Transportation
Commission
AB 1234 Training
The Board, Commission or Committee (collectively Board) you are seeking appointment to provides City reimbursement for attending trainings or conferences. Therefore, under State Law all members of the Board must receive at least two hours of ethic’s training, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, within one year of appointment and once every two years thereafter.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Transportation
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
I am currently enrolled at CSUN, earning a Masters of Urban Planning degree. I am a graduate of the SFVCOG Mobility Academy (2024).
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? I am committed to helping realize our city's complete streets plan, achieving the goals set out in the Mobility Element of Burbank's general plan, as well as promoting the community transportation goals espoused by our City Council.
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? Supplemental Questions
Acknowledgement
Eddy Polon
Eddy Polon
East Providencia Avenue | Burbank, CA | |
Summary of Strengths
After 18 years working as a writer and producer I took a leap and opened an artisan bakery that I owned and operated for another 18 years. I sold my bakery in 2021 and am now dedicated to improving the quality of life in my community with a focus on safe streets, abundant housing, and climate resiliency.
Professional Experience
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, BURBANK, CA
Commissioner | Appointed October 2022
o Review and advise on all city transportation services and initiatives. o Involved in plans to reimagine and electrify city transportation services. o Safe streets advocate.
STRONG TOWNS BURBANK
President | Elected January 2025
o Leader of a community organization advocating for a safe, inviting, & resilient city. o Trusted Community Partner of Burbank Community Development Department. o Spearheaded efforts to grow membership & build alliances with residents & businesses.
CITY COUNCL CANDIDATE
City of Burbank | 2024
o Earned more than 8500 votes.
o Raised over $43,000.
o Endorsed by 3 sitting Council Members, Democratic Party, LA County Federation of Labor.
CONTINENTAL KOSHER BAKERY
Managing Partner | November 2003 – December 2021
o Operated a full-service retail and wholesale bakery.
o Managed staff of 16 employees.
o Updated equipment, processes, and recipes to rejuvenate an aging business. o Built a vibrant pipeline to donate unsold food to needy people. o Grew business 300%+ over the course of 18 years.
o Generated $1MM gross annual revenue.
G4 TV– A COMCAST NETWORK
Producer | January 2005 – November 2006
o Developed and produced episodic television programs.
o Credits include "Happy Tree Friends & Friends" and "Video Game Vixens." o Supervised production, editing, and final delivery of programs for broadcast.
WRITER AND PRODUCER– EDDY POLON PRODUCTIONS
Independent | January 2002 – November 2003
o Created interactive game shows for production companies and networks. o Clients included Liberty Media, Freemantle, and Scott Sternberg Productions.
FREMANTLE NORTH AMERICA
New Media Producer | March 2000 – December 2001
o Produced interactive games "Price is Right," "Card Sharks," & "What's My Line?" o Led effort to transition from only broadcast to integrated media production. o Collaborated with international productions in Europe and Japan.
SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
Producer Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune Online | February 1998 – February 2000 o Developed and produced interactive internet versions of the longest running and most popular television game shows in television history.
o Managed staff of 12 writers, researchers, digital artists, and content producers. o Met launch and revenue goals.
LIBERTY MEDIA
Vice President of Programming, Zing | March 1995 – December 1997 o Early hire at a new media technology company.
o Developed and produced interactive programming.
o Participated in user interface design and consumer and business marketing. o Opened LA creative office & hired and managed writers and content producers.
TELEVISION & FILM PRODUCTION
Show Runner, Staff Writer| January 1986 – December 1995 o Produced credits include Nickel & Dime (feature film), Tic Tac Dough (TV Game Show), Rescue 911 Interactive (TBS), and CyberQuest (Game Show Pilot) Education
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA | SANTA CRUZ
Bachelor of Arts in Theater – Film Emphasis | June 1984
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS MOBILITY ACADEMY Burbank Representative | Completed March 2024
STUDENT, MASTERS IN URBAN PLANNING, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE | Expected Graduation 2027
Activities and Interests
I am an avid bicyclist, baker, and enjoy meeting people and discovering great food as I explore the world.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Transportation
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
I have served since February, 2021, and I am proud of the advancements the city has made and continues to make in the transportation space. Burbank now has three rail stations, one- way traffic along San Fernando supporting increased business activity and citizen enjoyment, and a new Burbank Blvd. bridge with dedicated bike lanes. Now that the LA Metro Bus Rapid Transit is under development, the work of the Transportation Commission is amplified: to ensure the issues are openly discussed, our citizens given a chance to speak and be heard, and our City Council to receive the opinions of the commissioners. I am excited to continue this important work, to keep Burbank moving safely into the future.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? The Transportation Commission is evolving with the addition of parking under the responsibilities, I would like to see more ideas and options piloted to diffuse the problems without permanent change. there might always be a need for parking management, but we should be looking for newer and improved methods to manage our shared paved resource.
