Interim Town Manager/Director of Conservation and Development David Ziomek announced a reorganization of the Planning Department that was initiated in recent weeks by Town Manager John P. Musante, through discussion with individual staff members. The reorganization will leverage the skills, abilities and strengths of each member of the planning staff and provide a platform for professional development and succession planning.
In anticipation of a planned retirement by Director Jonathan Tucker, 12 year veteran Senior Planner Christine Brestrup has been promoted to Interim Planning Director. Ms. Brestrup will assume management and spokesperson responsibilities for the Department, and serve as staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Sub-Committee, effective Monday, September 21st. “I am happy and excited to assume this interim leadership opportunity. I have lived in Amherst for more than 25 years and am committed to make this the best place to live and work for all its citizens. I feel secure in knowing that I work collaboratively with incredibly talented and motivated colleagues”.
Mr. Tucker will assume the role of Senior Planner and will phase out his 30+ year career with the Town by working on specific planning and conservation projects, including bikeways, paths, grants, farmland and open space preservation, relocation of the Civil War Tablets, and land management plans, and by providing staff support to the Design Review Board. He will also provide support and assistance to Senior Planners Jeff Bagg and Nathaniel Malloy as they undertake new opportunities to apply and expand their planning, land use and community development skills. Responsibilities of the Planning Department staff will be evaluated and reframed to respond to the changing and ongoing needs of the Amherst community. The Planning Director position will be permanently filled at a later date.