Grace Roman is rejoining the City of Crown Point on Sept. 6 as the new planning administrator. Roman previously served as the assistant planner for the city.
“I’m excited to be returning to the City of Crown Point. It’s a great place to live, work and play. I think of the city as my home away from home, and I want to see Crown Point thrive,” Roman said.
Roman is the first woman to head up the Planning Department, an accomplishment she hopes will inspire others who are pursuing their passions.
“Serving in this role is a great opportunity for me to show anyone out there if you have something you are committed to, you can accomplish it by placing one foot in front of the other,” Roman said. “Following your passions can lead you to some incredible places.”
Currently, Roman is serving as a GIS technician with M.E. Simpson Co. in the planning and zoning department, a role she began in January of this year.
Previously, Roman served as a zone consultant for the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association; the assistant planner for the City of La Porte; and a program assistant for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
Roman holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and biology from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in geospatial sciences in geography, geology and planning from Missouri State University.
During her undergraduate program, Roman received the Alfred H. Meyer Award from Valparaiso University, which recognizes the top geography major based on their scholarship and service to the department.
She holds a certificate in watershed management through Purdue University Extension and a graduate certificate in environmental monitoring and sampling from Missouri State University. From 2019 to 2021, Roman served on the Indiana Geographic Information Council.
“Grace is going to be an invaluable asset to the City of Crown Point and is the right choice to lead our Planning Department,” Mayor Pete Land said. “I am confident she will continue to lead the department in the right direction, given her previous experience with the city and extensive knowledge not only in planning, but related fields.”
Roman also has completed various research projects, including a study on the U.S. 231 corridor from 113th Avenue to Iowa Street in Crown Point.
Chief of Staff Anthony Schlueter, who worked with Roman in his previous role as planning administrator, said her professional experience makes her the perfect fit for the job.
“Grace displayed excellent communication and organizational skills while serving as assistant planner,” Schlueter said. “Her educational background in geography and planning, along with her knowledge and experience with GIS mapping software and data, will make her a tremendous asset as the head of the Planning Department.”
