School of Planning names new Director
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jeff Casello will step in as the Interim Director of the School of Planning on July 1, 2026 for one year.
Dr. Jeff Caello and Dr. Mark Seasons.
Dr. Casello is an expert in planning, design and operation of sustainable transportation systems. He holds a joint appointment as a Professor in both the School of Planning and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Bringing extensive senior leadership experience, he has previously served as Associate Dean Undergraduate Studies and Associate Vice-President Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, positioning him well to guide the School into its next chapter.
This appointment marks the conclusion of Dr. Mark Seasons’ time as Director, a position he has held since July 2023. As Director, he worked with the School’s highly capable staff and leadership team to successfully manage what has proven to be a complex period in higher education. Over the past three years, the School has attracted a record number of students, secured a new faculty position, received reaccreditation for its BES and MA/MES (Planning) programs, enhanced its connections to alumni and the Planning profession, and created an important new teaching resource – the Designer in Residence.
For the past 50 years, the University of Waterloo has been at the forefront of sustainability research and education, with the Faculty of Environment serving as a catalyst for environmental innovation, solutions, and talent developed with the world, for the world. In this context, the role of director is critical to providing academic and administrative leadership to realizing our mission and vision as well as shaping our culture and direction.
Thank you to Dr. Casello and Dr. Seasons, and all those who come forward to take on these important roles.
