The Town of East Hampton has named Tina Valvilis LaGarenne as director of the Planning Department, and Brian Frank has been promoted to assistant planning director.
LaGarenne is certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and brings over twenty years of planning and environmental regulations to the role. Her career began in East Hampton at the town’s Natural Resource Department as an intern while still in college. Afterward, she worked with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and H2M Architects & Engineers before returning to East Hampton in 2022. She initially served as principal planner, then assistant planning director, and later acting planning director, where she oversaw the department’s operations and key initiatives.
As director of planning, LaGarenne will lead the department’s efforts to provide professional planning and technical services connected to land use, environmental choices, infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources.
The department reviews all development applications needing authorization from the Zoning Board and Planning Board, as well as providing support to the Architectural Review Board, the Town Board, and the Town Trustees. The Planning Department staff also participate in different committees, help develop town policies and regulations, and engage in a wide range of tasks that affect the East Hampton community.
“I am honored to take on this new role and continue working with the Planning Department to support the town’s development while ensuring the protection of our natural and cultural resources,” LaGarenne stated. “Having started my career in this community, I am excited to lead the department as we focus on sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and long-term planning.”
Frank has been with the Planning Department since 1994. As the town’s chief environmental analyst, he played an integral role in the identification and protection of natural resources, as well as the enactment of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP).
“I am looking forward to continuing to serve East Hampton and working alongside Tina as we move forward with the town’s planning initiatives,” Frank said. “Our work ensures that development in East Hampton is balanced with the protection of the town’s unique natural environment.”
“Tina and Brian both bring invaluable experience and commitment to their roles,” Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said. “Tina’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Planning Department’s work on behalf of the community, and I am confident that she and Brian will continue to guide the Town’s growth in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team overseeing the future of East Hampton.”