Rachel Drewlow, has been selected as Executive Director for the Bismarck-Mandan Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Drewlow will coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the activities, programs and services of the Transportation Planning Division and serve as Executive Director of the Bismarck-Mandan MPO.
Drewlow has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Social Behavioral Sciences from the University of Mary and has been a planner with the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the past seven years. In addition to her time with the MPO, she has related work experience with the University of North Dakota and the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
“Throughout her time with the organization Rachel developed a strong foundation to build upon to become an effective leader,” said Ben Ehreth, Community Development Director. Steve Saunders, outgoing MPO Executive Director said, “She is a very bright and hard-working individual and will make an excellent executive director. I could not be happier that she will succeed me in the position.” As MPO Executive Director, Drewlow holds a key leadership role within the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization and has developed expertise to effectively build and maintain consensus among multiple partners.
The MPO provides a forum for public officials, citizens, and other interested groups to establish policies and plans for effectively addressing various metropolitan transportation issues. The MPO is comprised of five jurisdictions including: Bismarck, Lincoln, Mandan, and portions of Burleigh and Morton counties. The Bismarck-Mandan MPO is one of three MPOs in the state of North Dakota.
The MPO receives direction from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Policy Board. The TAC is comprised primarily of planning and engineering staff members from the MPO's member jurisdictions. The TAC provides recommendations based on professional judgment for the MPO's Policy Board. The Policy Board is a five-member board comprised of the mayors of Bismarck, Lincoln, and Mandan, as well as a commissioner from Burleigh and Morton counties.
Drewlow began her role November 16, and succeeds Steve Saunders, Executive Director who retired December 1. For more information about the MPO visit www.bismarcknd.gov/mpo.