Christine Araujo has been appointed chairperson of Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals (BOA) by Mayor Marty Walsh.

Araujo will replace the former Chairman, Robert Shortsleeve, who resigned in November. She will be the first woman to serve in the role, regulates appeals to the use and dimensional boundaries of privately owned buildings and land throughout Boston. BOA member Mark Fortune will assume Araujo’s role as board secretary.

"Christine is a forward-thinking leader who will help guide our city’s development to the next level," Walsh said in a statement. "With her experience and education, she is an ideal fit for this role. She shares my strong commitment to both improving the quality of life of Boston residents, and promoting economic development for our neighborhoods."

Araujo has more than 14 years of experience in the design and planning field. Previously, she was the deputy director of neighborhood planning and zoning at the Boston Redevelopment Authority.  In 2001, she was appointed the executive director of Boston Connects Inc., where she was responsible for implementing the economic and human development goals of Boston’s federal Empowerment Zone.  In 1998, Araujo was appointed to the BOA and later served as board secretary.  

"I am honored to be on the BOA with a thoughtful group of individuals who care about our city," said Araujo. "Through the years, I have seen so many parts of Boston grow, and we’ve watched design and innovation that captures the essence of Boston’s unique character and quality."