We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Atwood as our new Director of Planning. A long-standing employee of the FRCOG, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our agency, and we are excited to welcome her to this new role with our team. As Director of Planning, Jessica will oversee the planning and development initiatives for our region, ensuring that the FRCOG continues to work towards a prosperous and sustainable Franklin County.
Jessica comes to this role with an impressive background in regional planning on behalf of Franklin County. She began her tenure at the FRCOG 28 years ago as a Planning Grants Administrator, and has most recently served as the FRCOG’s Economic Development Program Manager for the past 8 years. Her proven track record of leadership and passion for community development make her an excellent fit to oversee the operations of the FRCOG’s Planning Department.
Jessica will officially assume her role as Planning Director on October 2.
Jessica’s appointment comes as a result of the retirement of outgoing Planning Director Peggy Sloan. Peggy has made significant contributions to the FRCOG and Franklin County during her 30-year tenure. She has brought millions of dollars of federal and state funding to the region for assessment and clean-up of sites potentially contaminated with hazardous materials, for sustainability efforts, for forestry preservation, and much more. She has worked in every Franklin County municipality helping municipal planning boards with zoning and subdivision regulations, open space plans, comprehensive plans and the land use impacts of new laws and phenomena like legalization of marijuana and expansion of short-term rentals. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping our regional planning efforts, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Congratulations to both Jessica and Peggy!
