(LaPorte, IN) - The city of La Porte has named its new Director of Planning.

Tom Casey is coming out of retirement.

He’s a former vice president of Space Center, a major real estate firm

that owns Thomas Rose Industrial Park on the city’s east side.

He’s replacing Beth Shrader, who’s leaving for an administrative position

with the city of Valparaiso.

Mayor Tom Dermody says it’s exciting what Casey from his wealth of experience in the

private sector brings to the city.

Casey officially begins his new role with the city next Tuesday.