City of Athens welcomes new Planning and Development Services Director Audrey Sloan

Audrey Sloan

Press release

The City of Athens is proud to announce the recent hire of Audrey Sloan as the City’s new Director of Development Services. Ms. Sloan joined the City of Athens team just a couple of weeks ago after working for seven years as the Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Corsicana. Ms. Sloan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Sloan joins the City with a great amount of knowledge and experience for the role and holds a variety of professional certifications, including her license as a Residential Plans Examiner with the International Code Council.

“We are thrilled to have Audrey on board as our Director of Development Services,” said City Manager Elizabeth Borstad. “Audrey came highly recommended and is more than qualified for the role. We look forward to having Audrey’s leadership within this department.”

Ms. Sloan offices at the City’s Development Services Center located at 501 Highway 175 West.

City of Athens Community Services Coordinator, Adrianna Hinds, sat down with Audrey to ask her a few questions. Read their question and answer below.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new position with the City of Athens?

A: I am most looking forward to getting to know the city and its residents. I have visited Athens many times over the years and always enjoyed my time spent here. The people I have met so far have been extremely positive and welcoming. I am excited to now have the opportunity to contribute to this great community.

Q: What are some of your hopes or goals for the Planning and Development Department in the next couple of years?

A: The development process can often be cumbersome and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. My goal is to help the department run as smoothly as possible while still effectively implementing the development goals established by Council. I strive to strengthen the City of Athens’ reputation as being “development friendly” and to ensure that each project enhances the health, safety and welfare of the community.

Q: When you’re not on the job, what are some of your favorite things to do or hobbies?

A: My favorite thing to do is travel. I love seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. My travels so far have taken me all over the US, Central America & Europe and I am always looking forward to adding new places to the list.

Q: What led you to this type of career path? (Why do you do what you do?)

A: I have always been interested in design and the built environment even though it was not the initial focus of my studies. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin, I decided to dive into the design world full time. I worked as a design intern for an architectural firm for a year before moving to Clemson, South Carolina to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture. After graduation, I moved back to my hometown to begin my career in Planning & Zoning with the City of Corsicana where I worked for the past seven years.

Questions? Call the Development Services Department at 903.677.6615 or e-mail [email protected].