MAP Bytes 'N Pieces - Winter 2019
Bytes 'N Pieces provides updates on the "comings and goings" of planners in Maine. Recent moves and news include:
Sarah Cushman, a transportation planning consultant and former auto mechanic who specializes in reducing drive-alone car trips, is co-chairing the Transportation Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. With transportation accounting for 54% of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions and the Governor’s ambitious goals to reduce GHGs by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, it’s a complex process. The ultimate goal is to make strong recommendations for inclusion in the state’s updated Climate Action Plan. Sarah’s enjoying working with her co-chair, Joyce Taylor, Chief Engineer at MaineDOT and other great folks, including MAP members and former MAP President Sarah Curran at the Governor’s Office. Cushman encourages anyone who might be interested in and have resources and ideas for transportation strategies to be in touch with her via her firm, Cushman Transportation Consulting, LLC at sarah@sarahcushman.com.
After beginning as an Administrative Officer for the City of Portland's Department of Planning & Urban Development, James Dealaman was hired as a Project Planner in October 2019.
The Town of Topsham hired Andrew Deci as Assistant Planner.
Sarah DelGizzo joined North Star Planning in July. Sarah is working on a wide variety of projects with North Star and the Musson Group (Noel Musson on MDI), including comprehensive planning, open space planning, ordinance and policy development, organizational strategic planning, project management, and the design and facilitation of public participation programs. Prior to her move to Maine, Sarah was a housing development assistant for a nonprofit affordable housing organization in Massachusetts. She holds a master's degree in Urban Affairs from Boston University. Sarah works out of the North Star Planning office in New Gloucester.
After serving as a Senior Planner in the City of Portland's Department of Planning & Urban Development, Nell Donaldson was hired as Director of Special Projects in June 2019.
Judy East departed her position as Planning Director for the Washington County Council of Governments to take of the director position in the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. Read more.
Carol Eyerman moved from Assistant Planner position in Topsham to the Town Planner position in Gorham. Carol and her husband Mark Eyerman also physically moved their address from the one to the other. They are now living in a truly mixed use building called Station Square in Gorham Village, which is within .30 mile walking distance to work, groceries, restaurants, and many other daily living needs. Read more.
The City of Ellsworth hired James E. (Jef) Fitzgerald to be their new City Planner. Jef served for many years as a planner at the Hancock County Planning Commission, then as Assistant Planner in Ellsworth and Assessor for the Town of Bucksport. Read more.
Michele Gagnon left the City of Ellsworth to take the position of Planning Director for Bar Harbor. Read more.
After five years as a Senior Planner, Christine Grimando was hired as City Planning Director for the City of Portland's Department of Planning & Urban Development in January 2019, and is currently serving as Acting Director.
After joining the City of Portland's Planning & Urban Development Department as a Planner in 2016, Matthew Grooms was hired as a Senior Planner in June 2019.
The Nature Conservancy in Maine (TNC) hired Samantha Horn, MAP Board President as its Director of Science. Read more.
Anne Krieg started a new position as City Planner in Bangor.
James Rather began as Development Review Manager in the City of Portland's Planning & Urban Development Department in July 2019 after over a decade of public and private sector planning experience in New York City, most recently as a Senior Planner for the New York City Department of City Planning.
Rich Roedner, Topsham Town Manager since 2014, has announced his resignation, effective January 2, 2020. Mr. Roedner began working for Topsham in 2002 as its Planning Director and became Town Manager in 2014. Mr. Roedner and his wife, Dorrie, will be relocating to Elon, NC where Mr. Roedner will assume the role of Town Manager. Read more.
Andrew Tufts began as a Project Planner in early 2019, and was hired as a permanent Planner for the City of Portland's Planning & Urban Development Department in July 2019.