Ellen McCarthy Appointed to Serve as Director of the Office of Planning

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced today that he has selected Ellen McCarthy to serve as Director of the DC Office of Planning (OP). McCarthy replaces Harriet Tregoning, who resigned in February to join the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. McCarthy begins her role Monday, April 14, 2014.

“Ellen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in planning to the Office of Planning at a critical and exciting time in the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Gray. “She is excited about continuing to help the District grow and become even more vibrant while respecting the city’s rich history and unique character.”

McCarthy has more than 40 years of experience in the planning field, including serving as Director of Planning and Land Use at two major law firms. She has assisted clients in obtaining development entitlements and advised on possible locations for developers, cultural institutions and sports facilities. Her clients included The Trump Organization, Madison Square Garden and the D.C. Public Library. She currently consults with developers and large institutions regarding planning and land use issues and also teaches in the graduate Urban Planning Program at Georgetown University. McCarthy previously served as Director of the DC Office of Planning from 2004 to 2007, where her accomplishments included overseeing the preparation of the first city-wide Comprehensive Plan in more than 20 years.

McCarthy earned a master’s degree in city planning from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Maryland at College Park where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with high honors. McCarthy is a longtime resident of the District.”