The latest in a string of hirings geared toward building the capacity of our staff and positioning MVPC to meet the changing needs of the region, please give a warm welcome to our newest Environmental Planner, Cece Gerstenbacher.

As the Environmental Planner, Cece is responsible for assisting MVPC with the implementation of regional environmental programming in Clean Energy, Stormwater Management, Climate Resiliency, and Hazard Mitigation among much more. Cece’s work provides direct support to the environmental program through plan preparation, grant applications, educational outreach, collaboration, and research. Her role supports the protection and sustainable use of the Merrimack Valley’s prime natural resources that are critically important to the region’s character, economic vitality, and quality of life.  

Prior to joining the MVPC, Cece was a master’s student at Boston University where she studied microplastic accumulation and impacts in Massachusetts eelgrass ecosystems in collaboration with several local environmental entities including our own coastal resources coordinator, Peter Phippen. She also attended Boston University for her Bachelor of Arts in conservation ecology, where she was a division one sprinter for their track and field team, heavily involved in local marine conservation research and scientific communication. Cece brings to the table hands-on experience working collaboratively on regionally relevant environmental concerns, as well as a passion for environmental conservation and a love for New England, making her a well-rounded and capable fit for the Environmental Planner role.

In her spare time, Cece enjoys any activity by or in the ocean, cooking, powerlifting, and fostering special needs cats. Welcome Cece, we look forward to having you!

For more information about the Environmental initiatives at MVPC, check out our program page.