City Of Brentwood: Brentwood Planning And Codes Director Retires, New Director Named

Brentwood TN

08 June, 2022

5:38 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Brentwood: June 6, 2022 Jeff Dobson celebrated his retirement and final day with the City of Brentwood as its Planning and Codes Director on Friday, June 3, 2022. Dobson was hired by the City of Brentwood in 1994 as a City Planner. He was later promoted in 2009 to lead the department where he remained for nearly the past thirteen years. City Manager Kirk Bednar said Jeff's influence, leadership and knowledge will be sorely missed. "The Planning and Codes Director is a difficult job that must often try to find a delicate balance on many complex and controversial issues. Jeff always handled this role in a very professional and fair manner that gained the respect of all parties," Bednar said. "His influence on Brentwood can be seen across the community and will be felt for years to come," Bednar added. Brentwood City Commissioner and Planning Commission Representative, Mark Gorman, has worked with Dobson for seventeen years. Gorman said, "you taught me a lot. You have done a fabulous job and I hope you enjoy retirement because you deserve it." At the Brentwood City Commission meeting on May 23, 2022, Brentwood City Commissioner Anne Dunn, who is a member of the Brentwood Historic Commission, read a letter from the board to Dobson that said, "thank you for the attention you have given to historic sites during your time as Planning Director. Not every historic preservation group is fortunate enough to be alerted each time a submittal is received that may affect a site." Dunn added, "sometimes the only way we know a historic site in Brentwood is going to be impacted is because Jeff flags it. We appreciate all you have done for Brentwood." Some of Dobson's biggest achievements while at Brentwood include the role of Secretary of the Brentwood Planning Commission, his help with historic preservation, his help with historic preservation, his involvement in the development of the Brentwood 2020 and 2030 plans, completion of several special censuses that gained hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional state shared revenues for the City, and his steady hand in guiding the community through almost three decades of significant growth. Dobson said he has used a phrase over the years to help motivate staff. "Certainly not to take anything away from our excellent staff of firefighters and police officers but, while planners do not have big red trucks, nor do we have speedy silver and blue cars, we work with computers," Dobson said. "Anyone can travel a very short distance, anywhere in Brentwood and see our impact on the community. No matter your starting point," Dobson added. Brentwood City Manager Kirk Bednar is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Leeman as the new Brentwood Planning and Codes Director. The previous director retired earlier this month. Leeman is the former Deputy Director of the Metro Nashville Planning Department, Bob Leeman, is a seasoned planner with extensive collaborative problem-solving experience in navigating development proposals that balance growth with long-term community goals. While at Metro Nashville, he managed the Land Development Division for several years, was the interim director and worked regularly with community groups, elected officials, and developers to resolve complex land use and streamline local planning processes. Bednar said, "Bob's extensive planning knowledge, demonstrated experience with overseeing and managing the review of complex projects, his management skills, and his familiarity with the growth and development challenges facing all Middle Tennessee made him the best fit for this position. While the development issues facing Brentwood are certainly different than Nashville, I am confident Bob can easily step in and lead our Planning and Codes Department in a way that continues to enhance the quality-of-life Brentwood residents have come to expect." "After more than 20 years of excellent work with Metro Planning, we are so thrilled for Bob to have this incredible opportunity to lead Brentwood's Planning Department," said Lucy Kempf, Metro Planning Executive Director. "This role reflects the thoughtful and important work he's done while we experienced tremendous growth. We know he will bring the same expectation of excellence to the City of Brentwood and are excited to support him and cheer him on in this new endeavor." Leeman received his bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Kansas. He has a Certificate in Municipal Finance, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association He lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter. His first day in Brentwood will be July 25. This press release was produced by the City of Brentwood. The views expressed here are the author's own.