Jenifer Dunlap

Started at MVPC: 1995

Jenifer Dunlap has been with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) since 1995, dedicating nearly 30 years to the thoughtful stewardship of the agency’s financial and administrative operations. As Deputy Director and Finance Director, she oversees all financial management and human resources functions, working closely with the Executive Director to support MVPC’s overall operations and direction.

Throughout her tenure, Jenifer has managed MVPC’s complex, grant-funded financial systems—ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. For many years, she served as the sole financial staff member. More recently, she expanded the Accounting and Finance Program by hiring additional staff, reflecting both the agency’s growth and its commitment to building a sustainable, well-supported finance team. Her many years at the Commission reflect a true labor of love—for the agency’s mission, its work, and especially the people who carry it out.

Jenifer is deeply committed to ensuring MVPC’s work is fiscally sound, responsibly reported, and supported by a strong, motivated staff. Her collaborative approach and eye for detail have helped sustain the agency’s financial health and operational resilience.

Before joining MVPC, she worked in the private sector as a General Ledger Accounting Manager and Office Manager, gaining a strong foundation in finance and business operations.

Jenifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Bentley College. She is a longtime resident of the Merrimack Valley and currently lives in Groveland, where she enjoys staying connected to the communities MVPC serves.

Sophie Ulik

Started at MVPC: 2025

As a GIS Analyst, Sophie supports the MVPC team with her cartography, data management, and geospatial analysis skills.  Recently relocating to the East Coast, she’s eager to connect with and contribute to the local and regional communities.

Prior to joining MVPC, Sophie worked with the National Park Service in California and Alaska, where she supported a diverse range of teams, from engineers and maintenance staff to biologists and trail crews. Her work across varied landscapes has only deepened her appreciation for how geographic data shapes our understanding of the environment. Sophie holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, with emphasis on GIS and Earth Science.

When not at work, Sophie can be found outdoors—whether she’s hiking, running, or exploring new areas.

Hanna Mogensen

Started at MVPC: 2022

As the Coastal Resource Coordinator, Hanna supports MVPC’s Environmental Planning Program and Massachusetts Bay’s National Estuary Partnership Regional Coordination Program through a number of initiatives including: water resource management, coastal and estuarine habitat assessment and restoration, open space and recreation planning, and hazard mitigation planning. Through her role, Hanna works to facilitate collaboration and promote protection of critical habitats and sustainable use of natural resources within the Merrimack Valley.

Before joining MVPC, Hanna worked with many of the communities within the Valley, first as a research technician supporting the Hurricane Sandy Resiliency Grant in the Great Marsh, and then as the Chief Program Officer at Terracorps, a non-profit environmental organization based in Lowell. Recently, Hanna completed her Master’s in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire, where her research focused on studying how coastal flooding and storm events impact microplastic presence within New England estuaries. To this role, Hanna brings environmental restoration and management experience, knowledge of our coastal communities, and a deep connection and commitment to our region.

 Hanna lives in Topsfield with her husband and their two crazy pups! When not working, you can find her lost in the garden, mountain biking, swimming, backcountry skiing, or adventuring around the region.

Cassandra Green

Started at MVPC: 2024

As Accounting and Finance Assistant, Cassandra supports the Deputy Director / Finance Director in financial tasks related to the operation of the planning commission, including payroll, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, forecasting, and budgeting.

Prior to joining MVPC, Cassandra spent five years as the Office Manager for the Newburyport City Clerk. She has also served as the Membership Coordinator at Essex Regional Retirement System and held several financial operations roles in the private sector before finding her way to public service in the region she loves. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts as well as a CAPM certificate from the Project Management Institute.

Cassandra has lived in the Merrimack Valley nearly her entire life. She enjoys spending her free time walking the local rail trails with her family and friends, writing, and volunteering in the community.

Janin Duran

Started at MVPC: 2025

As the Economic Development Specialist, Janin Duran focuses on fostering sustainable growth across the Merrimack Valley by collaborating with municipalities, businesses, and stakeholders to create opportunities that promote regional prosperity and long-term economic resilience.

With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurial development, Janin has dedicated her career to empowering small businesses and bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and essential resources. She previously ran her own consulting business, working closely with nonprofits, government agencies, and private organizations to strengthen local economies and support business growth. Prior to that, Janin was the Founder and Executive Director of EparaTodos, the first-of-its-kind Spanish-language entrepreneurial accelerator under EforAll, designed exclusively for Spanish-speaking small business owners. Under her leadership, EparaTodos successfully helped over 150 businesses launch and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through her efforts, these businesses contributed to the creation of approximately 300 jobs in the Greater Lawrence area, reinforcing the region’s economic vitality and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Janin is passionate about economic resilience and equitable access to opportunities, ensuring that all entrepreneurs—especially those from underrepresented communities—have the tools they need to succeed. Throughout her career, she has been committed to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive, sustainable economic pathways.