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? Supplemental Questions
Acknowledgement
Jason Lewis
Upload a Resume
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? I arrived in the U.S., from Canada, in 1981. I lived in Burbank with one of my relatives for three years. In 1984, my employment took me to the Inland Empire, where I lived until 2011.
In 2011, I transferred to the Caltrans offices in Los Angeles. I had an opportunity to purchase a home in one of several areas such as Pasadena, Glendale or Burbank. I specifically chose Burbank for several reasons : 1. Having previously lived in Burbank, I had become familiar with the City and wanted to come back. 2. Burbank offers a sense of community which I have not experienced anywhere else. 3. Burbank has a very strong City government which really cares about the well being of the residents. 4. The schools, the law enforcement agencies and the fire department in Burbank are well known in the region for their strength and stability. For these reasons, and many others, now that I am retired, I want to give back to the City that I have called home for the last 14 years. I feel that , with my qualifications (see details under Questions), I can contribute to making the City of Burbank an even better place to live. I am specifically interested in the Infrastructure Oversight Board because I think that is where I can make the most difference.
Education
I graduated from the School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada, with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon immigrating to the U.S., I continued my studies with a Masters degree in Business administration and another Masters degree in Civil Engineering (Construction Management). I received my registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in California in 1996.
Additional Pertinent Courses or Training
I am a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) thru the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Other Pertinent Skills, Experience or Interests
I worked for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for 35 years, in two different Districts. In District 8, covering San Bernardino and Riverside counties, I went thru the Engineering Rotation Program where I learned about various Caltrans offices and functions, followed by 7 years as a Staff Engineer, working in Design and Traffic Operations. I transferred to District 7 on a promotion in 1999 and was a Project Manager for 15 years, managing various mega projects and was subsequently promoted to the position of Office Chief where I managed a staff of Senior Engineers and Staff Engineers for almost a decade in the Division of Traffic Operations. (Please also see my attached resume) Community Involvement
Specify current or prior service on a City Board, Commission or Committee:
None.
List Community activities in which you are involved:
None at the moment.
ABDI - SAGHAFI
WORK EXPERIENCE_____________________________
1990-1999 Staff Engineer
Various Engineering positions in Design, Traffic Design, Maintenance Engineering and Consultant Services units
at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
1999-2006
Senior Project Manager (Specialist)
Managed various CIP and rehab projects in Los Angeles
and Ventura counties. Responsibilities included
overseeing various functional engineering units for the delivery of various projects within budget, scope and
schedule. My other duties included communications with
the public as well as local agencies and the elected
officials.
2006-2015
Supervising Transportation Engineer
(Project Management)
Supervised the work of several Senior Project Managers , and their staff, in delivery of various CIP and rehab
projects in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Some of the projects I was involved in included the I-5 (North and South) HOV projects (including the I-5 at
Empire project), I-710 Freight Corridor project, I-710 Gap Closure project and the construction of the new Gerald
Desmond Bridge in Long Beach. My other duties included
communications with the public as well as local agencies and the elected officials. As part of these duties, I
attended public meetings where I presented information
regarding Caltrans projects. On several occasions, I
attended the Burbank City Council meetings where I
provided updates on the progress of the HOV projects on I-5 (North).
2015-2024
Supervising Transportation Engineer
(Traffic Operations)
Supervised several Senior Engineers , and their staff, in performing various duties such as : traffic investigations , initiation of safety improvement projects, initiation of operational improvement projects , monitoring the
operation of ramp meters and traffic signals, as well as preparation of Project Reports and various other
documents. My other duties included communications
with the public as well as local agencies and the elected officials. I attended several standing meetings with
various local agencies, such as the City of Malibu, where I provided updates on Caltrans projects , impacting the
local communities.
