Former Sarasota County Planning Director Anne McClung has accepted the position of Planning Director for the Town of Blacksburg. McClung is coming to Blacksburg after serving more than 20 years in various planning capacities for the County of Sarasota, Florida, a coastal community on the Gulf of Mexico. In Sarasota, McClung held a position in progressive local government leading a team of 27 employees with a budget of $3 million.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of North Carolina and is a member of numerous associations, including the American Planning Association, the American Institute for Certified Planners, and the Congress for New Urbanism. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Anne to the Town of Blacksburg,” said town manager Marc Verniel. “She has the perfect balance of local government and planning experience and has proven herself to be a leader in the field, as well as a proponent of sustainable living. She has a fresh perspective and we’re confident she will be an asset to our organization.”

McClung is looking forward to starting her new position in Blacksburg. “Blacksburg clearly has a progressive local government that values the history of the Town but is also very forward thinking,” said McClung. “There’s a real sense of community here and the presence of the university adds a special vibrancy. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve in such a great place.” McClung will begin her work as Planning Director for the Town of Blacksburg on March 17.