PENDLETON — Kayla Hassett started work this week as planning director for the Town of Pendleton.

She has worked for the town for five years, until Friday as planning and zoning administrator, but stepped up to replace Rachel Christenson, who moved on to a job in the private sector.

Hassett will oversee the planning department, which according to the town’s website “promotes the comprehensive growth of the Town of Pendleton.

“The department oversees the town’s zoning and land use policies and works to encourage appropriate economic development within the community. The planning department is also responsible for issuing building permits and certificates of occupancy.”

Name: Kayla Hassett

Age: 32

Family: Fiance, Kyle

Residency: Milner’s Corner, Hancock County

Education: Master’s degree in historic preservation

How long have you worked for the town: 5 years

What do you look forward to about being the planning director?

Focusing on the long-range planning of Pendleton; helping set the town up for success through well-thought-out plans that are in tune with what the community wants.

What do you see as the challenges of the job?
Filling Rachel’s shoes, of course! More seriously, though, it is a challenge to keep one step ahead of the growth that, quite frankly, has already arrived, and brings with it not only new homes, but also new users of our utilities, roads, public safety departments and parks.
What are your initial goals as you take the reins at the planning department?
We are in the middle of some very exciting projects, including updating versions of our Unified Development Ordinance and Thoroughfare Plan. These are documents that will shape the way our community develops over the next several years. My No. 1 goal is to see that these documents are completed this summer and reflect Pendleton’s vision.