Hi, I'm Cynthia.
Director of Planning & Entitlements*
My path to land development planning took an unconventional route through international banking Wall Street. I spent nearly a decade in investment banking at leading multinational firms before discovering my true passion lay in shaping communities, not just handling their financial transactions. That financial background has proven invaluable—I don't just understand zoning codes; I understand what makes projects economically viable.
With over 205 years navigating Florida's development landscape, I've worked on both sides of the approval process. As Pasco County's DRI Coordinator, I had the privilege of participating in the master planning of several legacy projects, including Wiregrass Ranch, Bexley Ranch, and Starkey Ranch. Then as Capital Budget Coordinator, I managed multi-million dollar infrastructure investments and revenue projections, giving me an insider's perspective on how local governments evaluate land development growth. This dual role as planner and capital budget coordinator provides me with a unique insight into understanding financial implicationsi of land use decision making. I know which arguments resonate because I was at the table on the inside of a local government.
My strategy always starts with a simple premise: every property is unique. If there is has untapped potential, I will find it. Whether it's a 7,000-acre master-planned community or a challenging infill site, I love finding creative solutions that maximize value while building consensus among stakeholders. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, I understand how to bridge the gap between what developers need and what communities want.
* I’m not an attorney. I am a highly-skilled land planner.
My Credentials
State University of New York at Binghamton, Bachelor of Arts, with honors; Economics, and German Language & Literature
Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management, Masters in Business Administration
Certifications, & Licenses
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Kaizen Process Improvement Certification
Fluent in German
Notable Experience & Achievements
Lead Planner for several industrial projects throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Major proponent for diversity of housing choice and finding ways for differing uses to co-exist harmoniously. Actively participated in settlement agreement as a result of a challenge to the elimination of transportation concurrency and replacement with mobility fees.
Participated and advised during capital budgeting workshops.
Actively negotiated and crafted several DRI-related development agreements.
DRI Coordinator for all DRIs in Pasco County, notably Bexley Ranch, Starkey Ranch, Wiregrass Ranch, Mitchell Ranch Plaza, and Trinity.
Worked in Frankfurt, London and New York;
Market Maker in German Mortgage Backed Bonds (Jumbo Pfandbriefe)
Passed the Frankfurt Stock Exchange Boersenhaendler Exam
Community Involvement & Board Service
Pasco Economic Development Council, Sustainability Task Force Chair (2021)
Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee, Chairman (2022 and 2025), Co-Chairman (2023 & 2024)
American Planning Association, Florida Chapter
Pasco County Horizontal and Pasco 2050 Land Use Roundtables representative for development community
Publications & Speeches
Regular presenter at Florida Planning Association conferences
Speaker on mixed-use development, importance of diversity of housing choices, and employment center planning
Contributor to planning publications on sustainable development
Life Outside the Firm
My international perspective—shaped by time living in Germany during my global banking career—helps me bring fresh ideas to local challenges. I'm passionate about creating sustainable communities that will thrive for generations. When I'm not working, golfing or running for exercise, I enjoy visiting my family and friends in Germany and elsewhere abroad. Every place has its own story, and I love helping write the next chapter. If you'd like to learn more, see my LinkedIn profile.