CCPC's Executive Director Retires
Posted November 13, 2024
Brian O'Leary with Commissioner Marian Moskowitz
CCPC's Executive Director of 9 years, Brian O'Leary, retired this past Friday. His last day in the office followed a farewell gathering the day prior, with representatives from many organizations (past and present), taking time out of their day to wish him the best in this next chapter of his life.
During the gathering, the Chester County Commissioners presented Brian with a citation, thanking him for his time and dedication to Chester County over the years, and commenting on their personal experiences working alongside him.
Brian was also issued a citation by the former Commissioner and current Board Member of the Brandywine Conservancy, Terence Farrell, who spoke on behalf of the Conservancy in recognizing Brian's many accomplishments.
Upon his departure, Brian said, "Chester County is truly committed to smart growth and the preservation of its unique character, which has made it a great place to work as a community planner. I have tremendously enjoyed my time collaborating with the many passionate, thoughtful, and effective partners around the county who are implementing Landscapes3, the county's comprehensive plan."
Brian with Terence Farrell, Grant DeCosta, and Stephanie Armpriester from the Brandywine Conservancy
It's clear that during his time at CCPC, Brian made quite an impact on Chester County, especially through the adoption and implementation of Landscapes3, as well as keeping the Planning Commission fully operational through the COVID pandemic.
Prior to becoming CCPC's Executive Director in 2015, Brian worked at the Montgomery County Planning Commission for nearly 30 years.
"In my retirement, I am looking forward to enjoying the fruits of everyone's labor, including riding my bike on the Chester Valley Trail over the Downingtown Trestle, participating in 250th anniversary events, viewing new interpretive signage at historic sites, watching attainable housing being built, taking the Amtrak train to Phoenixville for a movie and the SEPTA train to Coatesville for lunch, buying cheese and produce at newly-preserved farms, and driving to Lancaster County on a widened and improved Route 30."
Brian's distinguished leadership and guidance, as well as his amicable nature (and outstanding knowledge of the PA Municipalities Planning Code), will certainly be missed at CCPC — but his retirement is much deserved, and we wish him all the best!
Thank you, Brian, for your unwavering devotion to Chester County.
L: Brian with Michael Heaberg, CCPC Chair R: Brian with Carol Stauffer (Acting Executive Director) and Beth Cunliffe (Office and Communications Manager)