Rachael Griffith, who grew up in the Poconos and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, is the Sustainability Director at the Chester County Planning Commission.

“My favorite part of my job is interfacing with organizations and communities who are trying to make a difference — whether it’s advancing their open-space-preservation efforts or transitioning to renewable energy — and connecting them with resources that can help them accomplish their goals,” she said.

Griffith, who began working when she was 14 years old as a seasonal strawberry-picker, earned a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Temple University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She credits her former boss and mentor, Scott Quitel, with having the biggest impact on her career.

“He hired me based on a ‘gut feeling’ to help him start a nonprofit, and he gave me wide latitude to learn and grow as a professional,” said Griffith. “He showed me the value of symbiotic partnerships between organizations and how to build those relationships. He taught me when it’s OK to take risks and that sometimes it’s better to just do something, even if it’s not perfect, than not do anything at all. It was at this nonprofit that I learned that work can be profoundly meaningful and that I can’t settle for a job that I don’t find meaningful.”

Griffith’s proudest professional achievement was in 2019, being a part of Chester County’s celebration of 30 years of accomplishments in preserving open space.

“At the event, I felt overcome with pride to be a small part of what has been a major coordinated effort to retain the beauty and health of our land for future generations,” she said.

Griffith’s favorite Chester County restaurant is Roots Café in West Chester.

Griffith and the rest of the 2023 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 18 at Penn State Great Valley.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.