Jeff Bergman has served as City of Columbus – Bartholomew County Planning Director since the fall of 2004. Jeff grew up in Clinton, Iowa and moved to Indiana to attend Ball State University. Jeff is a graduate of Ball State’s College of Architecture & Planning with a bachelor and a professional degree in community planning. Prior to joining the Columbus – Bartholomew County staff, Jeff was an Associate with Indianapolis-based Ratio Architects, where he facilitated community planning projects in cities, towns, and counties across Indiana. Jeff’s prior employment also includes roles as Planning Director for the City of Franklin, Indiana and Assistant Planning Director for Johnson County, Indiana.
The Planning Department staff has a total of 9 members. The staff is active in numerous community organizations and always welcomes an opportunity to speak with groups and individuals about community issues.
Department Staff – Organizational Chart (PDF)
Jeff Bergman, AICP – jbergman@columbus.in.gov
Planning Director
Melissa Begley, AICP – mbegley@columbus.in.gov
Assistant Director
Laura Thayer, AICP – lthayer@columbus.in.gov
MPO Director / Transportation Planner
Emilie Pinkston, AICP – epinkston@columbus.in.gov
Senior Planner
Chelsea Cottingham – ccottingham@columbus.in.gov
Floodplain Manager
Ashley Beckort – ashleybeckort@columbus.in.gov
Senior Planner
Stephen Hughes – shughes@columbus.in.gov
Associate Planner
Tyler Hauck – thauck@columbus.in.gov
Associate Planner
Janie Meek – jmeek@columbus.in.gov
Office Administrator