DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Michael D. Zehner recently joined the Berkley Group as our Director of Environmental Programs. Michael has worked as a professional municipal planner for almost 20 years. Beginning his career with communities in metropolitan Atlanta, Michael has led planning activities for the City of Lexington, Virginia, Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and, most recently, the Town of Nags Head, North Carolina.
Michael is originally from Farmville, Virginia. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Political Science from Virginia Tech, Michael's first professional job was as a legislative assistant for U.S. Congressman Virgil H. Goode, Jr., Virginia’s Fifth District. Through this role, Michael had the opportunity to work with several communities on economic development and infrastructure projects that piqued his interest in community planning. In his career, Michael’s responsibilities have covered the spectrum of planning-related matters, including a recent focus on hazard mitigation, resiliency, and environmental planning given Nags Head’s coastal location and unique geography.
Michael values public service, and appreciates an organic, no idea is bad, process to developing solutions to challenging problems. Michael is an AICP certified planner, has served as an elected member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association executive committee, and currently serves a vice-chair of the Legislative Committee for the North Carolina Chapter.
We are excited to have Michael on our team, leading the Berkley Group's environmental work for localities across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond!