
 
Geography & Planning Society
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
2005-2007
Developed team building skills and long lasting friendships with fellow students within the environmental planning major.
 
Roaring Creek Valley Historical Study Group
Railroad History Presentation in Catawissa, Pennsylvania
Summer, 2005
Gave presentations regarding the history of the railroads that once ran through the Central Susquehanna region of Pennsylvania with my grandfather Robert E. Linn, a local historian and former Reading Railroad employee.
 
Program Board Student Activities
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
2005-2006
Assisted with the planning and development of game and dance events at the the university that included bingo, dance, and pizza nights to entertain fellow students.
 
 
References Available Upon Request