The Town of Chapel Hill announced its selection for the local government’s latest planning director on Thursday.

A release from the town said Interim Town Manager Chris Blue chose Britany Waddell for the role after most recently serving in the City of Raleigh government. Waddell, who was the assistant director of planning and development for the state’s capitol, has nearly two decades of planning experience in North Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia, according to Chapel Hill.

Britany Waddell will join the Town of Chapel Hill staff on February 13, 2023. (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.)

“We are excited that Britany will join our Town team in a few weeks,” said Blue in the release. “She is a proven leader, and her enthusiasm for the important work that is happening in Chapel Hill make her the perfect fit for us right now. I look forward to welcoming her to our team.”

Waddell will fill the vacancy left by Colleen Willger, who left the Town of Chapel Hill in December after just more than two years in the role. The town touted Waddell’s “extensive background in community engagement and participatory planning, with a focus on town/gown relationships” as a critical part of her selection.

It helps that her hiring represents a return to Chapel Hill — as Waddell is an alumna of UNC.

“Chapel Hill is a special place. I look forward to the opportunity to join a talented staff and make a meaningful contribution to this community,” Waddell said.

The Town of Chapel Hill said Waddell’s first official day as its planning director will be February 13.

 

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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