In her free time, Janin prioritizes her well-being through meditation and connecting with nature.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (2004) and earned her Master of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2006.

Peter Phippen

Started at MVPC: 2002

Peter coordinates and provides technical assistance to the Eight Towns and the Great Marsh Massachusetts Bays Program Local Governance Committee for the nine communities of the upper north shore to improve the conditions of Massachusetts Bay, including working with local officials and citizens to promote coastal stewardship; facilitating the development of coastal environmental initiatives, implementing outreach and education strategies; and the development of grant proposals to public and private sources to fund coastal restoration and protection projects.

Daniel Ovalle

Started at MVPC: 2000

Danny oversees and conducts transportation and environmental data collection studies. Transportation data collection projects include Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR) studies, Intersection Turning Movement Counts (TMC), Park and Ride Surveys, Regional Bus Transportation Data Collection, Pavement Management Analysis, GPS Data Collection, as well as a variety of environmental data collection projects.

Prior to joining MVPC, Danny was employed with Andover Consultants, Inc. – Methuen, MA as a Land Surveyor, providing Land Surveying Services such as Boundary Surveys, Topographic Surveys, Land Court Surveys and As-Built Surveys.

Jodie Furey

Started at MVPC: 2023

As MVPC’s Office Administrator and Communications Specialist, Jodie is often the first face you see at the Commission offices and the first voice you hear when reaching out for assistance. Jodie supports the Commission board of its members and MVPC’s four program areas and their staff as well as the Executive Director and Finance Director. Jodie is responsible for coordinating all Commission communication and the sharing of information through its social media platforms. Jodie’s vast knowledge of our agency’s programs and its region will allow her to quickly point you in the right direction for all your planning needs.

Prior to joining MVPC, Jodie worked for the City of Methuen for over 10 years, both in the School System and most recently as the head clerk for the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board. Jodie brings her extensive municipal experience to bear when assisting in the coordination of our municipal services and resources.

Areas of Expertise: Commission and agency administration, MVPC website resources, general assistance and resources

Jerrard Whitten

Started at MVPC: 1995

Jerrard has been a key contributor to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for 26 years and has extensive experience in community planning, economic development, environmental management, information technology, and transportation systems. Prior to being named Executive Director, he served as the Geographic Information System and Information Technology Manager. 

In the years preceding his role as Geographic Information System and Information Technology Manager, Jerrard served as an Environmental Planner for the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, as an Economic Development/Information Technology Consultant for Inteco in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and as a Project Manager for Jackson Estuarine Laboratory in Durham, N.H. Though many know Jerrard as a strong advocate for the communities and dedicated staff member to the Planning Commission, it isn’t all work and no play! When he isn’t advocating for the agency, showcasing the latest technologies, or brainstorming solutions for municipal challenges, Jerrard is an avid outdoorsman and can be found enjoying the breadth of the wonderful natural resources the region has to offer.  

Jerrard is Newbury MA resident. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Master of Science in Resource Administration and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Resource Economics.

Stephen Lopez

Started at MVPC: 2006

Stephen is responsible for overseeing MVPC’s GIS program. He helps maintain the Commission’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and coordinates IT activities related to the Commission’s staff.  Prior to joining MVPC, Stephen worked as a Regional Planner with Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission. While there, his responsibilities included a variety of GIS, transportation, and environmental planning projects. Stephen’s past experiences also include working with the NH Merrimack County Conservation District as an AmeriCorps volunteer, and working for the NH Fish and Game Department Marine Fisheries Division, as a Biological Technician.

Ian Burns

Started at MVPC: 2021

As the Targeted Economic Development Specialist, Ian supports the implementation of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Targeted Economic Development Strategy (TEDS) for Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. Ian’s role will support MVPC’s work to strengthen key economic clusters in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover within the larger, regional economy.

Born and raised in the Merrimack Valley, Ian is passionate about creating positive change on a local and regional level. Ian previously worked with Groundwork Lawrence as a Public Affairs Coordinator, furthering the organization’s community development initiatives by advocating for policy changes on the state and federal level. He has a master’s degree in public affairs from Merrimack College and a Bachelor of Arts from Assumption College. Ian’s experience growing up and working in the region position him as a valuable addition to the MVPC team.

In his spare time, Ian enjoys hiking throughout New England, catching a Red Sox game, or perfecting his bread baking.

Kayla Rennie

Started at MVPC: 2022

As a Community & Economic Development Planner for MVPC, Kayla supports a variety of department and agency projects such as the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Housing Production Plan (HPP). She has a passion for community planning, affordable housing, and guiding local municipalities toward sustainable growth.

