Deerfield Boards Unanimously Appoint Kathy Sylvester to Fill Planning Board Vacancy

DEERFIELD -- November 19, 2025, Deerfield Planning Board fills vacancy with return of former member Kathy Sylvester. Both the Planning Board and Selectboard voted unanimously at a joint session Wednesday evening to accept the resignation of Satu Zoller and appoint Sylvester, who had previously served on the board, to fill the seat. Planning Board Chair Denise Mason praised Zoller's service and credited Sylvester with playing a key role in drafting the town's accessory dwelling unit bylaw, saying the board was "just thrilled that she's able to come back." Sylvester reached out on her own after the vacancy opened, and no other candidates came forward during the quick turnaround. The appointment runs under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 11 until the next annual town election, at which point both Sylvester's seat and Mason's seat will appear on the ballot.