Al Zelinka, planning manager for the City of Fullerton, has been named director of Fullerton’s Community Development Department by City Manager Chris Meyer.

The appointment became effective June 12.

Zelinka replaces John Godlewski, who has retired after three years as department director.

Zelinka said he is “honored” to be named director, and is “excited to continue my service to the Fullerton community in this new role.”

Zelinka noted that “during my two years as planning manager, I have enjoyed many interactions with residents, business owners and leaders in the community, and have gained a strong appreciation of the attributes that make Fullerton such a great place.”

Looking ahead, Zelinka said Community Development “will be working in collaboration with other city departments and the community to continuously improve the services we provide and advance the department’s mission to ‘assist residents, businesses and others with their efforts to grow within our community in a safe, orderly and healthful manner that respects Fullerton’s heritage while sustaining opportunity for present and future generations.’”

Prior to joining Fullerton’s staff in 2008, Zelinka was vice president of RBF Consulting and served as a principal of RBF's Urban Design Studio. Prior to that, he has more than 20 years of experience as a planner for both public and private agencies.

Highly regarded in his field, Zelinka is known for his success at leading efforts to improve and revitalize neighborhoods, commercial districts and downtowns by working with community members in the planning process.

He is the author of numerous articles on planning for professional journals, and co-authored the book “SafeScape: Creating Safer, More Livable Communities Through Planning and Design,” which has become a standard text in planning courses. He also co-authored the book “Placemaking On A Budget.”

Zelinka is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and the California Planning Roundtable.

The recipient of many professional and project-related awards, Zelinka was recently made a member of the AICP’s College of Fellows in recognition of his contributions to the planning profession. He is one of only approximately 400 planners nationwide to have achieved that honor.

Zelinka, a Pennsylvania native, holds a bachelor’s degree in public planning from Northern Arizona University, and a master’s degree in regional planning from Cornell University.

Zelinka and his wife, Anna, a principal planner for the City of Orange, live in the “Old Towne” area of Orange. They have one son, John, 4.