NPG Planning Solutions is pleased to announce a leadership transition that reflects the depth and strength of our team as we continue to grow across Ontario.
Effective July 1, 2025, Mary Lou Tanner will step down from her role as President. Mary Lou remains a Partner at NPG and will continue her work with clients, municipalities, and colleagues across the province. A highly respected leader in Canadian planning, Mary Lou brings more than 30 years of experience in public and private sector roles. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to building thoughtful, inclusive communities and mentoring the next generation of planners, values that remain at the heart of NPG’s work.
“It has been such an honour to lead NPG these past two years. We continue to see incredible opportunities in Niagara and beyond, and NPG is positioned for a bright future. I’m thrilled that Aaron Butler will succeed me as President. Aaron is a talented and highly respected professional and leader. As a partner, I will continue to be an active part of the NPG team, working to serve our clients and our organization.”
– Mary Lou Tanner, Partner and Past President
We are proud to share that Partner Aaron Butler will assume the role of President. Aaron brings over a decade of experience in municipal planning and development, including senior roles with local and regional governments. His practical, people-first approach and deep understanding of the development process have earned him the trust of clients and communities alike. As a lifelong resident of Niagara, Aaron is dedicated to fostering responsible growth and meaningful collaboration at every stage of the planning process.
“I’m honored to step into the role of President at NPG Planning Solutions. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mary Lou Tanner for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the firm. I’m excited to build on our strong foundation and continue delivering exceptional service to our clients, alongside our talented team. As we look to the future, I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead!”
– Aaron Butler, Partner and President
At the same time, Jesse Auspitz, Partner, will assume the role of Principal Planner. Jesse is recognized for his thoughtful, community-driven approach to land use planning, with a specialized focus on intensification, heritage, and agriculture-related development. With over a decade of experience in both municipal and private sector roles, Jesse continues to support clients across the Greater Toronto Area, focusing on inclusive and forward-thinking solutions.
“I am excited to continue serving our clients, municipalities, staff, and the public in my role as Principal Planner. Since joining the firm in 2021, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Mary Lou Tanner’s leadership as President, improving the quality of our work, enhancing efficiencies, and setting the foundation for and growing NPG’s public sector practice. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and working with the NPG team to support continued growth and shared success.”
– Jesse Auspitz, Partner and Principal Planner
This evolution in leadership represents NPG’s continued dedication to excellence, partnership, and planning with purpose. We look forward to this next chapter and the continued leadership of Mary Lou, Aaron, and Jesse in shaping vibrant, resilient communities across Ontario.