TAIYA SMITH 22 Round Hill Road, Boston, Virginia 22713 | 202-550-6350 | taiyamsmith@gmail.com Janvary 18, 2024 Fledin iat Ofte Fappehanocs Groat Cout Kaitlin Struckmann one Clerk of the Circuit Court vc TGaigR Stucimarin 238 Gay Street ‘ete: Ueawnfiseie Washington, VA 22747 Dear Ms. Struckmann, |.am writing to express my interest in becoming a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) in Rappahannock County. | understand that the role requires specific skills and experiences, and I would like to highlight how my background in federal government and the private sector has helped me develop these skils, making me an excellent choice for this position. In my previous roles in the federal government, | have gained extensive experience in policymaking, ‘negotiation, and collaboration. While at the Treasury Department, | was the manager of the U.S-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), a cabinet-evel bilateral dialogue. I managed and coordinated senior officials across 19 departments and agencies while leading all U.S. engagement with the Chinese ‘government. As you can imagine, there were many competing agendas as well as urgent national and economic security issues at stake. While the issues facing Rappahannock County are not in the same theatre as those the federal government faces, | am sure that they are just as important to the individuals dealing with them. My experiences working with people from many different backgrounds and ideological positions have honed my skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement and would serve me well as a BZA member. Moreover, my tenure working as a energy and technology consultant and advising nonprofits including the World Wildlife Foundation, Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Climate Leadership Council has allowed me to focus on the nexus of climate change and economic growth, including carbon pricing and trade. | am currently the CEO and co-founder of Phylleos Inc., a cloud-native information ‘ecosystem designed to help corporate and government decision-makers understand the implications of economic dynamics, policy changes, complex global supply chains, and climate change on their businesses. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of environmental and economic ‘growth issues and their impact on local communities, which is highly relevant to the zoning appeals process. Despite not having the exact skills traditionally sought for a BZA member, | believe that my unique blend of experiences and skills can bring a fresh perspective to the board. | know how to make decisions which are rooted in analytics, but cognizant of the broader community they affect. | am comfortable talking real estate, reading maps, technical reports and maps. Further, lam a capable communicator and as a former climate change negotiator and a lifelong Quaker (a religion that requires all decisions be made via consensus), |am exceedingly good at creating agreement among disparate voices. | am confident that ! can contribute effectively to the BZA, particularly in making decisions that balance the needs of the ‘community with environmental considerations, Having lived in Rappahannock County since 2007, | am deeply invested in the well-being and development of our community. | reside in Slate Mills with my husband and three kids. This county is our home, and our kids talk frequently about wanting it to be their home in the years that come as well. | am familiar with theunique challenges and opportunities that our county faces, and | am committed to serving our community in this capacity. ‘Thank you for considering my application. | look forward to the possibility of contributing to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Sincerely, Talya Smith