City Senior Planner Receives Barbara Grace Award

’s Senior Planner Jennifer Kester received the 2011 Barbara Grace Award from the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) last Friday at the joint Washington State/Oregon State APA annual meeting in Portland. 

The Barbara Grace Award is given annually to a professional planner who has distinguished her or himself with dedication to public service and professional accomplishment, who help “Make Great communities Happen” and represent the future leadership of the planning profession.

Kester has more than 10 years of professional experience, nine of those years with the City of Gig Harbor. In her current position, she is the lead planner for long range planning activities for the City. During her career with Gig Harbor she has been the lead planner on large development projects such as St. Anthony Hospital, Uptown Shopping Center and the Costco retail project.

Planning Director Tom Dolan nominated Kester for this award because of her multiple accomplishments on behalf of the City and her leadership in the Planning and Development Department, stated in an announcement issued by the City. 

“I was pleased to nominate Jennifer for this award and very happy that her peers chose her for this prestigious award,” said Dolan. “Jennifer is a talented planning professional and valuable member of the Gig Harbor Planning Department. When I came to the City as the Planning Director in 2006, I quickly realized what a talented group of employees at all levels were already working at Gig Harbor. Jennifer is representative of all City of Gig Harbor employees in her commitment to excellence and public service.”

The Gig Harbor City Council will recognize Kester’s receipt of the 2011 Barbara Grace Award at its Nov. 14 meeting.

Information courtesy of City of Gig Harbor.