MRB Group President and CEO Ryan Colvin, P.E., recently announced new additions to the firm’s SmarterLocalGov team. Rhonda Destino and Angelina White will support municipal leaders with strategic services that enhance local government operations and community services.
Destino, Grants Analyst at MRB Group, will be focusing on researching the availability of public funding resources, as well as grant writing and post-award administration for municipalities. According to Colvin, she will support a larger Grants Services team that is dedicated to finding financial resources for community projects and critical infrastructure.
“Now that public funding streams are re-opening for local governments, we want to be sure our communities are positioned to receive and utilize as much as possible,” said Colvin. He explained that Destino’s experience within municipal and not-for-profit organizations makes her invaluable to communities with a variety of needs.
Rhonda Destino, Grants Analyst at MRB Group.
Angelina White, Planning Associate at MRB Group.
“Rhonda’s strong communication skills will be critical to community leaders who take a proactive role in supporting quality of life in the community,” said Colvin. “Her greater understanding of funding agencies and program objectives will help communities compete more effectively, and maximize the reimbursements they receive,” he continued. “That knowledge makes all the difference.”
Destino is a graduate of the American University School of Communication with a Masters Degree in Public Communication. She earned dual undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts in Communications, from the State University of New York, College at Brockport. She is the former Director of Communications and Engagement with the City of Geneva. Her not-for-profit work included serving as Executive Director of the Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center.
Though working on the same team, Angelina White’s role differs significantly. With a strong background in municipal and environmental land use planning, she will support the SmarterLocalGov as a Planning Associate, providing assistance to community leaders in day-to-day operations and long-range planning. According to Colvin, her focus on environmental services, Smart Growth strategies, and long-term sustainability will help communities foster targeted development.
“There is a strong relationship between the support Angelina and the SmarterLocalGov team provides, and community success and viability,” said Colvin. “Good planning allows community leaders to accomplish more, and strengthens a community – both in terms of financial stability and future development,” he said.
“Angelina equips communities with information and helps their operations and administration teams plan for the best possible utilization of limited resources,” said Colvin. “She helps community leaders get things done!” he concluded.
White is a graduate of SUNY University at Buffalo where she received her Masters of Urban Planning degree. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science from SUNY Buffalo State. Her minor study in Geography included a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), an essential resource in modern municipal planning and decision-making. Colvin says that the combination of her training and direct experience allows her to better understand municipal operations and support them seamlessly.
“Angelina and Rhonda are both outstanding additions to the SmarterLocalGov team. Their respective roles each support municipal operations and help community leaders serve their residents more effectively,” he concluded.
MRB Group has served local governments, counties, and institutions for more than 90 years, providing engineering, architecture, and general municipal services. Some communities have worked with the firm and its engineering and planning teams for over 50 consecutive years, utilizing MRB Group team members as needed in support of their operations and services.
MRB Group team members currently assist more than 150 communities with day-to-day operations, including long term planning and engineering for maintenance of critical assets like water and wastewater treatment, support for public works services, and architecture for rehabilitation of public facilities. MRB Group’s support for municipal operations includes strategic and capital planning, planning board services, and both community and economic development. More information can be found at www.mrbgroup.com and at www.smarterlocalgov.com .