REFERNCES_____________________________________
Will be provided upon request.
If you answer yes, explain in detail any potential conflicts in the same manner as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission’s Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). (If you should have any questions about this matter or need further information as it relates to your situation, please advise the City Clerk prior to submitting your application.) AB 1234 Training
The Board, Commission or Committee (collectively Board) you are seeking appointment to provides City reimbursement for attending trainings or conferences. Therefore, under State Law all members of the Board must receive at least two hours of ethic’s training, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, within one year of appointment and once every two years thereafter.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Reappointment to the Transportation Commission
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
Familiar with City of Burbank plans, policies and development of modes of transportation services serving Burbank including AMTRAK Long Distance Passenger services; LOSSAN Amtrak California Coastal services; Metrolink commuter rail services; LA Metro Bus services; Burbank Bus local services; Burbank Bus Senior and Disabled services; Operation and maintenance of the three rail transportation stations located within the City of Burbank; and Active Transportation modes and alternatives, as well as the Burbank Hollywood Airport transportation hub.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? To continue to contribute my experience and knowledge of various modes of transportation , knowledge of City of Burbank governmental organizational structure and policies and procedures as applicable to transportation matters within the city, and in the general public interest, convenience and necessity,
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
Mark W Ehrhardt
Upload a Resume
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? It's difficult for me to fully express the extent of how greatly I have enjoyed serving the City of Burbank as a Transportation Commissioner. I am very grateful for the trust of City Council to appoint me to an unexpired term that began in November, 2022. In the course of this term, I have been honored with opportunities to listen to resident comments, to discuss items with fellow commissioners, to help make recommendations to city staff, to be nominated and voted to the position of Vice Chair of the Commission, and to have the privilege of helping to shape the way this city travels. I hope to do more. I am grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate love to this city by improving transportation for all. I think the experience I've gained over the last three years as a Commissioner has been very valuable for me as I desire to continue, and has put me in a position from which I can make significant contributions going forward. I would love the opportunity to one day serve as Chair of the Commission. Transportation is a very important aspect of my life. I try my best to prioritize bicycling, walking, and Metro over driving for my own transportation needs and for my family. As manager of a production studio in Burbank, I know that parking and travel experience for driving entertainment professionals is of crucial importance for production and filming success. As pastor of a new church in Burbank, I have opportunity to speak with a significant percentage of the congregation who rely on bus service and Metro Micro for their daily transportation. A city becomes vibrant the more people are interacting with one another and the more they can freely move about it. I hope to continue to make recommendations that will more and more make Burbank the model for a vibrant, wonderful place for all as they live in Burbank, work in Burbank, and visit Burbank.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business: Florida Atlantic University (2010) Master of Divinity - Erskine Theological Seminary (2014)
Additional Pertinent Courses or Training
Other Pertinent Skills, Experience or Interests
I presently serve as Vice Chair of the Transportation Commission. I have personally purchased at Telraam device for measuring transportation modes and data on my own street. The data is available publicly here: https://telraam.net/en/location/9000008248 Community Involvement
Specify current or prior service on a City Board, Commission or Committee:
Transportation Commissioner — Unexpired Term since November, 2022 List Community activities in which you are involved:
Burbank Chamber of Commerce Magnolia Park Merchants Association Magnolia Park "Holiday in the Park" Pastor — Covenant Church in Burbank
If you are related to any City of Burbank employee(s), please state their name(s), relationship(s), and department(s). If you are not related to a City of Burbank employee, please put N/A.
