A lead planner for the city of Jacksonville is leaving the city for the private sector.
Kristen Reed, chief of the community planning division, has taken a planning position at England-Thims & Miller Inc. after 24 years with the city.
Reed said she was drawn to ETM by the opportunity to continue her professional development through work “on the other side” of government.
In an interview after the May 21 City Council Land Use and Zoning Committee meeting, Reed said her connection to the planning department began with a college internship. An offer for a full-time position followed, she said, and “I just stuck.”
Reed’s departure comes three months after Mayor Donna Deegan appointed R. Brett James as the city’s new planning director.
Reed said her lasting memories of her time with the city would include working on the city’s comprehensive plan and Resilient Jacksonville plan.