Pawtucket hires new planning director

PAWTUCKET – A new city planner is on the job in Pawtucket.
Michael P. Davolio started work Monday, filling a post left vacant by the retirement of Mike Cassidy a year ago.
“Michael has an outstanding blend of the skills and experience we need, in both the public and private sector, as we look to revitalize our riverfront, bring in a commuter rail station and maximize our many other economic assets that we need to further develop,” Mayor Donald R. Grebien said in announcing the appointment.
The mayor’s office said Davolio most recently worked as a planning manager for a company constructing communities in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. He has also served as planning, building and community development director for Auburn, Wash., and worked as a project manager for private developers.
A 1979 graduate in urban studies at Worcester State University, Davolio earlier in his career was a city planner in Worcester, served as planning director for the city of Leominster and was town administrator in Orange, all in Massachusetts.
In his submission letter to the city, Davolio wrote: “I have succeeded in using my public and private sector expertise in community and economic development to help create a ‘sense of place’ within new and established communities. I am confident that I can contribute to the city’s mission by finding creative solutions to the challenges of community and economic development in today’s economic climate.”
Grebien said that Davolio was the top choice of an advisory committee assembled to find a new planner. The mayor also praised Barney Heath, who has been acting director of the department and has returned to his prior role as assistant director.
“Barney deserves a big note of thanks for all he has accomplished and I feel he will be a perfect complement to our new director,” Grebien said.