McGoldrick tapped as Shrewsbury’s director of planning and economic development

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McGoldrick tapped as Shrewsbury’s director of planning and economic development
Christopher McGoldrick

SHREWSBURY – Christopher McGoldrick has returned to Shrewsbury as its director of planning and economic development. 

McGoldrick began his new role in November, after the former Director of Planning and Economic Development Bernie Cahill left to pursue another job opportunity, according to Assistant Town Manager Kristen Las. 

He previously served as Shrewsbury’s assistant town planner from 2016 to 2020 before he joined the Town of Grafton as its town planner. 

“I’ve really grown to love the community of Shrewsbury,” McGoldrick said. “The people who make up the community are what has really drawn me to it.”

Shrewsbury has grown since he first began working there, McGoldrick said. 

“Shrewsbury at that time and still currently is a growing community. There is a lot going on and a lot of opportunities to be involved in,” he said. 

Originally from Connecticut, McGoldrick decided to work in Shrewsbury because he said it was “the best fit” for him after graduation. McGoldrick has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in regional planning from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 

While in school, McGoldrick was interested in pursuing a career in politics, but he realized he wanted to be “on the ground and creating solutions to problems” after taking a regional planning course. 

“I kind of stumbled upon the profession that way. I really fell in love with planning,” he said. 

Since he last worked in Shrewsbury, the Planning and Economic Development Department has expanded and incorporated more grant and outreach opportunities, McGoldrick said. 

He said his favorite part of his job as director of planning and economic development is “giving back to the community” and collaborating with residents to make sure the town develops into a place they are proud to call home. 

While serving as assistant town planner, McGoldrick worked with many town officials, including Las and Director of Public Works Jeff Howland. 

“I’ve learned a lot from them. I stayed in touch with them, to some degree, when I was working in Grafton. I am so excited to learn more from them in my new position,” he said. 

Las said the town was excited to welcome him back to Shrewsbury.

“He was a great asset to the town when he was our assistant town planner from 2016 through early 2020, and we have seen him grow in his role as town planner in Grafton,” she said. “We are just glad to welcome him back.”

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