CLAREMONT — The public is invited to a “Meet and Greet” at the Visitors Center next Thursday for the city’s new director of Planning and Development.

Gina Gavan began work in Claremont on May 11, filling a position that has been mostly vacant since the departure of longtime director Nancy Merrill, who resigned in October 2024 after 20 years with the city.

Gavan’s work over her 20-year career has involved a variety of business related efforts including consulting, economic development, municipal innovation and community revitalization.

“Throughout her career, she has led large-scale redevelopment initiatives, managed multi-department municipal operations, and built collaborative partnerships between government, businesses, nonprofits, and community stakeholders,” the city said in the release.

Gina Gavan (courtesy photograph)

Gavan’s most recent work was with the Henderson, Nevada Chamber of Commerce where she was involved in growing memberships and business partnerships as chief development officer, the city said in a news release.

Before that, Gavan was the chief innovation officer and director of economic development for North Las Vegas.

Gavan, 56, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from Indiana University at the collaborative campus between Indiana University and Purdue University in Indianapolis.

There were a combination of factors that drew Gavan’s interest in Claremont, she said. She saw a city with potential, “investing in its future” while placing value in its rich history.

“Claremont has strong bones, a passionate community, beautiful natural assets, and leadership that is focused on revitalization and long-term growth,” Gavan said in the news release.

Gavan’s annual salary is $114,500.

The Meet and Greet is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Visitors Center on North Street.