DEERFIELD — The town’s new planning and economic development coordinator officially settled into Town Hall on March 24, bringing a background in planning, zoning and grant applications.

Alex Galloway, an upstate New York native who now lives in Easthampton, joined Deerfield in March and has arrived at a time when the vision for the municipal campus is firmly underway, with the Leary Lot completed in 2024, the Tilton Library expansion project expected to be finished in the coming months and several other major projects slated to make significant progress this year.

Galloway, who has a degree in environmental science from the University of Nevada-Reno, brings more than a decade of experience in a variety of different roles, with a background as a grant coordinator at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, planning with the U.S. Forest Service, economic development at Siskiyou Economic Development in California and most recently, environmental coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Galloway said she and her husband were drawn to the town and the Pioneer Valley because of the natural resources available, as well as the small-town feel of the area. On the municipal end of things, Galloway said Deerfield’s character is a nice draw, alongside the ongoing campus initiative and other projects.

“I really appreciate Deerfield’s community consciousness around the environment and planning, [while] also having some really great opportunities to have commercial and industrial development,” Galloway said. “There’s a lot of really cool projects going on; I’m super excited to be a part of that.”

The planning and economic development coordinator position has been vacant since November, when Christopher Dunne was promoted from the position to his current role as town administrator. Galloway’s salary will be $85,000, according to Selectboard Chair Tim Hilchey.

While Galloway brings plenty of rural municipality experience to Deerfield, she is also familiar with the 1888 Building, a cornerstone project in the town’s campus vision, which will likely break ground this summer. During her time at USDA — she was let go in February as a result of cuts to the federal government — she worked on environmental compliance and was working with Deerfield to ensure the project met National Environmental Policy Act standards.

Hilchey said the town was fortunate to attract the interest of Galloway, who he said will be a huge asset to the town thanks to her background and skills.

“When we found out she was available, Christopher Dunne reached out and she looks like she’s going to be a perfect fit,” Hilchey said. “We’ll have somebody who understands the process and I think it will help lighten the load on the administrative staff of the town to have her knowledge and skill set.”

As she continues to familiarize herself with the community, Galloway encouraged folks to reach out and get to know her.

“I’m still getting my toes a little wet, learning Massachusetts specifics,” Galloway said. “I’m just really grateful and super excited to get out and meet people and learn a little more about Deerfield.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.