First Selectman Dan Rosenthal formally announced February 22 that Rob Sibley was promoted to the position of Land Use Director.

Sibley has worked with the Town in the Land Use Department since 2004 — most recently as the land use agency’s deputy director — and before that, he worked as Newtown’s conservation official.

Rosenthal said Sibley's years of experience serving as a resource to the Conservation, Inland Wetlands, and Planning and Zoning Commissions as well as assisting the public with interpreting and enforcing regulations made him a strong candidate to fill this role, according to a release.

Additionally, the first selectman said Sibley has demonstrated his commitment to the community through his volunteer service — currently as second assistant chief with Sandy Hook Fire and Rescue — as well as serving with scouting organizations, and the Newtown Methodist Church among others.

“The Town is looking forward to Sibley providing leadership in environmental and land use planning strategies as well as providing guidance and support to the land use commissions,” the release concludes.

Sibley told The Newtown Bee, he is looking forward to continuing to serve the Town in this new capacity.

"I will work to carefully consider and communicate the current laws and regulations surrounding the Land Use Agency's responsibilities and how they impact Newtown in the environment, social justice, economic stability, equitable access to resources, renewable energy and transportation," Sibley said.