The Town of Christiansburg has announced that Margaret “Margy” Barden has joined the staff as the new planning director.
She began her new position on Monday, March 15.
Barden brings more than 27 years of planning and consulting experience to the position. Most recently, she was a private contractor based in North Carolina, focusing on real estate development, business management, urban and regional planning, human services and economic development.
She previously worked in local government as a senior planner for the City of Greenwood Village in Colorado; as the planning and community development director for the Town of Culpeper in Virginia; and as a comprehensive and historic preservation planner for Culpeper.
Barden has a bachelor’s degree in City planning from the University of Virginia. She has received a Certified Zoning Administrator designation through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials and has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Over the course of her municipal planning career, Barden has focused on downtown revitalization and economic and community development for small to mid-sized communities.
“Margy’s diverse planning background made her an excellent choice for this position,” Town Manager Randy Wingfield said. “Her local government experience is strong and relevant, and her work as a private contractor gives her a unique perspective when it comes to real estate development and land use matters. We’re excited for her to join our team and bring those skills to the town.”
Barden is a native of Virginia. “I’m excited to join the Town of Christiansburg and am looking forward to helping shape the next comprehensive plan,” Barden said. “Christiansburg already seems like a great place to live, work and play, and I’m ready to get to work and keep building upon the positive momentum.”
Barden’s salary will be $83,012.80.
