The Mad River Valley Planning District is excited to welcome Franni Hoag to the role of Community Planner. 

Hoag, a native of the Upper Valley, brings a background in public lands management and communications, along with a passion for environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to community engagement. Her professional experience includes roles in the marketing and development departments of several Vermont nonprofits, where she cultivated an understanding of collaborative partnership development, relationship-building, and volunteer engagement. Through this work, she has seen firsthand how thoughtful, inclusive outreach can inspire meaningful public participation and strengthen long-term civic involvement.

“As a lifelong Vermonter, I understand the importance of community and showing up for your neighbors. I’m honored to join the planning district and look forward to partnering with the towns of Waitsfield, Warren, and Fayston to support their efforts to strengthen each community and enhance our shared experience of the Valley. One project I’m particularly excited to jump into is phase one of the Sugarbush Access Road Shared Path, an ADA-accessible project that connects Sugarbush Resort’s Lincoln Peak to the surrounding community and the broader MRV trail network.”

“Franni brings experience, energy, and expertise to the Community Planner role. We are thrilled to welcome Franni to the MRVPD team,” shares Joshua Schwartz, Executive Director of the planning district.

Hoag earned a Master’s degree in Natural Resources from the UVM Rubenstein School in 2023, where she also attended as an undergraduate in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department. She graduated from Oxbow High School in 2016 and now lives in Waitsfield with her partner Chad.