The Town of Christiansburg has named Will Drake as its new planning director.
Drake began working in Christiansburg’s Planning Department in 2015 and has served in his current position of Planner II since 2017.
The director position opened in September, shortly after former planning director Andrew Warren was promoted to assistant town manager.
“I’m looking forward to this next step and continuing to focus on the positive growth and momentum in Christiansburg that is making it an even better place to live, work and play,” Drake said.
Drake has a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Urban Affairs and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, both from Virginia Tech.
Drake completed the Supervisory Development Series through New River Community College and is a Certified Zoning Administrator through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials.
Prior to joining the Town of Christiansburg, Drake taught an introductory planning course at Virginia Tech and worked as a broadband planner and GIS specialist for Design Nine in Blacksburg.
“Will’s education background and experience in local planning made him an obvious choice for this position,” Town Manager Randy Wingfield said. “I know he will continue to lead the planning department forward as its director.”
Drake will begin working in his new role on Tuesday, Nov. 13. His salary as planning director will be $72,196.80.
