Jeff Bagg Appointed as Town Planning and Economic Development Director
Jeff Bagg
Source: amherstma.gov
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Jeff Bagg as the Planning & Economic Development Director for the Town of Amherst. The appointment is subject to review by the Town Council and will be considered at its meeting on Monday, November 3. Bagg is expected to start on December 1.
Bagg, who previously served as a Senior Planner in Amherst from 2008 to 2016, returns to Amherst with over a decade of additional experience in municipal planning and economic development in both the private and public sectors. As Amherst’s Planning & Economic Development Director, he will oversee the administration of land use planning and permitting, lead the development of both short- and long-range planning projects, and guide all economic development initiatives.
Bockelman stated, “Jeff is a great fit for the town. He knows our community having attended the University and worked as a planner for the town for eight years. He is a collaborative leader who starts by listening and is driven to make progress. I’m excited for him to join our talented team of planning professionals and provide added focus to building Amherst’s future.”
Most recently, Bagg served as a Senior Planner with BSC Group in Worcester, a private consulting firm that delivers transportation, land development, and environmental solutions to its clients. In this role he assisted towns and cities in pursuing impactful projects while gaining experience in balancing business development with meaningful planning services.
Prior to his time at BSC Group, Bagg held key planning leadership roles with the City of Easthampton, including Director of Planning and Community Development and City Planner. In these roles, he led long-term planning initiatives, managed staff, supported boards and committees, and implemented comprehensive zoning reforms. His leadership focused on building strategic relationships and managing complex projects, with an emphasis on economic development that aligned with municipal and regional goals.
Bagg’s experience also includes work at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission as a project manager, where he assisted multiple municipalities with planning projects, master plan development, and public engagement efforts.
Bagg shared, “I’m excited to be coming back to Amherst! Over the past 10 years I have grown my leadership skills and expanded my expertise as a planner across Massachusetts. I recognize the importance of community engagement and strategic planning for Amherst’s future. The town’s transformation over the past decade inspires me to leverage my experience to help guide thoughtful, inclusive growth that benefits everyone.”
Bagg has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has achieved certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He has also presented at national and local conferences on a variety of planning and development topics.
Bockelman thanked the members of the Planning & Economic Development Director Search Committee for reviewing applications and conducting interviews. The committee screened 14 applications and invited six candidates to participate in interviews. The Search Committee was comprised of:
- Steve Judge, former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals
- Sharon Povinelli, Treasurer for the Amherst Business Improvement District Board and former owner of Hastings
- David Ziomek, Assistant Town Manager
- Rob Morra, Building Commissioner
- Stephanie Ciccarello, Director of Sustainability
- Melissa Loiodice-Walker, Human Resources Director
The Town of Amherst invites community members to join the next Cuppa’ Joe with Town Manager Paul Bockelman and new Planning & Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg on Friday, December 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m at Masuda’s Cafe (17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002).