January 31st
Laurie Castello Appointed MCEC Operations and Finance Director

smiling headshot of woman outside leaves in background"I have been fortunate in my working life to have had meaningful and fulfilling work. I am excited to be able to offer my skills in a faith-based environment with MCEC,” says Laurie Castello, newly appointed MCEC Operations and Finance Director.   

MCEC is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Castello, who will begin her work as part-time Operations Director, until April 15, 2024, after which she will assume the newly developed full-time role of Operations and Finance Director.  John Head will continue to serve in this role with a focus on finance, allowing Laurie to focus on operations for her first two months. She will be onboarded for finance in April, prior to John’s departure in May.  

Employed with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony as Director of Operations for the past 15 years, Laurie was responsible for the operations and facility of the symphony. Overseeing payroll, managing, forecasting and reporting on her budget, securing risk and property management and ensuring seamless HR management were all strong aspects of her role that she now brings to MCEC.     

"Her experience in operations and finance will strongly support and advance the ministry of MCEC."

Laurie was highly regarded in her work for her kind, generous, empathetic and collaborative spirit, both in operations and in her work with the senior executive team.  One reference described her as a “pillar of amazingness,” serving as a guide and mentor for many of the employees at the symphony.   

“We are excited to have Laurie join the MCEC team now as Operations Director, which will allow for a thoughtful and smooth transition into the full-time role as Operations and Finance Director in April,” says Ann L. Schultz, Executive Team Leader. “Her experience in operations and finance will strongly support and advance the ministry of MCEC as we continue to courageously embrace our newly developed strategic plan.”   

Laurie is married to Jay Castello and they have two adult daughters.  They have been members at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church for 35 years. She begins her work at MCEC on February 6 and you can reach her at lcastello@mcec.ca.  

Welcome, Laurie!