Town of Wrentham Welcomes Shane O’Brien as New Director of Planning & Economic Development

Shane O’Brien, AICP, has been appointed as the Town of Wrentham’s new Director of Planning & Economic Development. (Photo Courtesy Town of Wrentham)

WRENTHAM — Town Manager Michael J. King is pleased to announce that Shane O’Brien, AICP, has been appointed as the Town of Wrentham’s new Director of Planning & Economic Development. He began serving in the role on Monday, July 6.

O’Brien has spent more than 10 years in municipal planning across Massachusetts.

Since 2022, he’s served as Town Planner in Bridgewater, where he managed long-range planning initiatives, facilitated zoning amendments, supported the Planning Board, and secured several competitive state grants for municipal projects.

Before that, he served as Senior Planner for the City of Framingham, Land Use Planner for the City of Everett, and Staff Planner for the City of Brockton, working on a broad range of planning initiatives, including housing, land use, and regional planning coordination.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, with a concentration in Planning and Urban Studies, from UMass Amherst, and is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

“The Department of Planning & Economic Development plays a vital role in shaping Wrentham’s future while preserving the character and qualities that make the community unique,” said Town Manager Michael King. “Shane’s extensive experience in municipal government and long-range planning makes him exceptionally well-qualified to lead this department. I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to residents, businesses, boards, and committees, and I look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring as the Town continues to thoughtfully plan for Wrentham’s future.”

As Director of Planning & Economic Development, O’Brien will oversee the Town’s planning and land use activities, provide staff support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and Economic Development Commission, and work with Town departments, boards, committees, and community organizations to advance planning initiatives, zoning updates, and economic development opportunities consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.

“I am honored to join the Town of Wrentham and look forward to working with Town officials, residents, businesses, and community partners,” O’Brien said. “Wrentham has a strong sense of community and a clear vision for its future. I’m excited to help build upon that foundation by supporting thoughtful planning, strengthening economic opportunities, and preserving the qualities that make the town a great place to live and work.”

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