NEWBURY — Former Assistant Planning Director Kristen Grubbs was named the town’s newest planning director on July 1, town officials announced Friday.
Grubbs, a Byfield resident, succeeds the recently retired Martha Taylor. Grubbs began her role as planning director immediately following Taylor’s retirement.
Assistant planning director since January 2023, Grubbs worked closely with Taylor, the Planning Board, several other town staff members, and various boards and committees to facilitate the development of town planning projects.
Throughout her time in Newbury, Grubbs has used her skills and experience in project management to assist in drafting the hazard mitigation plan,a housing production plan, the open space and recreation plan update, and the master plan update for 2023-2035.
Grubbs has an extensive background in planning, development, and conservation. She worked as open space planner for the town of Ipswich from 2008 until 2014, then served as an environmental planner for the Ipswich River Watershed Association from 2015 until 2019.
She returned to the town of Ipswich and served as town planner from 2019 until 2022. While there Grubbs managed several projects and assisted in the grant-writing process. Her work contributed to the support and development of several projects, including the 15-year community development plan update.
“Kristen has been instrumental in guiding the Planning Board through her expertise in grant-writing, collaboration, and management,” Town Administrator Tracy Blais said. “Her work ethic and commitment to meeting and exceeding the town’s needs is unmatched and she will excel in her new role.”