Islamorada Village Manager Greg Oravec announced that Daniel Gulizio has been selected to fill the role of director of planning for the Village of Islamorada following a rigorous interview and selection process. Gulizio accepted the employment offer and will take on the responsibility of directing all aspects of planning and development service functions of the village on Dec. 1.
“The position of Planning Director is critically important and public facing in any community and here in Islamorada even more so,” Oravec said. “We are looking forward to Dan’s leadership and are excited about how he can help us build a world-class organization and make Islamorada an even better place.”
He earned a master of science degree in urban planning from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. Gulizio will move from his current home in New York to Islamorada to bring his more than 25 years of experience in planning, development, land management and open-space preservation to benefit the Islamorada community.
Previously, Gulizio served as the deputy director of planning for Suffolk County, New York, commissioner of planning, environment and land management for the Town of Brookhaven, New York, commissioner of planning and development for the Town of Islip, New York, and executive director of Peconic Baykeeper, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving ground and surface water resources.
Gulizio’s hiring comes following Ty Harris’ resignation as planning director on July 18. It came less than 20 days into Oravec’s time as village manager. Harris oversaw a planning department that administers the village’s land use plan and assists in permitting. He dealt with everything from affordable housing and developing a plan for food trucks to the village’s comprehensive plan and land use regulations.
Following Harris’ resignation, senior planner Hank Flores stepped in as acting planning director as the village seeks a replacement for Harris.
Gulizio will participate in his first regular village council meeting on Dec. 16. A meet-and-greet will be held before the council meeting at the Founders Park Community Center from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to give residents an opportunity to meet the new director.
