Mayor Fadness Announces Ross Hilleary As New Director Of Planning & Zoning

Hilleary previously served as department’s Assistant Director, City planner.

Mayor Scott Fadness announced Ross Hilleary as the new Director of Planning & Zoning. Formerly the department’s Assistant Director, Hilleary will lead the day-to-day operations and implementation and special initiatives for long-range planning of the city’s parks, trails and greenways efforts and Unified Development Ordinance update.

“Ross has been instrumental in the success of our Planning & Zoning Department, and his efforts are crucial to elevating the quality of life in Fishers,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “I’m excited to collaborate with him as we continue investing in our community.”

Hilleary succeeds former director Megan Vukusich who resigned from her position in August. Hilleary will continue to lead the team in their efforts to identify gaps and priorities in the City’s trail network and potential funding sources; streamline and update the department’s review processes; educate the public and development community on land use and zoning regulations; and gather local data to assist policy makers and community officials in making informed decisions regarding the City’s future.

Hilleary also serves as the City of Fishers ADA Coordinator, the city liaison for the award-winning Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, and a mayoral appointment to the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. He also currently serves as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Fishers Arts Council.

Joining the City of Fishers in 2017 as a City Planner, Hilleary was later promoted to Assistant Director where he oversaw the continued growth of the Nickel Plate District, annual comprehensive plan updates and public art grant programs.

“I am excited to work under leadership that is committed to finding ways to improve the built environment and community we live in today through sustainable measures, smart growth practices and community design standards,” said Hilleary. “With an emphasis on data-driven decisions, our department’s goal will be to plan for possible future scenarios with proactive planning efforts.”

Hilleary received his bachelor’s degree in urban planning and development from Ball State University and is CNU-Accredited.

Hilleary resides in Fishers with his husband and two dogs and enjoys spending time in Fishers Parks and long walks on the Nickel Plate Trail.