Commentary by Jennifer Miller
As the assistant director in the Westfield Economic and Community Development Dept., I am honored to be chosen by the administration as the exemplary city employee for the 2014 Lantern Awards.
Interestingly, I never started out envisioning a world of urban planning. My first career choice was as a GIS professional. While my a career in GIS was an enjoyable job, I wanted something different, something more. I happened to work next to the planning office and over time learned that community development was what I wanted to be a part of; and that was where I could make a difference. I decided to go back to school and get my graduate degree in urban planning. With another degree under my belt and relocating from Michigan to Indiana for my husband’s job; I started out on a new career path and I have never looked back.
I have since worked for Westfield in the economic and community development department for eight years. I have been honored to watch the community grow and develop into what it is today, and I’m lucky enough to be able to help plan for the future of Westfield.
Westfield is a unique community with an amazing opportunity. Planning areas for development, such as Grand Park and Grand Junction, is something most planners dream about being part of. Being honored with this award for doing a job I love, is just another reminder of why I chose to be a part of Westfield.
