Division of Planning, Community Development and Environmental Management Staff
Click on names/titles to directly email that person.
Heather Jacksy, AICP, Director of Planning
Heather signed on as a Planner for the Division in December of 2005 and worked her way up to Director, tackling a range of interesting, and at times, challenging projects. She completed her undergraduate degree at the New School for Social Research and received a Masters in Urban Planning from Hunter College in New York City. Heather has previously worked for both the private and public sectors in areas ranging from housing to transportation, and has served as the Director of the Lower Hudson Valley West Section of the American Planning Association New York Metro Chapter.
Justin joined the Planning Department in February of 2023. Justin is involved with several projects related to community development, and plays an important role coordinating projects between multiple offices within the Division of Planning, Community Development and Environmental Management. His previous work in the nonprofit sector was primarily focused on community outreach, emergency preparedness and disaster relief, including disaster deployments. He received a Masters in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and holds a BA in English & Sociology from SUNY at Binghamton.
Gabriela joined the Division in July of 2024 and is involved in many projects surrounding community development and housing. A native of Sullivan County, Gabriela graduated from Liberty High School in 2018, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SUNY University at Buffalo. She then attended Tufts University in Boston, where she earned her Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Planning, writing her thesis on the Move Sullivan rural transport network. She currently lives in the Town of Fallsburg.
Shoshana Mitchell, Junior Planner/Environmental Specialist
Shoshana joined Planning in December 2023 as a Research Analyst and was promoted to Junior Planner/Environmental Specialist. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from Cornell. Shoshana has prior experience in wildlife and wetlands research, including studies on bears and plovers. At the County, she works on projects related to the natural environment and outdoor recreation, focusing on active transportation and the O&W Rail Trail. She is a Sullivan County native, graduating from Roscoe in 2009, and now resides in the Town of Thompson, where she serves on the Thompson Together Comp Plan Committee and the Planning Board.
Austin Davis, Research Analyst
Austin joined the Planning Division in October 2024, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Planning from Arizona State University in May of 2024. In his role, he performs a variety of tasks related to Sullivan County Planning's mission, from gathering statistical information and performing data analysis, to creating surveys, charts, advertisements, and various graphics required in support of planning projects. Austin is dedicated to advancing his career and aspires to become a Planner for Sullivan County in the future.
Cheryl Conklin, Confidential Secretary
Cheryl started her career in Sullivan County in 2012, working for the Office of the County Attorney, as an Administrative Assistant. Cheryl joined the Division in February of 2022. She is responsible for the daily administrative functions of the Division of Planning and Community Development as well as lending assistance to the Department of Grants Administration, the Parks, Recreation & Beautification Department and the Office of Sustainable Energy. Cheryl became a resident of Sullivan County in 2010 and currently resides in Bloomingburg with her family.
