Patricia Kelleher Joins City Government as Planner

Patricia Kelleher has been hired as the town’s Community Development Staff Planner, Mayor Kimberley Driscoll announced today.

Kelleher is the first planner employed by the city with a background in historic preservation. She previously served as Director of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission and recently worked as a preservation planner for a private community development firm in Massachusetts.

Kelleher will assist the Department of Planning and Community Development in a number of capacities, including overseeing city projects impacting historic landmarks.

“We are excited to have Patti join our staff,” Mayor Driscoll said in a press release. “She brings a strong background in historic preservation planning and has a great passion for Salem, where she has lived with her family for many years.”

The town recently outlined a plan to preserve its rich history, which includes the infamous 17th century Salem Witch Trials. The mayor said that hiring planners with an expertise in historical preservation is one of the steps instrumental to that aim.