GERALD HARBISON
Bethel Park,PA
Summary
Professional planner with comprehensive expertise in municipal planning, zoning, and developing strategic plans and coordinating complex projects. Skilled in resource allocation, timeline management, and data analysis to drive successful outcomes. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs ensures reliable performance. Known for problem-solving abilities and effective communication.
Overview
1
1
Certification
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Municipal Planner
Bethel Park Municipality
Allegheny County, PA
05.2023 - 03.2026
- Administers subdivision and land development ordinance to review subdivisions, land developments, rezoning proposals, and building permits for planning approval
- Completes Zoning Ordinance Update with the Planning Commission
- Conducted comprehensive research on transit oriented development for strategic planning efforts.
- Presented progress reports regularly to senior management during project updates meetings.
- Successfully navigated complex zoning challenges, collaborating with legal experts to adjust plans and secure necessary approvals.
- Developed and maintained automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records to enhance office workflows.
- Researched and compiled information on variety of planning issues from multiple sources, prepared thorough reports and presented findings in planning commission and council meetings.
- Reviewed permit applications to verify compliance with requirements such as use permissions, bulk, placement and parking ratios.
- Prepared reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to decision-makers.
- Facilitated public meetings to gather community input on planning initiatives.
Director of Community Development
Hollidaysburg Borough
Blair County, PA
05.2019 - 05.2023
- Administered SALDO, Zoning Ordinance, property maintenance codes, HARB, and Floodplain Regulations
- Performed BCO duties
- Staff representative at Planning Commission, HARB, Zoning Hearing Board, and Shade Tree Commission meetings
- Applied zoning, subdivision and land development processing procedures to review subdivisions, land developments, rezoning proposals, and review building permits for planning approval
- Coordinated with government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance for community development programs.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
Director of Community Development
South Whitehall Twp
Lehigh County, PA
05.1988 - 05.2019
- Manager of Community Development, 2018 – May 2019
- Director of Community Development, 2012 – 2018
- Assistant Director of Community Development, June 1994 – 2012
- Township Planner, 1990 – June 1994
- Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer 1988 – 1989
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of Community Development Department
- Presented staff reports for the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners
- Prepared specialized planning and land use studies
- Transitioned the loss of in-house codes inspectors to Third Party Inspectors
- Transitioned resources to effectively apply the Universal Property Maintenance Code
- Oversaw Continued Implementation of Comprehensive Plan Strategies
- Developed ordinances such as “Wireless Communications”, “Digital Signs and Billboards”, “Alternative Energy”, “Wild and Exotic Animals”
- Monitored development escrows and provide real time project status
- Responsible for creating the Official Map
- Staff liaison to ZHB, Planning Commission, Parks & Rec Board, Public Safety Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission, and Shade Tree Commission though out tenure
- Drafted proposals outlining project goals, objectives, budget requirements, timelines, and anticipated outcomes for approval by relevant authorities.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Regional Planning
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA01-1988
Skills
- Project management
- Land use planning
- Environmental awareness
- Zoning and research experience
- Data Management - GEOPLAN
- Materials preparation
- Reliability
- GIS Experience
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Professionalism
Affiliations
- Member, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
- Member, American Planning Association
Certification
- AICP - 2025 (Previously certified 1996-2021)
- Building Code Official, PA Dept of Labor and Industry, 2019 - current
Timeline
Municipal Planner
Bethel Park Municipality
05.2023 - 03.2026
Director of Community Development
Hollidaysburg Borough
05.2019 - 05.2023
Director of Community Development
South Whitehall Twp
05.1988 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Regional Planning
Indiana University of Pennsylvania