Get to Know: Jamie Reese

Job title: Policy and Data Analyst

What you actually do: Listen to Maya’s wonderful singing

Years at URA: 1

Best thing about working at the URA: Everyone says it, but it’s the people.

Favorite project/Most satisfying moment in career: Honestly, I was thrilled when I joined the URA. There are plenty of public policy jobs and plenty of data analysis jobs, but the two are rarely combined. I felt like it was the perfect job for me and I’m very fortunate to have enjoyed doing the work both within the Housing Opportunity Fund and now within the Office of Strategic Policy and Communications.

Education: Master of Public Administration (Pitt – GSPIA); Bachelor of Anthropology (West Chester University of PA)

Where you were before the URA: Fourth Economy Consulting

If you were boss for the day: Ice cream social!

The Boss says: “Jamie has been a great addition to the URA. I’m always inspired by how she goes above and beyond to support her fellow colleagues,” says Diamonte Walker, URA deputy director. “Her cutting-edge policy and data analysis skills immediately empowered the agency to make informed decisions to enable transformative community and economic development in Pittsburgh.”

If you weren't at the URA you'd be...living off of my lottery winnings and setting up my own foundation where I give money away to anyone that needs it without any strings attached.

First job: Cleaning/errands/random tasks at a hair salon

Favorite Pittsburgh spot: All of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Favorite restaurant: Musa in Beechview

What you like to do when not at work: Hang out with my fiancé and our dog, go to Riverhounds games

Secret vice: That’s a secret!

What three words describe you best: Weird, curious, and sincere

What you’re currently watching on Netflix: Nailed it!

What song do you have on infinite repeat? All you need to know about me is I tried to look up Spotify data to answer this question.

Three favorite foods or three things always in your refrigerator: I love all junk food. Unfortunately, the three things always in my refrigerator are chicken, vegetables, and eggs. Boring!

Three people (living or dead) you’d like to have dinner with: Raj Chetty, Esther Duflo, and Lizzo

Actor/actress who would play you in a movie: Michael Cera

People would be surprised to know that I... do crossfit

Family: Mom, two brothers, one sister, one niece, and 60 other relatives

Pets: My dog Daisy!

Contact Info: jreese@ura.org; 412-255-6632