APA AZ Southern Section | So...You Want to Be a Planning Director? - Feb 25
APA AZ Southern Section - So...You Want to Be a Planning Director?
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom - Free Event, registration required
This session is eligible for 1 CM credit
APA Arizona Southern Section will be hosting a FREE virtual educational session for 1 CM credit on Wednesday, February 25th from noon to 1pm: "So ... You Want To Be A Planning Director?"
We'll be joined by Anna Casadei, AICP - Director of Community Development (Town of Sahuarita) and Koren Manning, AICP - Director of Planning and Development Services (City of Tucson) to discuss what it takes to become a Director. This session is for anyone interested in working in the public sector, whether you're a 1st year planning student, or a mid-senior level planner.
The transition from a senior technical role to the Director’s office is one of the most significant shifts in a professional planning career. This session explores the evolution from “knowing the code” to “navigating the community’s pulse.” The presenters will break down the transition from managing projects to managing politics, people, and departmental culture.
Participants will learn how a Director functions as a “heat shield” for staff, the art of fostering cross-divisional integration, and how to balance the competing interests of elected officials, developers, and the public. This session provides a roadmap for aspiring directors to assess their readiness and develop the skills necessary for long-term success in executive leadership.
Presenters:
Anna Casadei, AICP
Anna Casadei, AICP, serves as the Community Development Director for the Town of Sahuarita, where she oversees planning, building safety, and code enforcement. Since joining the Town in 2008 and being appointed Director in 2020, Anna has led with a practical, solution-oriented approach to managing growth and addressing complex development challenges.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Anna began her planning career with the City of Albuquerque before ultimately making Southern Arizona her home. She is passionate about collaborative problem-solving and pursuing “win-win” outcomes that serve both communities and stakeholders.
Anna’s commitment to public service extends well beyond her professional role. She has served on the Arizona Planning Association Board of Directors and the City of Tucson Planning Commission and has volunteered extensively with Boy Scout Troop 772 and at statewide cycling events. She continues to support the next generation of leaders as a mentor and as a committee member with Women Leading Government.
Koren Manning, AICP
Koren Manning, AICP serves as Director of the City of Tucson’s Department of Planning and Development Services, where she oversees the full spectrum of planning, permitting, and building safety functions for the city. She leads the department’s work to deliver consistent, reliable development services; maintain high standards of customer service; advance long-range planning and sustainable growth; and foster inclusive, community-centered engagement.
Koren has been with the department since 2018 and previously served as Deputy Director as well as Planning Administrator. Previous roles include Senior Planner and Team Leader in the Brooklyn Office of the NYC Department of City Planning. Koren received her Masters of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor’s in Geography from the University of Arizona.