The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) today announced that Dr. Aaliyah Samuel will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer in early 2026, following four years of dedicated leadership. Dr. Samuel has guided CASEL through a period of significant growth and transformation for both the organization and the broader field of social and emotional learning.
“Under Dr. Samuel’s leadership, CASEL has continued to be the world’s leading authority on high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning,” said Dr. Timothy Shriver, Co-Founder and Chair of the CASEL Board of Directors. “As we prepare to welcome a new leader, we remain deeply committed to collaborating with educators, scholars, and policymakers to equip children and families with lifelong durable skills that foster healthy, hopeful futures. On behalf of the Board, we thank Aaliyah for her integrity, vision, and heart. She has led the development of a bold new strategic plan and positioned CASEL to remain a field leader in changing times.”
“It has been an honor to lead CASEL and to work alongside a team so deeply dedicated to the success and well-being of young people,” said Dr. Samuel. “Together, we have advanced our mission to make social and emotional learning central to education—ensuring that all students have the skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life.”
The Board of Directors has appointed a Leadership Search Committee and engaged a nationally recognized executive search firm to assist in identifying and selecting CASEL’s next leader.
Throughout this transition, CASEL remains steadfast in its mission to make social and emotional learning an essential part of education for all students. The organization will continue to partner with schools, districts, states, and global collaborators to advance social and emotional learning as a cornerstone of learning and human development.
