As Strategic Initiatives Officer, Dana Wedeles aids the City Manager’s Office in developing and implementing a wide variety of City priorities, initiatives and projects. Wedeles, a Principal Planner with RPCA, is approaching her 10th year working for the City. In her RPCA role, she manages community input, design and implementation on projects related to the improvement of public spaces and parks. Some of Wedeles’ major recent projects include completion of the Citywide and Neighborhood Parks Plan; implementation of the PARKnership and Community Matching Fund programs; development of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Strategic Plan; and management of the Four Mile Run Wetlands Restoration project.

Wedeles, an Alexandria native, earned a bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from New York University, and a master’s degree in urban planning from Columbia University. Prior to returning to Alexandria in 2010, she worked in various operations and development positions within the Central Park Conservancy in New York City, including management of film and television productions in the park. She also worked as a planner on New York City streetscape and park planning projects at Starr Whitehouse.

Wedeles is a registered American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP). She recently completed the year-long Council of Governments Regional Executive Development Program through George Washington University, receiving a Certificate of Public Management. In 2018, she was recognized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as a “40 Under 40” honoree.