N/A
Rev. John "Brooks" Pipher
If you answer yes, explain in detail any potential conflicts in the same manner as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission’s Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). (If you should have any questions about this matter or need further information as it relates to your situation, please advise the City Clerk prior to submitting your application.) AB 1234 Training
The Board, Commission or Committee (collectively Board) you are seeking appointment to provides City reimbursement for attending trainings or conferences. Therefore, under State Law all members of the Board must receive at least two hours of ethic’s training, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, within one year of appointment and once every two years thereafter.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Transportation Commission
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
From 2009 to 2012, I worked for Metro and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (formerly known as SANBAG). At Metro, I focused on community engagement and worked on many teams and projects, including Call for Projects, Regional Connector, and Gold Line Eastside Extension. While at SANBAG, I managed a project that analyzed non- motorized transportation accessibility at Metrolink stations, updated the Bicycle Plan, and reviewed highway interchange projects for the local sales tax measure. Before working at my current County department (Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk), I was a manager at the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Executive Office (EO) for six years. One of my main roles was managing a team assisting constituents at Board meetings. Nearly every Tuesday, I was in constant communication with members of the public, Board Operations staff, Board Office staff, and Sheriff’s Department personnel including sergeant-at-arms and contracted security officers. Later at the EO, I worked in facility and emergency preparedness including being the Building Manager for the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Downtown Los Angeles that houses nearly three-thousand employees and visitors. I received a Master of Planning with a Concentration in Transportation and Infrastructure from USC and focused on examining issues pertinent to public transit and active transportation in urban environments. In addition, I graduated with honors in my concentration and received two awards: one for the analysis of the transit experience in Berlin, Germany and another for developing a potential “cleantech” corridor in Los Angeles.
At UCLA I studied computer science and received a Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics and a Minor in Classical Civilizations.
Joe M Walcek
Joe Michael Walcek
EDUCATION
University of Southern California
Master of Planning (MPL) with a Concentration in Transportation and Infrastructure Planning Graduate Certificate in Transportation Systems
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Computation with a Minor in Classical Civilization
QUALIFICATIONS
Gifted public administrator with skills in information technology, business analysis, and urban planning. Over six years of managing teams and seven years of project management experience. Adept at creating and delivering reports and presentations to executives, staff, and the public. Worked in both public and private sectors across the technical consulting and finance industries. Inaugural cohort for the Los Angeles County Management Fellows Program.
EXPERIENCE
County of Los Angeles, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Norwalk, CA Assistant Division Manager May 2023 – Present
Assistant Division Manager over Vote by Mail (VBM), consisting of approximately twenty employees (nearly two-hundred for larger elections).
Manages operations in processing up to 1.3M VBM ballots, which includes verifying signatures and corresponding with voters as necessary.
Assists with testing the new election management system; briefs director and chief deputy on VBM operations.
County of Los Angeles, Board of Supervisors Executive Office Los Angeles, CA Building Manager (Administrative Services Manager II) Jul. 2022 – May 2023, Nov. 2019 – Sep. 2020 Building Manager for the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration; formerly Assistant Chief of the Building Management/Special Projects Division.
Updated emergency plans (Continuity of Operations, Department Emergency Plan, etc.) and led Department/Building Emergency Coordinator duties (Emergency Response Team, evacuation, etc.). Managed building and real estate projects at the Hall of Administration and Board Field Offices. Coordinator for specialized projects such as Third Supervisorial District Transition and hoteling program.
Acting Assistant Division Chief (Administrative Services Manager II) Sep. 2020 – Jul. 2022 Acting Assistant Division Chief for the Assessment Appeals Board (AAB), manager of Public Interaction and Hearing Officer Support/Final Action units, supervising up to twelve employees. Developed application filing fee procedures and ordinance language, along with SMS notification system. Lead coordinator for virtual hearing implementation for both the board and hearing officer hearings.
Assistant Division Chief (Administrative Services Manager II) Jun. 2017 – Nov. 2019 Manager over the Customer Service Center and Records Management units, supervising eight employees in the Public Information Office; assisted with budget; handled Public Records Act requests. Directed staff who handle constituent inquiries and requests from departments regarding the Board. Provided additional oversight of Building Management, Photography, and Graphic Arts units. Monitored staffing levels and logistics during weekly Board meetings; handled requests from the public.
County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works Alhambra, CA Administrative Services Manager I Jul. 2016 – May 2017
Advocate for the Performance Management Unit of the Human Resources Division (HRD). Worked with division managers to investigate employee misconduct and review performance evaluations.
Drafted discipline letters; conducted interviews; provided guidance on County policies/procedures. Assisted HRD management with presentations, litigation, and live scan tasks.
