Chester County Parks + Preservation director David Stauffer announced the promotion of Monica Mullaji as the county’s new Open Lands Preservation coordinator. Mullaji initially joined the department as an intern before serving as the Open Lands stewardship coordinator for more than two years.

As the Open Lands Preservation coordinator, Mullaji is responsible for overseeing the county’s Preservation Partnership Program which provides grant funding to municipalities and non-profit land conservation organizations to permanently preserve significant natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources; enhance public access to those lands; provide public benefit; and implement county and municipal land use policies.

“Monica’s dedication to preserving and protecting Chester County’s natural resources and open spaces for future generations is an asset to our department and the wider community. We look forward to the continued success of the Preservation Partnership Program under Monica’s guidance,” said Stauffer. 

Mullaji succeeds Judy Thomas who retired after 23 years with Chester County.

“I look forward to continuing to strengthen and develop open space opportunities in my new role and am grateful to carry on the decades of innovative conservation work that Chester County is known for,” said Mullaji. 

Mullaji, a resident of Collegeville, Pa., is a graduate of Temple University with a master of science in city and regional planning. They have additional experience in parks and recreation and sustainable agriculture.

The Chester County Parks + Preservation Department provides preservation, recreation, educational, and stewardship services to the residents and visitors of Chester County so they can connect with natural and cultural resources and thrive in a sustainable healthy community. 

Learn more about Chester County’s Open Lands program at https://www.chesco.org/4521/Open-Lands.