The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development is proud to celebrate Dr. Pam Duesling, MCIP, RPP, recipient of the PlanON RPP Leadership Award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. A graduate of SEDRD’s Rural Studies PhD program and a sessional instructor in the School, Pam exemplifies the leadership, collaboration and professionalism this award recognizes. She brings 25 years of experience in rural Southern Ontario—and particular expertise in on-farm diversification—to her current role as Director of Community Planning & Development at the Town of Pelham, following planning leadership positions in Brant, Norfolk and Haldimand Counties.

Image:  Dr.  Pam Duesling

Pam’s contributions extend beyond professional practice into the classroom, where she helps prepare the next generation of planners. As a sessional instructor in SEDRD at the University of Guelph, as well as a sessional lecturer at the University of Waterloo, she teaches courses in Urban and Regional Planning and Professional Planning Practice. Through her work in municipalities and universities, Pam has strengthened rural planning practice, shared her expertise and empowered emerging professionals—making her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Congratulations Dr. Duesling!