Every month, the Planning Commission highlights one of its staff or board members. Did you ever wonder who interviews them? Meet Communications Specialist Danielle M. Lynch, a former journalist who has been with us for two and a half years. Danielle shares her journey to the Planning Commission and also discusses her life philosophy, interests, and more.

Where are you from? I was born in Massachusetts but I’ve lived in Chester County since I was 3 years old.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be a teacher for a while but later I wanted to be a journalist. I always was interested in creative activities when I was younger and I really enjoyed writing, reading, and drawing.

What was your first job? I was a cashier at Waterloo Gardens.

What is your profession now? I’ve been a communications specialist at the Chester County Planning Commission for the past two and half years.

What did you study in college? I have a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism with a double minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Bloomsburg University. I also have a master’s degree in journalism from Temple University.

How did you arrive at the Chester County Planning Commission? It’s a long story, but I’m happy to be here. I started my career as a newspaper copy editor and then a reporter at the Daily Local News in West Chester. While working there, I wrote award-winning series that raised awareness about poverty, special-needs children, and animal cruelty. In addition, I covered several municipalities and school districts in Chester County. Next, while working on my master’s degree in journalism at Temple University, I was a reporter at the Delaware County Daily Times and covered politics at the county, state, and federal levels. My next job was as communications director for a statewide U.S. Senate campaign. I then made my way back to the newspapers as a regional editor before landing a job as communications specialist at the Chester County Planning Commission.

What’s your favorite project so far? I don’t know if I could pick just one. I enjoyed working on the public outreach and marketing of Landscapes3, Chester County’s new comprehensive plan. I also really liked being a member of the marketing committee for a new report, Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Chester County, and the Chester County Open Space Summit.

What do you like best about being involved with the Planning Commission? I like working for an organization that helps so many people in Chester County through smart planning for the future. Our planners do great work that focuses on so many important topics, including agriculture, community health, economic development, historic preservation, housing, land use, natural resources, open space, pipeline information, population and demographics, transportation, and utilities and infrastructure. I enjoy working with the planners and sharing their stories and successes with the community.

What three words best describe you? compassionate, hardworking, creative

What is your life philosophy? As the Tim McGraw song goes, “Always stay humble and kind.”

What is your favorite place in Chester County? I love spending time in all the parks and nature preserves in Chester County, and I enjoy going to Longwood Gardens.

Where would we find you after hours? You’d find me doing one of these things: spending time with my family and friends, hiking with my fiancé, walking my dog, practicing yoga, reading, or writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself? I’m an experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor and volunteer. I’ve helped children and adults learn how to write, speak, and read English.