Ryan Pace, Communications Manager, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission
Your job title is Communications Manager. What, in your own words, would you say you do?
As a graphic designer by trade, I work with the TJPDC staff to produce materials related to the projects we are involved in. I am also responsible for TJPDC.org and building and maintaining the many partner- and project-related websites that we host.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
Getting to work on a wide variety of projects that are always changing is one of the best things about what I do. The TJPDC is involved in issues ranging from transportation to housing, the environment and community development. Having the chance to be involved with all of these programs keeps things interesting.
The most challenging aspect is that I have to be very detail-oriented to keep up with multiple projects, timelines and competing deadlines.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
If it is posted online or you are reading a hard-copy version of something the TJPDC has produced, there is a high likelihood that it has crossed my desk at some point.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission?
Being one of a few employees at the TJPDC who is not a planner, I have always enjoyed seeing a project progress through the various stages of development. Seeing the time and effort that goes into this gives me a great appreciation for the process.
What is a little-known fact about you?
Probably that I am somewhat of a guitar virtuoso. Never one to be musically inclined, I decided as an adult teach myself to play guitar. Ten years and a couple thousand renditions of “Freebird” later and I’m almost ready to quit my day job!
