John Fussa named Planning Director for Town of Hilton Head Island
November 2, 2026
The Town of Hilton Head Island has named John Fussa its new planning director. He brings more than 25 years of experience in community and transportation planning, land use, development review and local government leadership.
Fussa will lead the Town’s Planning Department, overseeing planning and development services, including zoning, land use and long-range planning.
“John’s expertise, leadership, and wide-ranging experience across all facets of planning—from strategy and policy to operations and service delivery—make him an outstanding fit for Hilton Head Island. We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team and look forward to the meaningful contributions he will bring to our organization and community,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando.
Most recently, Fussa served as planning director for the Town of Carrboro, North Carolina. He led an update of the department’s operations, service delivery, and Department structure to align with Town Council direction, the comprehensive plan vision and community needs.
Previously, as community development director for the Town of Parker, Colorado, Fussa oversaw award-winning projects, including the Parker Transportation Master Plan, the Mainstreet Master Plan, and the East Main redevelopment initiative. He also guided updates to the Town’s land development ordinance and downtown redevelopment efforts.
As city planner and director of community development for the City of Bayonne, New Jersey, Fussa led multiple redevelopment projects and prepared the award-winning Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor redevelopment plan. The plan guided the revitalization of the former U.S. Army Military Ocean Terminal on New York Harbor.
“The Town of Hilton Head Island is a distinctive and vibrant community in an exceptional coastal setting. I’m honored to join the Town and look forward to working with an outstanding team dedicated to serving this special community. I’m committed to working collaboratively and drawing on my experience to support planning across Hilton Head Island,” Fussa said.
Fussa holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute.
Fussa can be reached at john.fussa@hiltonheadislandsc.
