Citizens Planning director to step down

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — March 12, 2010

After leading the Citizens Planning Association in its mission to promote responsible development and environmental protection in Santa Barbara County for more than a decade, the organization’s executive director announced plans to resign in the next few months.

Naomi Kovacs has appeared at countless government hearings to offer input on specific development projects and large-scale planning efforts during her time with the 50-year-old organization, and is credited with building strong connections between the association, community leaders and local residents.

“As CPA closes in on one-half century of service to Santa Barbara County, we are sad to say goodbye to our longest-serving executive director, who has led us through nearly one-fifth of our history,” Steve Dunn, the organization’s president, said in a news release. “From her arrival at CPA, Naomi established and maintained a level of performance and competence that has truly benefited the organization and the community, at both local and state levels.”

In addition to advocating for responsible planning and growth, Kovacs offered guest lectures at UC Santa Barbara and University of Southern California, engaged with other community organizations and volunteers, and mentored student interns.

“I have learned so much, experienced so much, and developed an incredible number of meaningful professional and personal relationships through being in this position,” she said in the prepared statement. “I continue to believe just as strongly in CPA’s mission today as I did the day I stepped into my role as executive director.

“Nine years later, it’s just time to move on to something new and different. It also gives CPA the opportunity to bring in some new energy.”

She did not elaborate on her future plans, stating only that she is exploring several different opportunities. CPA is in the process of putting together a transition team to select her replacement.

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Kovacs Retirement ^5 : 3/12/2010

Naomi Kovacs has earned time to put up the feet and watch. Her's has been a time consuming and difficult at times job. As a founder of Cars Are Basic, Inc.(tm) and Past President of that organization there were moments when Director Kovacs and CAB did not agree. There were more often issues where as the saying goes "like minds" for different reasons.
CAB congratulates her on her efforts and hopes the new directions are rewarding.
Scott Wenz
Past President, CAB

Scott

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