LeeAnne French, who is soon to graduate from UCSB’s Bren School with a master’s in Environmental Science and Management, has been named the new executive director of the Citizens Planning Association, a longtime stalwart in promoting sensible planning and environmental protection in Santa Barbara. French, who prior to becoming a master’s candidate worked in strategic marketing, event management, and public relations, replaces Naomi Kovacs, who spent the last nine years at the helm of CPA. The search led CPA’s board through a two-month local, regional, and nationwide search.