Rochester appoints new town planner

ROCHESTER — Michaela Shoemaker, of Marion, was appointed to Rochester Town Planner by the Select Board Tuesday, Feb. 18.

This appointment comes after the December departure of Nancy Durfee, who is now serving in the role in Lakeville.

Shoemaker isn’t the first planner in her family, noted Town Administrator Cameron Durant, adding that her mother worked with the New Bedford Housing Authority.

She also has her own prior experience serving as the town planner for Hanover back in 2018, he said. Shoemaker is currently the community development planner for the town of Falmouth — a role she began in 2019.

According to her LinkedIn, Shoemaker graduated from Quinnipiac University’s business marketing program in 2012 and received her master’s in public administration from Rutgers in 2020.

“I think she has a very impressive resume — a lot of experience,” Durant said. “I think she’s going to be a really positive addition.”

Shoemaker’s appointment is subject to the successful completion of contract negotiations, said Select Board member Adam Murphy. No start date or salary details were announced.