SETH Jenson
Company: Lamoille County Planning Commission
Title: Principal Planner
Age: 37
Career Highlights: Being part of Jeffersonville's flood mitigation efforts, from the planning phase to implementation. After Jeffersonville experienced three major floods in 2011, the community pulled together to better understand the underlying causes of flooding. We were able to identify several investments in 
infrastructure and natural resource restoration that would lower flood levels by about a foot and half -- enough to prevent evacuation of the community's senior housing during future flood events. 
The final piece was installed in November of last year, and likely prevented major flooding on both Christmas Eve and Easter Weekend.
Community Involvement: I've been lucky to be able to serve my home Town of Westford on the Planning Commission and several other volunteer roles. It is an opportunity to use my professional experience to give back to the community that made me who I am.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Desire to work in rural communities. Vermont is small enough to work face-to-face with people who have different ideas and perspectives but can still come together for the common good.
Favorite part of your job? Working with rural communities to overcome complex challenges.
What is the best career advice you have received? "Measure twice, cut once." It's true in planning and carpentry.
Favorite Vermont escape: Smugglers' Notch State Park
Favorite downtime activity: Exploring new-to-me back roads .
Favorite super hero: George Aiken (not technically a super hero, but also kind of one).
If you had unlimited access to funds which cause(s) would you support: Supporting revitalization of Vermont's rural Villages.
What one song is on your playlist that are you ashamed to tell your best friend? "She thinks my tractor's sexy." But honestly, my best friends already know that.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years? I hope to continue working with State leaders to modernize Vermont's approach to land use planning and permitting in light of new challenges facing Vermont in the 21st Century.
