DeSoto Planning and Zoning welcomes new director, planning manager, engineer and consultant

At the start of the meeting, Ahmed Al Quesa identified himself as the new director for DeSoto’s Development Services Department and later introduced a substantially staffed department.

Al Quesa told commissioners the department now includes a planning and zoning manager, Cambria Jordan; a civil engineer, Gita Chobulti; and a consultant, David Kosom, who will provide planning and permitting support as needed. “We have a planning and zoning manager now, and that is Miss Cambria Jordan,” Al Quesa said.

Cambria Jordan said she previously worked in planning and engineering roles with Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the City of Dallas and described her most recent role as senior planner for the City of Dallas. “I came from City of Dallas, the planning department,” Jordan said.

Gita Chobulti described a background in civil engineering, including a master’s from the University of Texas at Arlington and previous experience as a project manager and construction inspector with the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Dallas.

Consultant David Kosom said he will be available as a resource to the department on planning and building inspection matters. He told commissioners he has served in senior roles at other municipal development services departments and will be available on a professional services basis.

Staff and commissioners welcomed the new hires and noted the department now has the capacity to support planning, permitting, engineering and development review tasks. Commissioners asked for brief biographies and the departmental agreement for the consultant to be shared with the commission for reference.

No formal action was associated with the introductions; commissioners thanked new staff and said they looked forward to working with the expanded team.