Katy Kanelopoulos is prepared to embrace her new role as Community Development Director.
The Township’s economic development manager for two years, Katy stepped into the interim Director role about 6 months ago. The Board of Trustees appointed her officially to the Director position on May 28, 2024.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team and continuing the success of West Chester,” Katy said.
Katy’s outgoing nature helped her succeed in the economic development manager role and will serve her well working with residents and businesses to administer the Township’s zoning codes as she leads a staff of about 10 people including property advisors, the township planner and economic development manager.
Katy said the role of economic development manager is a kind of combination of real estate (finding properties) and marketing those properties to new businesses. It requires meetings with current businesses and working to attract new businesses. Katy would frequently attend ribbon cuttings and grand openings for new businesses and meet with entrepreneurs, business managers and developers, spending most of her time outside the office. The economic development manager is always out in the community engaging with small business owners and helping meet the needs of businesses.
The work of the Community Development Department focuses on the Township’s economic development efforts, as well as Township planning, zoning enforcement and permitting. It is a one-stop shop supporting those who require the Township’s assistance in these areas. The professionals of the Community Development Department are experienced in serving the residential and business community.
Residents considering construction or home remodeling or concerned about property maintenance will come into contact with the Community Development Department.
Katy and her team will oversee the tasks that help everyone in West Chester benefit from beautiful neighborhoods and protected real estate values across the Township.
The Community Development Director role requires a larger view of the overall Township condition and making recommendations to the Township Administrator. Katy is invested in the community and looks forward to offering the best solutions and recommendations to members of the community, the Administrator and the Board of Trustees.
The Community Development Department has a reputation of being easy to work with. Katy and her team will continue efforts to streamline the property maintenance and permitting process and oversee implementation of a new zoning resolution.
Katy seeks public input on zoning matters in the community and the service of the Community Development Department. Find this survey at westchesteroh.org. It is under the Government Tab under Community Development, and lastly under Zoning Code Updates.
The now vacant position of Economic Development Manager will be posted in the coming weeks.