Every month, the Planning Commission highlights one of its staff or board members.

The Chester County Commissioners recently appointed Stephanie Duncan as the newest member of the Planning Commission’s board. Stephanie, the secretary/treasurer for the Borough of South Coatesville, discussed her new role at the Planning Commission and also shared information about her life philosophy, interests, and more.

At the March 13^th Planning Commission meeting, board Chairman Kevin Kerr said Stephanie will bring a “boots on the ground perspective to some of the things we look at here.”

Where are you from?  I am a lifelong resident of Chester County. My family moved to Coatesville when I was a small child and I have lived in the area ever since.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? My mother was a nurse and I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

What was your first job? My first job was at Devitt’s Hardware in the City of Coatesville.

What is your profession now?  I work in municipal government. I am the secretary/treasurer for the Borough of South Coatesville.

What did you study in college?  My undergraduate studies included business and human resource management. My graduate studies were in public administration.

How did you get involved with the Chester County Planning Commission? I believe it’s important to give back to the community, so it was an honor to be asked to serve on the commission.

What do you hope to accomplish as a newly appointed board member? I look forward to contributing to the further growth of Chester County.

Have you served on any other boards or commissions in the past? I have served on many different boards over the years. I am a former member of the Planning Commission in the City of Coatesville.

Are you currently involved with any other boards, commissions or organizations? Among other activities, I serve on the Brandywine Health Foundation’s housing board. I volunteer as the executive director of a small nonprofit, the Greater Deliverance Development Outreach, which operates the Coatesville Community Food Co-Op and after-school programs for girls and boys.

What words best describe you? Quiet and tenacious

What is your life philosophy? That giving back does more for the giver than for the receiver.

What is your favorite place in Chester County? I love flowers so I would say one of my favorite places is Longwood Gardens.

Where would we find you in your spare time? I am married to a pastor, so a lot of my spare time is spent doing community work.

What’s the last book you read? “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself? I am a mother and grandmother and enjoy all the various roles in my life.