Farzad Mashhood is an experienced communicator and urban planner with a passion for cities and public service. Originally a journalist covering urban government, Farzad has written for the Austin American-Statesman and the Orange County Register and his work has appeared in many other newspapers around the country. Prior to joining LeSar, Farzad worked abroad leading a communication platform for an international NGO based in Haifa, Israel. He has a dual bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy from UCLA and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture. His academic research delved into subjects such as affordable housing, bicycle and pedestrian transit, and public space.