Prior to joining MVPC, Kayla worked as a Research Assistant for the Mayor of Haverhill and helped coordinate the city’s Master Plan committee. She then went on to travel around the country as a field operative on several political campaigns. During the Covid-19 crisis, Kayla returned home to work for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Merrimack College and looks forward to getting a Master’s degree someday.

Born and raised in the Merrimack Valley, Kayla currently resides in downtown Haverhill. In her free time she enjoys being a cat mom, walking the numerous trails in the valley, and hanging out with friends downtown.

Patrick Reed

Started at MVPC: 2023

Patrick organizes and advances the region’s transportation work program. This includes working to implement the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, supporting MVPC’s partnership with MeVa, drafting the region’s Transportation Improvement Program, and moving forward various work program studies and initiatives.

Patrick has over ten years of experience in the transportation planning industry. He began his career as a transportation planner in the Mid-Atlantic, first at the local level focusing on macro-level long range planning and micro-level development review. Patrick moved into regional planning in 2021 and enjoys seeing regional plans translate into tangible results.

 In his spare time, Patrick enjoys learning new hands-on skills, like masonry and cooking, and spending time hiking, biking, and gardening with his family.

Kelsie Belanger

Started at MVPC: 2024

Kelsie works alongside the GIS/IT team as a GIS Analyst, using her skills in map creation, data management and analysis, and geospatial analysis to assist the region and MVPC. She also aids the rest of the team using her technical abilities in both web and desktop application development, with a specialty in Python programming and web-based languages.

Prior to MVPC, Kelsie obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2022. The experience in fieldwork and environmental studies led her to achieving her master’s degree in Conservation Medicine from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Through her education, she has found a passion for the intersection of environmental protection, regional management, and technology-based solutions. Her specialization in her master’s focused heavily on GIS-based analyses, especially regarding reintroduction of maligned native species. Now, she pursues her passion by helping her hometown region prosper using her technical knowledge and scientific background as part of a bigger team.

Kelsie lives in southern New Hampshire near Big Island Pond and in her free time enjoys looking for wild reptiles and amphibians, hanging out with her cat or blue-tongued skink, or playing video games with friends.

Jennifer Arndt

Started at MVPC: 2023

As Merrimack Valley Arts and Culture Specialist under ECCF and MVPC’s MVCulture pilot program, Jenny liaises between municipal leaders and planning staff, and the individual artists, creative entrepreneurs, local cultural councils, arts associations, cultural groups, and business groups that make up the arts and culture sector of the valley. During MVCulture‘s pilot year, Jenny will identify opportunities for impactful investments and advancements in cultural planning as well as the inclusion of these groups within the planning efforts of the Merrimack Valley Region.

Jenny is a local artist and community organizer with a background in creative placemaking and art-based nonprofits. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting from UMass Amherst.

In her free time, she enjoys making collage art, riding rollercoasters, and spending time with her husband, two children, and her dog, a giant Leonberger, Rory.

Elizabeth Maldari

Started at MVPC: 2023

Elizabeth Maldari is a Regional Mobility Planner and Engagement Specialist in the Transportation Program at MVPC. She works in collaboration with municipalities in the Merrimack Valley to create a plan for zero traffic-related deaths and injuries, also known as a Vision Zero Plan. Elizabeth previously lived in Los Angeles without a car and embraced multi-modal transportation in a car-centric city. This lived experience instilled a commitment to maintaining a high level of stakeholder participation and partnership in all transportation planning activities.

In 2022, Elizabeth graduated with a master’s degree in Eco-Social Design from the Free University of Bolzano. As part of her thesis, Elizabeth worked with the Town of Andover’s Commission on Disabilities and Planning and Land Use Division to research and write a Master Plan for Access and ADA Compliance along the Shawsheen River. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys making her own clothes and finding new ways to get around.

Macklen Wier

Started at MVPC: 2024

Macklen is an Environmental Planner in the Environmental Program at MVPC.  He is an avid outdoors enthusiast with an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment. Born and raised in Massachusetts, he spent his childhood on (and often off) the trails of the forests, lifting up rocks and logs, and paddling around the lakes and their coves. His early appreciation for the natural environment fostered his support and advocacy of the natural world. His appreciation has often been channeled into volunteer work through local environmental organizations. 

In his free time, Macklen enjoys hikes with friends and family, discussing music, or learning about history. He is always excited to share his knowledge of local flora and fauna with anyone who will listen.   

Alongside his personal advocacy, Macklen pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Westfield State University, where he delved into topics such as tropical ecology, wetland habitats, and environmental policy. His formative years studying in university initiated an interest in pursuing an environmental career.  

In his new role as Environment Planner with the MVPC, Macklen is excited to work with local representatives to empower communities and foster environmental stewardship. His enthusiasm for community engagement, policy development, and environmental protection make him a fine addition to the Environmental Program.