Amherst Selects New Planning Director

The town of Amherst will be welcoming another new face to Town Hall.

Selectmen announced that they have chosen Sarah Marchant as the town's new Planning Director. She will join the Amherst team after serving the town of Milford as their Town Planner and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Coordinator since 2005.

The board has been seeking to fill the position since the current planning director Charlie Tiedeman

Chairman Bruce Bowler said that Marchant has been president for the NH Planners Association since 2010. Prior to her role as president, Sarah served the association as Public Information Officer and Professional Development Officer. She also actively maintains professional memberships in several associations throughout the state.

“Sarah comes to Amherst highly recommended and I feel we are extremely fortunate to have someone with Sarah’s background, experience and energy joining our team,” said Bowler.

Marchant is excited to take the position in Amherst because she said her goal was to find something new and different. She said that her first objective is to listen to what businesses and the community want for their town.

"I think that each community here in New Hampshire is so unique," said Marchant. "Part of the challenge is figuring out what Amherst wants for Amherst."

She said that Milford and Amherst differ in how they see themselves and the big challenge for her is to adjust to the culture in the new position. Amherst wants to see some changes, but Marchant said that there needs to be a cohesive idea of change.

"I feel there is a ton of opportunity in Amherst to improve the business climate and bring things in line with the newer practices and newer ideas and techniques," she said.

Marchant is a Magna cum Laude graduate of UNH with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Geography and a minor in Computer Science. In addition to graduate certificates in Geographic Information Systems, Sarah also holds a post-graduate Masters of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Connecticut, graduating Summa cum Laude.

Selectmen chose her over eight other candidates during the interview process.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah in her previous role with the town of Milford and found her to be very knowledgeable and professional. I look forward to working with her in her new role as our Planning Director," said Selectman George Infanti.

Sarah Marchant will start her new position on March 5.