February 2022 – The TPO is celebrating three individuals for their hard work but for two different reasons: a fond farewell and two promotions. The fond farewell goes out to TPO Assistant Executive Director Rich Clarendon, AICP. His career in the planning industry spans 30 years, witnessing pivotal moments in the TPO’s legacy like the birth of the beloved TECO streetcar, major studies for several incarnations of the Tampa Rail Project, and the extensive review of the environmental impacts and mitigations for Tampa Bay Next interstate highway investments.
“One of the best things about working at Plan Hillsborough is the diversity of projects we work on and people we come into contact with,” said Rich. “That includes colleagues, elected leaders and members of the community. It’s broadened my perspective and I think that translates into a greater ability to empathize with folks from all different backgrounds.“
His favorite projects through the years have been updates to the TPO Long Range Transportation Plan. “I remember working on them going back to the 2010 LRTP,” he said. “In fact, I’ve violated one of my cardinal rules: Make sure you’re never around to see if what you put into a LRTP actually materializes!”
“He is a behind the scenes leader, very committed to public service,” said TPO Executive Director Beth Alden, AICP. “He loves Florida and this community, and he has seen a lot of changes.”
With big shoes to fill, Rich’s departure has paved the way for two assistant executive director positions. Gena Torres will serve as Assistant Director for External Relations & Active Transportation, and Allison Yeh AICP, LEED GA, will serve as Assistant Director for Work Program Delivery & Sustainability. Allison has long been the agency’s coordinator for resilience, sustainability, and environmental pre-screening, and she leads the team that produces mapping/GIS analysis, planning for vulnerable populations, as well as the TPO’s Unified Planning Work Program and strategic grant applications. Gena has been the agency’s great champion for Vision Zero, established the TPO’s crash mitigation/congestion management program (CM/CMP), and leads the TPO’s Complete Streets, Health & Design Team.
While Rich Clarendon will be greatly missed, his legacy of leadership will continue to resonate in the next generation of TPO leaders. As for words from the wise for transportation advocates, he shared some inspiration:
“I’ve come to think about transportation more holistically, as a means to an end. In other words, how we can use transportation as a means of fostering upward mobility.”
