Theresa O’Donnell has been appointed the City of Vancouver’s new director of planning and general manager of planning and general manager of planning, urban design, and sustainability.

O’Donnell has an extensive background with more than 30 years in policy development, program administration, and economic development, including as director of planning and development for the cities of Las Vegas, Nevada and Arlington, Texas.

She also served as director of sustainable development and construction, interim assistant city manager, and chief resilience officer for the City of Dallas, and has managed multimillion dollar operating and capital budgets. O’Donnell joined the City of Vancouver in March 2019 as deputy director of planning.

“Theresa has a well-earned reputation as a problem-solver, and I know we can rely on her professionalism and experience to help build a Vancouver that works for everyone,” said Mayor Kennedy Stewart.

O’Donnell will lead the City’s work on planning, policy, urban design, and major development negotiations. She is also a voting member of the Development Permit Board. O’Donnell has been acting in this position since the departure of Gil Kelley in March 2021. The director of planning is appointed by City Council under Section 560 of the Vancouver Charter and reports to the city manager.

O’Donnell holds a bachelor of landscape architecture degree from Texas Tech University and a master of public administration degree from the University of Texas.

“It is an honour to serve the City of Vancouver as the general manager of planning, urban design and sustainability, and I am grateful for the trust and confidence the mayor, city council and city manager have placed in me,” said O’Donnell. “I have the distinct privilege of working alongside a highly skilled team of talented professionals who are eager to learn, innovate, and bring fresh solutions to the challenges facing our city.”