Chester County Commissioners Name Matthew Edmond as Planning Commission Executive Director
Posted February 5, 2025
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe approved today the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Edmond, AICP, as Executive Director of the Chester County Planning Commission. Matt joins the County on February 18 and replaces Brian O'Leary who retired in November of 2024.
Edmond has more than 20 years of public planning experience with the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and his move to Chester County follows ten years as Transportation Section Manager, followed by Assistant Director of Transportation & Long-Range Planning. During his time at Montgomery County, Matt served as Executive Leader for the County's new comprehensive plan, Montco 2050, and has served as Project Manager for Bike Montco, as well as the County's Aviation Policy Plan, and the Montgomery County Complete Streets Policy.
Commenting on Matt's appointment, Commissioners Maxwell, Moskowitz and Roe said, "We are pleased to appoint someone who has such an extensive background in public planning in Pennsylvania municipal government, as well as someone who is so highly respected within his professional community."
"We welcome Matt and thank Chester County Planning Commission Assistant Director Carol Stauffer for her leadership as Acting Executive Director of the department in the interim following Brian O'Leary's retirement."
Chester County Chief Executive Officer David Byerman said, "The Executive Director of Planning must possess a unique blend of skills — technical expertise, the ability to lead a large and diverse team, the versatility to communicate effectively with different audiences, and a deep understanding of how planning drives successful public policy. Matt Edmond embodies all of these qualities, and we are looking forward to see him realize his vision in this critical role."
For ten years, Matt has been Executive Director of the Montgomery County Transportation Authority. He is a Member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association (APA-PA). Throughout the year, Matt teaches Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute courses on community planning to municipal officials. He also Chairs the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's Regional Technical Committee.
In his new role, Matt will oversee Chester County's Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3, the main purpose of which is to balance preservation of the county's open spaces, natural areas and historic landscapes with compatible growth of the county's urban and suburban centers, providing diverse and affordable housing, and expanding public transit, pedestrian and bicycle networks.
"I'm incredibly honored to be chosen by the Chester County Commissioners to lead the Planning Commission and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the county's citizens," said Matt Edmond. "The Commission has a long history of excellence that I look forward to continuing well into the future."