Kristen M. O’Donnell of Goshen, NY has been appointed to the Orange County Land Trust’s board of directors.
As a planner of 19 years within the municipal and private sectors, Ms. O’Donnell’s expertise includes State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and Comprehensive Planning, zoning ordinance preparation and revision, grant writing, economic development, housing policy, downtown revitalization, as well as site plan and subdivision plan reviews. Ms. O’Donnell is currently a planner with Lanc & Tully Engineering, where she recently assisted the Village of Walden, Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, and Town of New Windsor on their
respective comprehensive plans.
Previously, Ms. O’Donnell served as Principal Planner with Turner Miller Group, a land-use and environmental planning firm co-founded by the late Stuart Turner, a past president and board member of OCLT.
In addition to her involvement with OCLT, Ms. O’Donnell is a member of the American Planning Association, Leadership Orange¸ Goshen Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, and Illuminate Goshen.
Ms. O’Donnell earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Buffalo.
OCLT Board President Lewis H. Lain said: “As a planner and conservationist, Kristen understands the importance and intricacies of balancing the preservation of both land and our natural resources with growth and economic development.” Lain added, “She is certainly following in the footsteps of Stu Turner, who earned the respect of environmental and development advocates alike for this sensible, forward-thinking approach.”
Kristen O’Donnell stated: “I appreciate the opportunity to become more involved with the Orange County Land Trust and its pursuit of the preservation of critically important natural, historic and agricultural resources in Orange County and the surrounding region.”
Kristen lives in the Village of Goshen with her husband Chris and enjoys traveling, outdoor experiences and volunteering locally.