Maria Connolly named planning county chief – Trentonian

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced Maria Connolly as the new Planning Director. Connolly replaces Leslie Floyd, who retired in May after 35 years with the county’s Planning Department.

Connolly worked as Principal Planner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for 21 years. She is a licensed Professional Planner with experience in master plans, zoning, redevelopment, economic development, affordable housing, GIS systems, sustainability, transportation, electric vehicles, clean energy, development review, and rule writing.

“Leslie Floyd left big shoes to fill, and I’m deeply grateful for her years of excellent service to Mercer County,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “Fortunately, we’ve found an exceptional successor in Maria Connolly. Her experience and forward-thinking vision will carry our Planning Department into the future without missing a beat. Maria is a dedicated public servant and another top-notch addition to our team at Mercer County.”

Connolly holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the EJ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. She lives in Lawrence Township, where she serves as Vice-Chair of the Planning Board and Growth and Redevelopment Committee.

Originally Published: August 6, 2024 at 4:35 am