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Rutland RPC says three hires, new planning director and training series will restore capacity
Summary
RPC announced three new planner hires and the promotion of Stephanie Burke to planning director, said the commission will host a three‑part municipal training series and that new staffing will enable pursuit of federal grants after a recent $1.25 million award under a pilot application.
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission’s executive director reported April 13 that the RPC has hired three planners, promoted a new planning director and will expand municipal training to rebuild staff capacity.
Devon said the RPC’s first recent hire, Will Austin, started last Monday and will support municipal planning, zoning, transport and water‑quality work. "Our first hire started last Monday, Will Austin," Devon said. Devon also announced that Freddy Hayes started the day of the meeting as workforce and economic development planner and that Drew Bentley will begin in mid‑May as the natural resources planner.
Devon also announced a promotion: Stephanie Burke has been elevated to planning director, a new role meant to support staff and relieve the executive director’s operational load. Devon described a new leadership team—Mary Kay, Karen, Stephanie and himself—tasked with organizational improvements, onboarding and strategic‑plan advancement.
Training and grant capacity: the RPC will partner with Mount Ascutney RPC and Two Rivers‑Ottauquechee RPC to offer three municipal trainings (planning and land‑use essentials) in April, May and June; Rutland will host the May 21 session. Devon said the RPC’s recent federal grant success (a pilot application that yielded $1.25 million) shows the organization can pursue additional federal opportunities.
Why it matters: the hires and new leadership structure aim to reduce turnover impacts at the municipal level, expand training for planning commissioners and zoning administrators, and give the RPC capacity to pursue alternative funding sources. The executive director said the RPC will be fully staffed by mid‑May and is building a structured onboarding process.
Next steps: staff will continue onboarding, finalize job descriptions and roll out the training series; the May 21 training on planning and implementation will be held in person and online.
