GB Town Planner Promoted; Assistant Treasurer/Collector Named

Town Manager Mark Pruhenski has announced two key promotions at Town Hall: Town Planner Christopher Rembold has been named assistant town manager/director of planning and community development, and Ellyn Dupont has been named assistant treasurer/collector.

Pruhenski said Rembold's promotion and new title now more closely reflect the level and quality of his work advancing the town's economic development agenda.

"The role of town planner has expanded dramatically in the past 10 years in Great Barrington," said Pruhenski. "Chris's work is far-reaching and high impact, and this is our way of recognizing his past and future planning work."

Rembold will continue with his planning responsibilities but will also oversee the town Building Department and capital asset management. He will continue to manage long-range comprehensive zoning and planning, implement major capital projects and handle the town's grant applications. He also administers the town's Community Preservation Act.

Before joining Great Barrington, he worked as a private sector planner and housing consultant for 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Allegheny College, a master’s in cultural anthropology from the New School for Social Research, and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the Pratt Institute. He lives in Great Barrington.

“In my 10 years here, we have been able to accomplish a great deal, due to good planning and a great team of staff and volunteers. I am very excited to take on this new challenge.”

Dupont has previously served as assistant town clerk, splitting her time between the town clerk’s office and the treasurer/collector’s office. She now assumes the role of assistant treasurer/collector. She has worked for the town for two years.

"Ellyn knows our town and its procedures extremely well, and her new role reflects our confidence in her skills and professionalism," said Pruhenski.

Dupont holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Elms College. After graduation, she stayed on at the college for 12 years, working in key roles in the Information Services Department. She also spent 5 years as Chief Information Officer at a small insurance firm before joining the town. She lives in Great Barrington.

“I am eager to take on this new role," said Dupont. "My time with the town had been very fulfilling and I look forward to continuing to serve GB and its residents.”

The two promotions are intended to build the Town Hall team to support Great Barrington's aggressive agenda in coming years, said Pruhenski.

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