County of Los Angeles, Department of Beaches & Harbors Marina del Rey, CA Administrative Services Manager I Sep. 2015 – Jul. 2016 Manager of projects and administrative assignments for the Operational Services Division (OSD). Prepared budget and reviewed requests for equipment and positions; analyzed capital project requests. Reviewed performance evaluations; interviewed candidates; investigated staff misuse of supplies. Processed vendor invoices, division billings and purchases, as well as orders from other departments. Administered various equipment and service contracts, including managing vendor work. Coordinated disaster planning and emergency operations for the department.
Management Fellow Dec. 2013 – Sep. 2015
Project manager, technical lead for information technology projects in the division. Collaborated with other County departments on the upgrade of an online permit system, migration to Office 365, and establishment of a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone system. Supervised and directed the workload of three technical staff through project and task delegation; monitored and evaluated staff performance; provided work guidance and support. Oversaw completion of the request for bids (RFB) for aforementioned VoIP system, which involved working with Internal Services Department (ISD) staff to confirm vendor compliance with specifications. Implemented department-wide technical support management system that resulted in a decrease of response times and reduction of operational problems.
City of Santa Monica, Department of Housing & Economic Development Santa Monica, CA Administrative Analyst (limited-term) Sep. 2013 – Nov. 2013 In a limited-term assignment, assisted the Housing Division in the coordination of programs and projects related to the management and relocation of mobile home parks, including property management, tenant relations, and public policy implementation; wrote staff reports and worked with City planners and vendors.
SKILLS
Proficient: Office, Visual Studio, SQL Server, Visio, Project, InDesign, Photoshop, ArcGIS. Skilled: C#, .NET, MVC, SQL, HTML, CSS. Competent: Android, Bootstrap, JavaScript, PHP. 70 words-per-minute typing speed.
Elementary knowledge of Ukrainian and Spanish.
AWARDS
Improvement to Transit Access for Cyclists and Pedestrians (SANBAG): 2014 National Planning Achievement Award for Transportation; APA California 2013 Award of Merit for Focused Issue Planning Award.
2010 MPL Comprehensive Examination Honors – Transportation and Infrastructure Planning. 2010 Academic Capstone Student Exhibit Award: The Transit Experience in Berlin. 2009 Academic Capstone Student Exhibit Award: Green Leaf Campus–CleanTech Manufacturing Center. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works eNotify: 2007 E-Government Project of the Year Award; NACo 2008 Achievement Award Winner; 2009 Digital Government Achievement Award.
AB 1234 Training
The Board, Commission or Committee (collectively Board) you are seeking appointment to provides City reimbursement for attending trainings or conferences. Therefore, under State Law all members of the Board must receive at least two hours of ethic’s training, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, within one year of appointment and once every two years thereafter.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Transportation
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
As someone who uses a bike as my main mode of transportation, as well as owning a car, and using public transportation, I have a broader knowledge of what its like to get around Burbank. My professional background as a sound mixer leans on my ability to hear many voices and opinions at one time, and to find resolution for differing perspectives.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? One of my goals is to improve the safety and efficacy of bike comuting and public transportation. I would also like to see a more walkable Burbank.
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Planning
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
I am a member of the community development group Strong Towns Burbank. I am a Burbank homeowner. My professional background as a sound mixer leans on my ability to hear many voices and opinions at one time, and to find resolution for differing perspectives.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? My goal would be to grow the city in a thoughtful way that maintains its core values.
Supporting small businesses, affordable housing, and safe streets.
Supplemental Questions
Acknowledgement
Zach o Martin
Upload a Resume
Education
Education Bachelor of Arts — Communication University of Colorado Additional Pertinent Courses or Training
While I have not completed formal courses specific to transportation, I bring extensive practical experience as a lifelong multimodal transit user in Burbank. As a daily rider, driver, and pedestrian, I have firsthand insight into the city’s transportation needs. Additionally, I have engaged directly with multiple agencies including Metro, the City of Burbank, Los Angeles County, and District 44, gaining valuable knowledge through collaboration and discussions focused on improving transit and traffic safety.
