City names new Community Development Planner

St. Augustine City Manager John Regan announced to Historic City News today that Sharon O’Keefe, a seven-year veteran of the Planning and Building Department, has been promoted to the position of Community Development Planner. The promotion is effective immediately.

In her new position, O’Keefe will be responsible for reviewing plans submitted to the department and the city’s community planning initiatives, specifically overseeing the work of the Lincolnville Community Redevelopment Agency as staff liaison with the CRA’s board. She will also manage the operations of the Willie Galimore Community Center.

“It is a real pleasure to name Sharon to fill this important position,” said John Regan. “Sharon has proven to be a strong member of the city team, never shy to volunteer where ever her skills and experience could best be used. And her personable style and willingness to meet with and assist residents and businesses in their dealings with the city will be a tremendous asset in this new position. As a community that is so very concerned about so many issues revolving around planning and development, we should all be very happy that Sharon has agreed to accept this position.”

Previous to her recent appointment, O’Keefe held the position of Administrative Coordinator in the Planning and Building Department where she interacted daily with the public on a variety of planning issues as well as being closely associated with the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board.

Additionally, because of her wide ranging duties in the department, she’s worked regularly with the other two citizen boards associated with Planning and Building Department, the Planning and Zoning Board and the Historic Architectural Review Board.

Prior to working for the city, she served as a volunteer member of the Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board and brought over 15-years-experience in the planning field when she relocated to St. Augustine from her native New Hampshire.