A native Buffalonian, Gary J. Jastrzab holds degrees in environmental design and sociology from UB, as well as  a master of city planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania. A retired executive director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Jastrzab has more than four decades of experience in a variety of planning, project management and public policy development initiatives, and has served on several local government boards and commissions.

During his tenure with the City of Philadelphia, Jastrzab received two American Planning Association national planning excellence awards, two Pennsylvania governor’s awards for local government excellence and a Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Award. Additional career accomplishments include the adoption of a new zoning code for Philadelphia, preparation of the first citywide comprehensive plan since the 1960s, creation of the Citizens Planning Institute to train residents and community organizations in planning-related matters, and establishing the city’s civic design review committee to provide urban design guidance to developers proposing new building projects.

Jastrzab has been actively involved in UB alumni engagement for more than a dozen years. He served as a member and past president of the UB Alumni Association Board of Directors and leads the UB alumni network in Philadelphia. He also sits on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Architecture and Planning. As a “Loyal Blue” supporter of all things UB, his activities enable him to stay closely connected with his beloved hometown.

Gary and his wife, Wendy, reside in Philadelphia. They have two daughters, seven grandchildren, and, over the years, have shared their home with numerous dogs, cats, and a variety of other creatures.