Other Pertinent Skills, Experience or Interests
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with local and regional transportation agencies Experience advocating for practical, community-focused transit and traffic safety improvements Skilled at integrating data analysis with human-centered insights to inform transportation planning Strong commitment to inclusive, multimodal transportation that enhances residents’ quality of life Dedicated to sustainable living practices, including adherence to minimal and zero waste principles Effective communicator with experience engaging diverse stakeholders to build consensus and advance solutions Continuously engaged in learning about emerging transportation policies, technologies, and sustainability initiatives
Community Involvement
Specify current or prior service on a City Board, Commission or Committee:
I have not previously served on a City Board, Commission, or Committee. However, I am eager to contribute to the City of Burbank through service on the Transportation Commission or the Sustainable Burbank Commission. My background includes hands-on collaboration with regional agencies, a commitment to sustainable living, and a focus on improving quality of life through thoughtful, community-driven solutions.
List Community activities in which you are involved:
I have been actively involved in the Burbank community for over a decade. I have volunteered with the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department for more than 11 years, contributing to various public programs and events. I also participated in Job Connect programming through the Burbank Public Library, where I saw firsthand the importance of equitable access to services. In addition, I regularly engage in civic advocacy, collaborating with local and regional agencies on transportation and pedestrian improvements. I attend City Council meetings, provide public comment, and am committed to inclusive, people-first policy.
If you are related to any City of Burbank employee(s), please state their name(s), relationship(s), and department(s). If you are not related to a City of Burbank employee, please put N/A.
N/A
Conflict of Interest
Corey Mensing
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? My primary goal is to help as many people as possible by contributing to transportation planning that improves daily life for Burbank residents. I want to ensure the city's transportation systems are inclusive, efficient, and responsive to how people actually move through their neighborhoods. I aim to bring forward practical, data-informed ideas that reflect both policy considerations and the real-world experiences of riders, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. I also hope to strengthen collaboration between Burbank and regional agencies to ensure seamless, multimodal connections. Ultimately, I believe Burbank has the potential to be a leader in thoughtful, people-first transportation, and I want to be part of making that vision a reality.
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Sustainable Burbank Commission
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Colorado and bring over a decade of professional experience in roles centered on collaboration, problem-solving, and global brand management. While I do not have a technical environmental science background, I am deeply committed to sustainability through both personal practice and professional initiatives. I have led environmental programs within corporate settings, promoting sustainable practices and helping organizations reduce their environmental footprint. Personally, I practice a minimal and zero waste lifestyle, reflecting my commitment to environmental responsibility. I am eager to apply this experience and mindset to support Sustainable Burbank’s goals of fostering a resilient, healthy, and environmentally conscious community.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? My primary goal is to help Burbank become a leader and role model for sustainability in the region. I want to support policies and programs that promote environmental responsibility, reduce waste, and build a healthier, more resilient community. I believe Burbank has the potential to set a high standard that other communities can follow, and I am committed to collaborating with city leaders, residents, and partners to advance innovative, inclusive, and practical solutions that improve quality of life for all.
Supplemental Questions
Acknowledgement
Corey Mensing
If you answer yes, explain in detail any potential conflicts in the same manner as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission’s Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). (If you should have any questions about this matter or need further information as it relates to your situation, please advise the City Clerk prior to submitting your application.) AB 1234 Training
The Board, Commission or Committee (collectively Board) you are seeking appointment to provides City reimbursement for attending trainings or conferences. Therefore, under State Law all members of the Board must receive at least two hours of ethic’s training, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, within one year of appointment and once every two years thereafter.
First Choice
FIRST choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Transportation Commission
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position.
In my current role, I am actively involved in high-level planning focused on designing efficient and safe traffic flow for both passengers and employees at the airport. My primary responsibility is ensuring safety by identifying and addressing potential hazards that could impact anyone navigating the airport environment. This experience has strengthened my skills in analyzing traffic patterns, anticipating safety concerns, and contributing to effective transportation solutions.
What are your goals in serving on this Board/Commission/Committee? My goal in serving on the transportation board is to help make our city’s streets and transit systems safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly for everyone. This is also a great opportunity for me to contribute to transportation planning efforts and play a meaningful role in creating positive change in my community.
