CCPC's 75th — An Interview with Carol Stauffer
As we look back on CCPC's history over the years, we celebrate the dedicated staff who have shaped its success. One of those staff members is CCPC's Assistant Director, Carol Stauffer, who has been with CCPC for almost 35 years!
From Planning Student to Planning Leader
Carol joined CCPC as a community planner back in 1990 after working for two other commissions. "I'm not sure how I found out about the position since there was no internet at that time to look for jobs online," she said, but credits APA-PA's printed newsletter for helping her find the job.
She interviewed with former Assistant Director, David Ward, and Executive Director, George Fasic, and notes, "I had not expected to be here more than a few years but clearly enjoyed working in Chester County with many great colleagues and have been here ever since."
However, Carol's connection to CCPC began even earlier — as a graduate student in the mid-1980s. She recalls taking the scenic (but very slow) SEPTA train from Philly to West Chester to meet with CCPC staff. "That ride probably marked one of the last years that line still existed," she said.
Over the years, Carol advanced to Community Planning Division Director and later became Assistant Director.
Reflections on Change and Impact
Technology has been the biggest evolution in planning, according to Carol. She remembers sharing a single computer with a colleague, working without email or internet, visiting CCPC's research library, and navigating to night meetings with just a paper map and hopefully, a reliable car. "Those days I don't miss," she joked.
One of Carol's vivid memories was attending smoky municipal meetings. "One room had a 'smoke-eater' attached to the ceiling," she said. "When it kicked-on you could barely hear what anyone was saying, so it was choice between breathing or talking."
Among Carol's proudest achievements is her involvement in the creation of the original Landscapes Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 1996), which set the stage for future planning in the county. Not long after that, the Vision Partnership Program was introduced, which empowered municipalities to update local plans with county provided grants. "Landscapes, and its two subsequent updates, has really stood the test of time as a visionary planning document," she noted.
Looking Ahead
Carol is optimistic about CCPC's future. She envisions continued planning success, more regional collaboration, and meaningful progress on housing affordability. She hopes that CCPC will have success at addressing housing affordability. "It seems people are becoming more understanding of how affordably priced and accessible housing benefits the entire community," she said.
Lastly, Carol notes, "A truly gratifying theme that I've seen throughout my time at CCPC has been the support of our County Commissioners and their appreciation of the value of sound planning for their constituents."
We thank Carol for her decades of dedication, leadership, and the invaluable memories she's shared as part of CCPC's journey!