The Town of Willsboro is pleased to welcome Hannah Neilly as our new Director of Community and Economic Development.

A Willsboro-area resident and graduate of Willsboro Central School, Hannah brings nearly 18 years of experience in local government, municipal administration, community development, grant administration, and project management to the position.

Hannah will officially begin her new role on September 14. Once she gets settled in, she plans to work closely with the Town’s Communications Committee to provide regular updates on community and economic development projects, helping residents stay informed about the work happening throughout Willsboro.

Hannah began her career with Essex County Personnel and Civil Service, where she spent approximately eight years working in human resources and personnel administration. Her experience included civil service requirements, recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, personnel policies, and working directly with municipalities, school districts, department heads, employees, and the public.

Since 2016, Hannah has served with the Essex County Office of Community Resources, most recently as Deputy Director. In that role, she has managed and coordinated community and economic development projects throughout Essex County, overseeing a portfolio of more than $200 million in public infrastructure, environmental, and community development projects.

Her work has included identifying and administering federal and state funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, managing contracts and budgets, coordinating with engineers and consultants, and working with municipal officials, funding agencies, and community stakeholders to move projects from planning through implementation.

Hannah already has significant experience working on projects that directly benefit Willsboro. She has helped secure funding and advance water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, community planning efforts, park improvements, and other community development initiatives. Her work includes securing a $5 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant, the largest single grant award received

by the Town, to support critical improvements to Willsboro's water infrastructure.

Her experience also includes land-use and zoning matters, the Adirondack Park Agency, SEQRA and NEPA environmental review, comprehensive and waterfront planning, procurement, and state and federal regulatory requirements. That background will be valuable as the Town continues to address infrastructure

needs, long-term planning, responsible development, and opportunities for outside funding.

As Director of Community and Economic Development, Hannah will work with the Town Board, staff, residents, businesses, property owners, government agencies, and community organizations to identify funding opportunities, coordinate community and economic development projects, support capital improvement initiatives, assist with long-term planning, and help move important Town projects from concept to completion.

Hannah has also remained actively involved in the Willsboro community. She was involved in the creation of the Willsboro Central School PTO, currently serves as a class advisor, and has volunteered with the Town's Youth Commission as a coach. These experiences have given her a firsthand understanding of the families, businesses, organizations, and residents who make Willsboro home.

"I am excited for the opportunity to bring the knowledge and experience I have gained through nearly 18 years of working in Essex County government back to my hometown," said Neilly. "Willsboro has so much potential, and I look forward to working with our Town Board, residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners to build upon the strengths of our community and help create a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families."

The Town is excited to welcome Hannah to this new role and looks forward to the experience, local knowledge, and collaborative approach she will bring to Willsboro's future.