Second Choice
SECOND choice for Board/Commission/Committee appointment:
Describe any qualifications, experience, and education, as well as any technical or professional background you may have relative to the duties of this position
Gersom Michel
As a dedicated SMS (Safety Management System) Manager in aviation, my mission is to ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance within the aviation industry. I am committed to proactively identifying potential hazards, fostering a culture of safety, and implementing effective processes to mitigate risks.
Safety Management Sytems for
Airports
CFR 14 Part 139 Subpart E
Report writing and presenting
Critical thinking skills
Teamwork and Leadership skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Proactive and self-motivated
Excellent communication skills
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Safety Management System (SMS) Specialist
Monitored government weather alerts, relaying critical information to the airport community to ensure readiness and safety during adverse conditions.
Developed and conducted SMS training programs for the Maintenance Department and other individuals, enhancing safety awareness and adherence to protocols across the airport workforce.
Currently chairs the SMS Committee and presents informative relevant slides to the Safety Committee on a bimonthly basis, ensuring that safety concerns and strategies were consistently addressed at a leadership level.
Provided ongoing support to the Safety Management System Manager, assisting in the smooth operation of the safety program and ensuring the implementation of best practices.
Acted as a key point of contact for airlines, tenants, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration to enhance overall airport safety efforts.
Led in revising and updating Evacuation Route signage in collaboration with the Airport Fire Department (AFD), improving emergency preparedness and response.
Developed and implemented an annual goal for the SMS Department, leveraging data from previous years to drive performance improvements and achieve key objectives.
Oct 2022 - Mar 2025
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
North Sparks St., Burbank, CA 91506
Gersom Michel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KEY COMPETENCIES
Conducted a comprehensive Safety Risk Assessment for the Opening up TNC Lot, documenting and collaborating with different departments to ensure the identification of risks and the achievement of an adequate safety level.
Led the Safety Risk Assessment for Ground Surface Closures, identifying hazards and proposing mitigation strategies to improve coordination and safety alignment across departments.
Created and implemented the “Safies” incentive program to meet the requirements outlined in AC 150/5200- 37A, promoting a culture of safety within the airport.
Represents the Airport at the "All Hands Safety Meeting" every Tuesday morning, where all workers on project site are briefed on safety updates, project developments, and potential hazards.
Developed and launched the monthly SMS (Safety Management System) Newsletter to improve safety communication among airport employees and stakeholders.
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Safety Management System (SMS) Manager Mar 2025 - Present
Bachelor of Occupational Safety and Health
Leadership Burbank
OSHA 30 Certification
AAAE Airside Operations and Safety Working
Group
Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Operations
Columbia Southern University |
April 2025
Completed a city leadership program, enhancing strategic decision-making, team collaboration, and leadership skills.
South Florida State University
The AAAE Airside Operations and Safety Working Group focuses on improving airside safety and efficiency through best practices, training, and collaboration on operational and regulatory issues.
American Association of Airport Executives
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
AAAE Emergency Management Working Group
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Spectrum
Field Technician
JULY 2017 - SEPT 2022
U.S. Army
Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer
OCT 2013 - MAR 2017
Aviation Safety Management System (ASMS)
Human Factors in Aviation Safety
Basic Airport Safety and Operations Specialist School (ASOS) University of Southern California |
University of Southern California |
American Association of Airport Executives
Aviation and Security Program
Aviation and Security Program
Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 700
FEMA | Emergency Management Institute
Excelled in high-stress, time-sensitive environments, demonstrating composure and decisiveness in decision-making.
Provided guidance, mentorship, and professional development to junior personnel, fostering growth and promoting team cohesion.
Ensured adherence to safety regulations and quality control standards in all repair and maintenance activities, minimizing risks and maximizing vehicle performance.
Coordinated with leadership and other units to prioritize repairs and maintenance, optimizing the availability of armored vehicles for operations.
The AAAE Emergency Management Working Group focuses on enhancing airport emergency preparedness, response, and recovery through collaboration, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to handle emergencies effectively.
Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries, explaining technical solutions, and ensuring clients understood their services and equipment.
Recorded service details and customer interactions in company systems, ensuring accurate billing, tracking, and reporting of service activities.