AMHERST — Jeff Bagg, a former senior planner for the town, is returning as Amherst’s Planning & Economic Development director, a position he will start Dec. 1, pending approval by the Town Council on Monday.
The appointment of Bagg, of Easthampton, who worked for Amherst from 2008 to 2016, was announced by Town Manager Paul Bockelman on Thursday. Bockelman called him a great fit for the town.
“He is a collaborative leader who starts by listening and is driven to make progress,” Bockelman said. “I’m excited for him to join our talented team of planning professionals and provide added focus to building Amherst’s future.”
Bagg said in a statement he is excited to return after building leadership skills.
“I recognize the importance of community engagement and strategic planning for Amherst’s future,” Bagg said. “The town’s transformation over the past decade inspires me to leverage my experience to help guide thoughtful, inclusive growth that benefits everyone.”
In succeeding Planning Director Christine Brestrup, who retired last year, Bagg, will oversee the administration of land use planning and permitting, lead the development of both short- and long-range planning projects, and guide all economic development initiatives.
During his time in Amherst, Bagg coordinated municipal parking issues, including installation of wayfinding signs, and oversaw some of the permitting related to marijuana dispensaries.
Most recently, Bagg served as a senior planner with BSC Group in Worcester, a private consulting firm, and before that he held key planning leadership roles with the city of Easthampton, including director of Planning and Community Development and city planner.
Bagg’s experience also includes work at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission as a project manager, where he assisted multiple municipalities with planning projects, master plan development, and public engagement efforts.
Bagg has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Massachusetts and has achieved certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners. He has also presented at national and local conferences on a variety of planning and development topics.
The committee that screened 14 applications and invited six candidates to participate in interviews was made up of Steve Judge, former chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals ; Sharon Povinelli, treasurer for the Amherst Business Improvement District Board and former owner of Hastings; Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek; Building Commissioner Rob Morra; Director of Sustainability Stephanie Ciccarello and Human Resources Director Melissa Loiodice-Walker.
