Katelyn Katzer
Katelyn Katzer is the Farmland Preservation Manager and SCADB Administrator for Somerset County, New Jersey, where she leads the County’s Farmland Preservation Program. Over her 17-year career in environmental planning, Katelyn has developed a deep expertise in farmland preservation, open space management, and sustainable land use. She works closely with state, municipal, and nonprofit partners to protect farmland, support farmers, and ensure that agriculture remains a vibrant and sustainable part of the County’s future. Her mission is to preserve farmland in perpetuity, safeguard farm history, strengthen local food systems, and provide future generations access to farms and fresh food.
Katelyn’s professional journey began in pharmaceutical biology, with an intended focus on cancer research, but she shifted her focus due to ethical concerns about animal testing. Influenced by her mother, an environmental planner, she changed her major to sustainable science and discovered her true passion in environmental planning. Her early career included roles at the Freehold Soil Conservation District, where she learned the impacts of construction on soil and water, and the Monmouth County Park System, where she worked on open space preservation and park creation, including a pocket park in Asbury Park. She later gained experience at the state level, learning the rulemaking process and navigating frequent policy changes, before finding her calling in farmland preservation at the county level.
At Somerset County, Katelyn revitalized a previously dormant farmland preservation program as its sole administrator. She rebranded the program, created new educational materials, established internal tracking systems, and built lasting trust with the agricultural community. Her work spans preserved and unpreserved farms, Right-to-Farm cases, and farmer–neighbor–township disputes, all while helping farmers retain ownership of their land and use preservation funds to support operations or retirement. Recognized as “cutting edge” by state organizations, her program has received awards and legislative recognition for innovation and impact. Katelyn combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a genuine passion for connecting people, land, and ideas to build healthier, more resilient communities.
• Emerging Issues in Brownfields Certification
• New Jersey Institute of Technology - BS, Science, Technology, Society
• Chapter Advisor of the Year 2024
• North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council
• Chapter Advisor - Beta Upsilon Chapter
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to explore different areas of planning early in their careers. Job hopping in your twenties is both expected and encouraged, as it allows you to gain varied experiences and learn what truly fits before committing long-term. Internships and diverse roles are invaluable for clarifying your career direction—personally, I’ve seen this firsthand, as a former intern now works in the same office where she first gained that foundational experience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the value I hold most important in both my work and personal life. Being genuine allows me to build trust, especially with farmers in a government program context, where skepticism is natural. By approaching every interaction with honesty and integrity, I can create meaningful relationships and foster confidence in the work I do.