By Tom Ellsworth | Your Valley
Tom Ellsworth, who has 22 years of professional planning experience, has been hired as Maricopa County’s planning and development director. His first day on the job was June 28.
Most recently he was principal planner for the city of Mesa, according to a release.
“This is a great time to join Maricopa County with the surge in new builds and renovation projects we’re seeing,” Ellsworth said in the release. “I look forward to bringing my ideas and leadership to the challenges we face in efficiently serving individuals and businesses while also protecting the community as a whole.”
Ellsworth takes over for Jen Pokorski, who was promoted to assistant county manager after three years at the helm of the department. In that time, the department has prioritized online and fast-track permit options and relocated to the county’s administration building in downtown Phoenix.
