Jeff O’Brien Named New Director Of Develop Louisville

Mayor Greg Fischer has named Jeff O’Brien as the new director of Develop Louisville, the city’s real estate and community development arm. O’Brien has been with the city since 2013, first as project manager for Vision Louisville then as Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning. O’Brien was named to the position after Director Deborah Bilitski accepted a position as Deputy Director/Vice President of the Waterfront Development Corporation. Bilitski is succeeding Mike Kimmel, who has served in this role for 28 years and will retire at the end of the year.

Bilitski will remain in her role with Develop Louisville through the end of the year. Jeff O’Brien begins as Director on January 1.

As Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning, O’Brien, who has a background in urban planning, has been integrally involved in the city’s ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, played a leadership role in the production of the MOVE Louisville transportation plan and serves as a Metro representative with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency’s (KIPDA) transportation planning activities.

Dave Marchal will continue in his role as Develop Louisville Deputy Director with an enhanced portfolio of responsibilities around urban design and historic preservation initiatives.

Brightside and its Director Gina O’Brien will now report directly to the Chief of Louisville Forward, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, instead of the Director of Develop Louisville.

Develop Louisville is a department within Louisville Forward and includes the Office of Sustainability, Office of Advanced Planning, Vacant & Public Property Administration, Office of Housing & Community Development and Planning & Design Services. Louisville Forward serves as the city’s economic and community development arm, housing the departments of Economic Development, Develop Louisville and Codes & Regulations.

For more information on Develop Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville