WSPP Team

Rachel Mandell, Acting Director/Project Manager

Rachel is a proud 'Double Gator,' holding a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Florida. She is a certified planner with the American Planning Association and has extensive experience managing projects in both the public and private sectors. In her role as Project Manager for Wild Spaces & Public Places, Rachel leverages her urban planning background to bring a community-focused perspective to her work.

As a Gainesville Native, Rachel has always enjoyed spending time at the city’s parks with family, friends, and pets. Her love for the outdoors carries into to her weekends, where she can often be found working in her yard and taking on home improvement projects.

Rachel Mandell
Acting Director/Project Manager
Phone: (352) 393-8544
Email:mandellrc@gainesvillefl.gov

 Luke Pidgeon, Construction Inspector and Operations Coordinator

Luke holds a Bachelor of Science in Soil and Water Sciences (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and brings over a decade of construction, inspection, management and regulatory experience to the Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP) team in his role as WSPP Construction Inspector and Operations Coordinator.

Before joining the WSPP team, Luke worked in private construction trades in Florida, South Carolina, and Georga; public and private utilities in Florida and Texas; environmental protection; and most recently as an Environmental Specialist III for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County as an inspector and permitter for regulated entities, industries, and facilities. While at FDOH, Luke quickly became lead inspector and permitter, handling some of the most complex permitting and inspection duties while providing mentorship and education to his team and stakeholders. His diverse experiences, breadth of knowledge, and desire to serve his community provide the WSPP team with an invaluable asset as the WSPP Construction Inspector and Operations Coordinator.

Luke prioritizes being outdoors or near the water. He is passionate about water quality and is always striving to learn and experience new skills. He enjoys time with his family, traveling, conducting home improvement projects, and playing music.

Luke Pidgeon, Construction Inspector and Operations Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator
Phone: (352) 393-8531
Email:pidgeonls@gainesvillefl.gov

Courtney Rowe, Logistics Coordinator

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication from the University of Florida and brings over a decade of administrative experience to the Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP) team in her role as Logistics Coordinator.

She began her professional career in the private sector but soon realized a desire to make a more meaningful impact in her community. That calling led her to a role in public service as the Office Manager for the Columbia County Recreation Department. Although new to WSPP, Courtney has been with the City of Gainesville for more than four years. She previously served as a Staff Assistant and Interim Manager for Park Operations within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Courtney is deeply passionate about the value of parks and the critical role they play in promoting physical and emotional well-being. She is committed to ensuring public green spaces remain clean, safe, and accessible for everyone to enjoy. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys exploring Gainesville’s parks with her husband and two dogs, kayaking the Ichetucknee River, baking sweet treats, and getting lost in a good book.

Courtney Rowe
Logistics Coordinator
Phone: (352) 393-8372
Email:rowecm@gainesvillefl.gov

Betsy Waite, Engineer IV

Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management from Florida Institute of Technology. She is a professional engineer registered in the state of Florida.

Prior to joining the WSPP Team in January of 2018, Betsy served as a Project Manager with the City of Gainesville Public Works Department. Employment prior to moving to Gainesville included working as a Safety Engineer for Manson Construction Company, as well as working as an active duty Army Officer in the Engineer Branch where she performed in a variety of leadership roles to include Battalion Adjutant, Maintenance Platoon Leader, Assistant Battalion Logistics Officer and a Vertical Construction Platoon Leader. She managed construction projects both stateside and in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

Outside of work, Betsy enjoys spending time outside and learning new skills. 

Betsy Waite, P.E.
Wild Spaces & Public Places, Engineer IV
Phone: 352-393-8187
Email: WaiteED@gainesvillefl.gov