David Hediger is Auburn’s new planning director. Hediger is the former longtime planning and code enforcement director in Lewiston. City of Auburn

AUBURN — The city announced Thursday that it has hired David Hediger as its new planning director.

Hediger, the former longtime planning and code enforcement director in Lewiston, steps in for Eric Cousens, who was promoted to executive director of public services last month.

“David’s depth of knowledge, planning experience, dedication to public service, and familiarity with our community made him an exceptional candidate for the position,” Cousens said Thursday. “I have worked with David for over 20 years, collaborating on planning issues facing the greater Auburn area and I am excited that he will be joining our Public Services team as planning director.”

According to a news release Thursday, Hediger has more than 20 years experience in comprehensive planning, code enforcement and project management.

He previously served as director of planning and code enforcement for Lewiston, leading municipal planning initiatives and managing zoning and land use regulations.

Most recently, he was a senior planner for the Land for Maine’s Future program, overseeing land conservation projects, grant administration, and compliance with funding requirements.

Hediger’s departure from Lewiston City Hall early last year was controversial, and eventually led to the resignation of former Lewiston Administrator Heather Hunter. After Hediger was placed on administrative leave for the purpose of not renewing his contract, Hediger’s staff, former officials and colleagues came to his defense, arguing that Hediger took the fall for simply being good at his job.

Hediger will begin at Auburn Hall on Monday, Feb. 24.

City Manager Phil Crowell said Hediger’s “strong work ethic, integrity and passion for collaboration align well with Auburn’s core values.”

“David is committed to supporting the city of Auburn’s vision for responsible growth and development and that makes him a great fit for our team,” he said. “With a new community-driven comprehensive plan in progress and a talented new planning director, this is an exceptional time for Auburn.”

Hediger holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography/Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Hediger also serves on the committee for the Lewiston/Auburn Triple Crown 5K Series, the Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee, and the Minot Moonshiners Snowmobile Club.