City announces new director of Community Development Department

The city has found a new Community Development Department Director.

According to a release, Jill Maclean will be taking over the position when current director Rob Steedle retires May 31.

Maclean is currently employed as a Senior Planner at CDD, a position she has held since September of 2015. City and Borough of Juneau City Manager Rorie Watt said he has high expectations for Maclean in her new position.

“Ms. Maclean is a talented planner and is well respected by the community,” Watt said in the release. “I am confident that she, and her team, can accomplish great things for the community.”

Maclean has more than 16 years of experience in the planning and economic development profession. Prior to her assignment at CBJ, Maclean was the City Planner for the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts. She also worked in the planning department for the Town of Marshfield, Massachusetts. Maclean has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Bridgewater State University, a Master of Public Policy, from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is a certified planner through the American Planners Association.

CDD is responsible for providing the community with short and long-range planning, permitting, building inspections and code enforcement activities. In addition, CDD also provides staff support to the Planning Commission. Maclean said she is excited to start her new job.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to lead the department,” Maclean said. “Juneau is such a fantastic community and I’m looking forward to helping the community grow.”