DEVON Neary
33 | Rutland Regional Planning Commission | Transportation Planner
Residence: Rutland
Career highlight(s): With a lot of luck, and a bit of chance, I was able to return to the place I love and enjoy a career that is both personally rewarding and impactful to the community.
Community Involvement: In March, Rutland City voters gave me the honor to serve them on the Board of Alderman. Since then, much of my free time has been devoted to moving Rutland forward. To that end, I serve on several committees, including Community and Economic Development Committee, that has undertaken several ambitious initiatives such as establishing a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, a market-rate housing program, and a revitalization of the Rutland Amtrak Station. In addition to standing committees, I get the pleasure of using my transportation planning background to serve as the representative to the Rutland Traffic Safety Committee and as the vice-chair of the Marble Valley Regional Transit District Board of Commissioners.
When I am not consumed by City business, I like to support outdoor recreation accessibility by volunteering for the Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport. The only thing better than skiing and riding is helping others enjoy skiing and riding!
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Rutland has so much to offer, affordable housing, a growing downtown, and unrivaled access to trails, mountains, and lakes. We have all the ingredients necessary to continue our reputation as the best place to live, work, and play.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part is actually all the different parts: from trains, planes, and automobiles to bikes, buses, and walking. Each mode provides a unique opportunity to connect with and help develop our local communities.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is Joe Kraus. Just spend one minute with Joe and you will find his affable nature, positive energy, and vision for Rutland absolutely contagious.
What is the best career advice you have received? Be the change you want to see in your community.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have spent the last two years restoring a 140-year-old Bungalow and it has been exciting to revive a piece of history while adding value to my close-knit neighborhood.
What three words best describe you: Adventurous. Outgoing. Jocular.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escapes are mountain biking at Slate Valley Trails in the summer and backcountry skiing at Brandon Gap in the winter.
Favorite downtime activity: Most people would not consider my outdoor adventures as proper "downtime" so I would have to say enjoying some Rutland Beerworks at Hop'n Moose!
Favorite Super Hero and why: Batman, hands down. A regular guy who's a little emo, a lot rich, and has a cool cave. Makes for a very compelling story.
Favorite Social Media and why: That is like asking who is your favorite dentist. (Instagram, I guess)
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would share a cherished Vermont beverage with Bernie Sanders. If you read this Bernie, hit me up, I'll buy.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is opioid addiction recovery.
What is the one song on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend? The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is Creed - Higher. I am a late 90's kid at heart.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? In the next 5-10 years I'd like to continue to live and work in the place I love, Rutland City.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years? The career goals I'd like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are continuing to support Rutland City as its future Mayor.
How has your community service changed since the pandemic? My community service during the pandemic has changed dramatically after being elected to office. Despite the challenges and time commitment, it has been worth every minute. If we are going to recover stronger, we will need everyone to step up and give something of themselves.
How has your job changed since this pandemic? During the pandemic, my job has forced me to take a hard look at how we can make our work more accessible to the public and more equitable for vulnerable populations.