Resume

Philip M. Riggan (Phil)
C: 804-432-3088 | philriggan@gmail.com

MY LIFE
Cycling and pedestrian advocate, heavily involved in recreation and outdoors community. Dedicated to promoting non-vehicular modes of transportation. Large network of friends, peers and connections in cycling community. Working as a journalist covering many urban planning issues, keeping tabs on key issues and informing readership. Completed My Masters in Urban Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2015, further enhancing my skills and knowledge to become a better planner and advocate for recreational and environmental issues. Husband, father of two, lover of the outdoors and Mother Nature. Volunteer coach with my children’s sports teams. Volunteer with at least 10 outdoor and parks groups in the Richmond area to conserve and maintain the James River Park and many of Richmond’s outdoor resources. Paddle, mountain bike, road bike, hike, swim, educate, clean trash — all the things I love!

OUTDOOR & ACTIVE INTERESTS
Organized volunteer cleanups and helped direct volunteers for several non-profits and volunteer with at least 10 environmental and parks groups to conserve and maintain the James River Park and many of Richmond’s parks, outdoor resources and greenway and blueway connections. Paddle, road & mountain bike, hike, swim, educate, clean trash (for fun).

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Transportation Planner
Earned a masters degree in Urban Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2015 and finally got into the planning world in July 2016, working for the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization, primarily focusing on bicycle, pedestrian and environmental justice planning.

Writer / Web Development / Multimedia / Project Management / Management
Highly motivated and results-oriented writer, photojournalist, web producer, content coordinator and project manager. A team leader and professional journalist. Practiced in working under pressure with constant deadlines, with an eye for efficiency and quality.

CORE COMPETENCIES
■ Writing & editing for publication
■ HTML coding (some CGI and JAVA)
■ Video & Photography for the web
■ Edius, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere
■ Web development & content management
■ CMS and CSS management
■ Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, tumblr etc.)
■ Team building & project management
■ GIS and Parcel Mapping (VCU)
■ Site and Land Use Planning (VCU)
■ Fundraising and Grant Writing for Nonprofits (ToolBank)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Transportation Planner, Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization, July 2016-present
Work as a planner, focusing on bicycle, pedestrian and environmental justice planning.

Writer, photographer, videographer Richmond Times-Dispatch/Richmond.com (BH Media), October 2011-May 2016
Wrote and/or edited 5-10 stories per week, staff photographer and produced video.
Produced the website and promoted through social media (Twitter, Facebook, tumblr)

WWBT NBC12 (Raycom Media), April 2009-October 2011
Executive Producer New Media
Managed the website team. Oversaw 20+ employees who maintained website in multiple facets, including HTML, multimedia (video, audio and photo), writing and editing content. Coordinated sales projects for website.

Media General, Inc., Sept. 1992-Oct. 2008
Writer/Editor/Producer, Richmond Times-Dispatch Sports Dept.: Sept. 1992-April 1995
Web Producer, 1995-1999; Senior Content Coordinator, 1999-2008
Managed and produced the news websites inRich.com (now Richmond.com), TimesDispatch.com and DiscoverRichmond.com.

Selected Achievements
■ Performed through multiple content management systems and site redesigns.
■ Created and maintained award-winning DiscoverRichmond.com from its inception.

INTERNSHIPS
■ Richmond 2015, Spring 2013-Fall 2014. Helped with a transportation study and worked on a plan for a monument to the bicycle race.
■ Partnership for Smarter Growth, Spring 2013-Fall 2013. Social media, promotion and website building.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
For the past several years, as a member of the media, tried to maintain a semblance of objectivity by not being on boards of any volunteer organizations or non-profits for which I volunteer. I made an exception for ToolBank USA, which created the Richmond Community ToolBank in early 2013 and I was recruited to serve on its board of directors. It is a non-profit designed to help other non-profits by supplying tools and necessary project equipment for projects. My primary board activities include outreach, fundraising and facility acquisition. I secured my first big donation, a very generous $3,000 grant from RIR Cares. We officially opened in January 2015 and had our grand opening in March 2015.

My volunteer organizations:
■ Richmond Community ToolBank
■ Friends of James River Park
■ Friends of Bryan Park
■ James River Outdoor Coalition
■ James River Association
■ Richmond MORE
■ Chesapeake Bay Foundation
■ Boy Scouts of America
■ YMCA Youth Soccer (coach)
■ First LEGO League (coach)

EDUCATION
■ Masters degree in Urban Planning, Virginia Commonwealth University, Aug. 2011-May 2015
■ Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, University of Richmond 1992

OTHER INTERESTS
Published “Discovering Richmond’s Monuments,” a book about Richmond statues, monuments and public art, primary photographer and acted as editor and contributed some writing. Expect to someday publish a new James River Guidebook.