Jenifer Dunlap

Started at MVPC: 1995

Jenifer has dedicated herself to the stewardship of MVPC’s assets for over 27 years as the only financial person on staff. Serving as MVPC’s Deputy Director and Finance Director she is responsible for all financial management and human resource activities, as well as, sharing in the leadership and administration of the agency. Ensuring our work is done well, is accounted for and reported on according to state and federal regulations, by happy staff is her highest priority.

Prior to joining MVPC, she worked in the private sector for 10 years as a general ledger accounting manager and office manager.

Jenifer received a Bachelor of Science in Business from Bentley College (1988). Jenifer is a longtime resident of the Merrimack Valley currently residing in Groveland.

Adrienne Lennon

Started at MVPC: September 30th, 2024

As the Environmental Program Manager at Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Adrienne leads a team of talented specialists in the technical service areas of environment, land use, climate, and clean energy planning. She is an experienced public administrator and environmental planner, centering her practice around ecological climate resilience, community engagement and how to reconnect people and nature. Her background in environmental regulations and policy development, natural resource assessments and land management, and climate impact and carbon reduction strategies bring a holistic view of regional planning to the Environmental Program.  

 Prior to joining MVPC, Adrienne worked as an environmental scientist and project manager at a New England-based architectural, engineering, and construction firm serving public and private clients. She is also a former Conservation Agent, Conservation Commissioner, and At Large City Councilor working in several Essex County communities. Adrienne supports the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners Board of Directors as Chair of the Annual Environmental Awards Committee and presents in their Fundamentals for Commissioners education series. She also sits on the Environmental Business Council of New England’s Ocean and Coastal Resources Leadership Team.  

 Adrienne grew up in the Merrimack Valley and is a longtime resident and community organizer in Amesbury. She is a graduate of the Harvard University Extension School with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree concentrated in biological sciences. Outside of work, Adrienne is a trail runner, birder, and classical pianist.

Hanna Mogensen

Started at MVPC: 2022

As the Coastal Resource Planner, 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, stormwater assessment and mitigation, 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. Most recently, Hanna has been working to obtain her Master’s in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire, where her research has 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 partner 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.

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.

Tony Collins

Started at MVPC: 2022

As the Transportation Planner, Tony is focused on planning initiatives and projects that focus on the intersection of housing and mobility. Tony also supports improving public outreach and engagement of the transportation program.

Prior to working at MVPC, Tony worked for the Town of Andover as Associate Planner where he worked on transportation projects, created new avenues for community involvement, and supported housing strategies. He is finishing up his Master of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning degree at Tufts University, he has received a master’s degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from Merrimack College. Tony is passionate about planning for people and projects that strengthen social capital.

Outside of planning, Tony enjoys hiking with his family, day trips into Boston on the commuter rail, and playing tennis.

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

As the Transportation Program Manager Patrick will be responsible for organizing and maintaining the Transportation work program including the Regional Transportation Plan, our partnership with MeVa, Merrimack Valley’s Regional Transit authority, the Transportation Improvement Plan, our Traffic Counting initiatives and much more.

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.

Jonah Williams

Started at MVPC: 2023

As a Regional Mobility Planner, Jonah supports MVPC’s transportation planning efforts through GIS mapping and data analysis and focuses on improving transportation options throughout the region.

Prior to joining MVPC, Jonah completed a Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree at Northeastern University and worked in the MBTA and MassDOT’s Office of Performance Management and Innovation as a Spatial Analysis Assistant. Before that, he graduated with a degree in Urban Studies from Vassar College and worked for an education nonprofit called Playworks, promoting physical activity and social-emotional learning in Boston Public Schools. Jonah is passionate about creating healthy communities and promoting sustainable modes of transportation.

Outside of work, Jonah loves spending time outside and enjoys running, riding his bike, and hiking.

Sarah Reny

Started at MVPC: 2023

As a GIS Analyst, Sarah supports the GIS program through spatial data development and analysis, map creation, and web-based app development. Her role supports internal, local, and regional planning initiatives and their wide variety of mapping needs.

Before joining MVPC, Sarah earned her Master’s in Natural Resources Environmental Conversation and Sustainability at the University of New Hampshire. Her research focused on forest inventory biometric estimation using unpiloted aerial system- light detection and ranging (UAS-LiDAR) and UAS-photogrammetry. To this role, Sarah brings a Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 drone pilot license, imagery and LiDAR data analysis skills, and knowledge of the changing New England climate. Prior to graduate school, she earned her B.A. in Biological Sciences from the University of New Hampshire Manchester and worked as an environmental consultant for Vanasse Hangen-Brustlin.

Sarah lives in southern New Hampshire and enjoys spending her spare time with her dog, family, and 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 will make him a fine addition to the Environmental Program.