Lakeland announced today (12.28.18) the hiring of a new planning director effective Jan. 7: Forrest Owens of Germantown.
Mr. Owens replaces Cory Brady who resigned in August after being hired by Lakeland in January 2018. While working in Lakeland, Mr. Brady continued with projects he had pending through his business as a landscape architect. He said he resigned his Lakeland position because of increased workload from his business.
Mr. Owens has a Bachelor of Arts and Science in English from Memphis State University and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis.
His work career includes ten years in the Germantown Planning Department from 1995 to 2005, including five years as their planning director.
He most recently worked with ETI Corporation in Memphis as their planning director.
Mr. Owens currently serves an alderman for the City of Germantown in his second four-year term which started in 2012.
He is married to Teresa and they have three daughters: Shelby, Gracey and Addition. He and his family are active members of Germantown Presbyterian Church. He is an avid fitness enthusiast and has qualified for and completed the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon and Boston Marathon.
“We are excited for the opportunity to bring Forrest onboard in this critical position. The City of Lakeland has some exciting developments planned with The Lake District and Lakeland Commons along with a number of high quality housing developments,” said City Manager Shane Horn.
Mr. Owens may be reached at 867-5401 or fowens@lakelandtn.org.
