Kristen Las

Senior Planner

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Boylston, Massachusetts, United States

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Timeline
About me
Local Government Manager with a vision of leading a High Performing Organization
Education
- Penn State University
  2000 - 2004
  B.S. Geography
- Clark University
  2006 - 2008
  Masters of Arts Community Development and Planning
  To fulfill requirements of her master’s degree in Community Development and Planning at Clark University, I prepared a thesis, titled “Housing Needs for Young Professionals in the Region: Northborough, Southborough and Westborough, Massachusetts.” My work identified that the need for diverse housing for young professionals in the region was not being met. I identified that a variety of options for stakeholders to work cooperatively together to reduce the barriers for creating appropriate… Show more To fulfill requirements of her master’s degree in Community Development and Planning at Clark University, I prepared a thesis, titled “Housing Needs for Young Professionals in the Region: Northborough, Southborough and Westborough, Massachusetts.” My work identified that the need for diverse housing for young professionals in the region was not being met. I identified that a variety of options for stakeholders to work cooperatively together to reduce the barriers for creating appropriate diversified housing for young professionals. Show less
Experience
- Beals and Thomas, Inc.
  Jun 2004 - Oct 2010
  Senior Planner
  A senior planner with considerable training and experience in community participation and consensus building. Particular interest and expertise in projects that include affordable housing, Smart Growth, Low Impact Development and Traditional Neighborhood Design. Developed an in-depth expertise in local, regional and state planning and permitting. Responsibilities included the analysis of environmental regulations and zoning bylaws, and the preparation of planning documents that are submitted to clients, town boards and state agencies with regard to land use permitting, master planning, feasibility studies and due diligence studies. Provided guidance to clients on a variety of planning projects at various scales ranging from intricate single-family housing developments to large-scale campus master plans. Show less
- American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter
  Jul 2010 - Oct 2021
  The Vice-President for Chapter Affairs shall preside over meetings of the Chapter, the Executive Committee or Board of Directors in the absence of the President, and may perform other duties as delegated by the President. The Vice President must be familiar with website management and email marketing and communications. The Vice President will also work with the RI and CT APA Chapters for the Southern New England APA Conference. One intention of this position is to give someone experience to become the incoming president. Show less
  - Acting Past President
    Oct 2017 - Oct 2021
  - Vice President of Chapter Affairs
    Oct 2015 - Oct 2017
  - Secretary
    Oct 2011 - Oct 2015
  - Young Planners Group (YPG) Chair
    Jul 2010 - Oct 2011
- Clark University
  Oct 2010 - May 2015
  Lecturer-Part Time Faculty
  Teach the Public Communications in Planning Seminar-a class in the Community Development and Planning department. Course focuses on teaching students public participation and communication skills from public and private career perspectives.
- Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
  Oct 2010 - Feb 2023
  Performs professional work in coordinating the town’s planning program and subdivision control law and working with the Shrewsbury Development Corporation to design, develop and implement economic development plans.Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, zoning, and related state and local land use law, procedures, regulations and standards as well as thorough knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws related to planning and zoning issues.Works in cooperation with the Town Engineer, Building Inspector, Board of Health, the Planning Board, the Shrewsbury Development Corporation and other municipal departments as needed. Show less
  - Assistant Town Manager
    Nov 2021 - Feb 2023
  - Assistant Town Manager/Economic Development Coordinator
    Oct 2015 - Nov 2021
  - Principal Planner/Economic Development Coordinator
    Oct 2010 - Oct 2015
- Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union
  Apr 2015 - Apr 2018
  Member Board of Directors
- 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership
  Dec 2017 - now
  Public Sector ViceChair since December 2018
  - Board Of Directors - Public Sector Chair
    Jan 2020 - now
  - Board Of Directors - Public Sector ViceChair
    Dec 2017 - Dec 2019
- Watkins 1868
  Oct 2018 - Oct 2022
  Independent Watkins Consultant
  www.watkins1868.com/consultant/981971
- Town of Westford, MA
  Feb 2023 - now
  Town Manager
- Middlesex 3 Coalition
  Apr 2023 - now
  Board of Directors
Licenses & Certifications
- Supplies and Services Contracting
  AutMassachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official
  Jul 2020
- Design and Construction Contracting
  Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official
  Dec 2019
- Public Contracting Overview
  Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official
  Oct 2018
- Effective Leadership Development
  Apr 2013
- American Insitute of Certified Planners
  American Planning Association
- AICP Certified
  American Institute of Certified Planners
  Jul 2009
  View certificate
- LEAD Leadership Development
  Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia
  Jan 2020