Our Team
Matthew Casto
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Matthew Casto is the visionary CEO of CASTO, leading the company with a rare combination of creative insight, technical expertise, and global industry experience. With a career spanning more than three decades in the themed entertainment and architectural finishes sectors, Matthew has shaped the delivery of immersive environments for some of the most iconic destinations in the world.
A graduate of Brown University with degrees in Civil Engineering and International Business, Matthew began his journey in construction materials at Boral Industries. He went on to serve as Director of Technical Services at Bomanite Corporation and later became Managing Director of Bomanite Group International, overseeing operations across Europe. Since transitioning to consulting in 2008, he has specialized in hardscapes, flooring, coatings, sculpture, and mold making—contributing to landmark projects such as Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Beijing, and Universal’s Epic Universe.
At CASTO, Matthew drives the company’s commitment to “constructability,” bridging the gap between design vision and real-world execution. He leads cross-disciplinary teams, mentors the next generation of artisans and professionals, and ensures that CASTO continues to set the standard for immersive, high-performance environments.
In addition to his leadership at CASTO, Matthew is a sought-after public speaker, industry educator, and active board member of the Decorative Concrete Council. He holds certifications as an NRMCA Field Technician and ACI Concrete Testing Technician and maintains memberships in ASCC, AIA, and ALSA—underscoring his dedication to excellence, safety, and advancement in the field.
Matthew’s legacy is built not just on the spaces he’s helped create, but on the professionals he’s inspired and the systems he’s shaped to ensure themed environments endure for generations.
Lorenzo Casto
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As Chief Operating Officer at CASTO, Lorenzo Casto leads the company’s operational strategy and project execution with a rare blend of creative insight, technical expertise, and on-the-ground experience. He oversees the Contracting & Project Consulting division and plays a critical role in aligning CASTO’s internal systems, client deliverables, and production teams to ensure projects are delivered with precision, creativity, and constructability.
Lorenzo’s background spans production art direction, coatings, specification development, estimation, and themed construction. His career includes leadership roles at Richco International and Universal Creative, where he served as Principal Art Director and contributed to high-profile developments such as Universal Studios Beijing and multiple Disneyland parks. He has also supported scenic and field teams on the ground as Assistant Production Art Director and Project Coordinator, managing complex scopes of work across diverse project phases.
At CASTO, Lorenzo directs project coordination, internal operations, and technical writing—while maintaining a strong presence in the field. He brings advanced knowledge of coatings, resinous systems, cementitious overlays, and decorative finishes, with hands-on expertise in painting, carving, staining, and surface preparation. His background in blueprint reading, production quality control, and safety compliance ensures that every installation meets CASTO’s signature standards.
With a sharp eye for both creative detail and operational structure, Lorenzo is instrumental in delivering immersive environments that are as technically sound as they are visually compelling.
Sarah Adams
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
As Chief Strategy Officer at CASTO, Sarah Adams is the driving force behind the company’s long-term growth, strategic partnerships, and organizational innovation. With an exceptional background in project management and production art direction for themed environments, she leads initiatives that align CASTO’s creative mission with operational success and industry expansion.
Sarah’s career spans major roles at Universal Destinations & Experiences and Walt Disney World Resort, where she managed high-profile themed finishes projects, including Universal’s Epic Universe and DreamWorks Land. Her expertise bridges design intent with long-term durability—developing documentation standards, refining coating specifications, and implementing scalable systems that have reshaped facility maintenance and project delivery models across the industry.
At CASTO, Sarah oversees strategic development, business partnerships, community engagement, and CAP X project alignment. She collaborates closely with ownership groups, vendors, and material suppliers to ensure CASTO remains at the forefront of immersive, constructable design. Known for her ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and create sustainable, efficient workflows, she brings both precision and innovation to every initiative.
Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Themed Environments Integration from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Production from the University of Michigan. Her visionary mindset, practical expertise, and deep industry relationships make her an indispensable leader—helping CASTO shape the future of themed construction and build a legacy of excellence.
Isabella Casto
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, DESIGN & EDUCATION
As Director of Marketing, Design & Education, Isabella Casto leads the strategic, creative, and operational direction of CASTO’s brand ecosystem. She unites the company’s three core pillars: marketing, design, and education into a cohesive framework that supports CASTO’s vision, aligns with leadership goals, and drives innovation across all client and internal initiatives.
With a deep foundation in themed entertainment and architectural finishes, Isabella brings an insider’s fluency to the industry’s creative and technical demands. Her ability to interpret design intent, translate it into constructible outcomes, and guide clients through the entire journey—from concept to execution—makes her a trusted collaborator across disciplines.
A trained Art Historian, Critic, and Conservator from the Universidad de Granada, Isabella blends historical knowledge with modern design thinking. She is known for her meticulous eye, narrative-rich approach, and ability to create immersive environments grounded in both cultural context and artistic authenticity.
In addition to her role at CASTO, Isabella is the Founder and CEO of Sienna Design Studios LLC, where she leads high-impact branding and editorial design efforts for some of the industry’s most forward-thinking companies. Her portfolio spans international publications, product launches, themed experiences, and rebranding initiatives for legacy firms undergoing generational change.
Isabella’s leadership not only defines CASTO’s outward presence—it also cultivates the next generation of industry professionals. Through education, mentorship, and a relentless dedication to excellence, she is helping to shape a more informed, expressive, and visionary future for themed construction.
Fenia Benet-Higgins
MARKETING OPERATIONS LEAD
As Marketing Operations Lead, Fenia Benet-Higgins manages the systems, schedules, and communication networks that form the backbone of CASTO’s marketing ecosystem. She ensures that campaigns, events, and educational communications flow seamlessly from concept to release—maintaining consistency, clarity, and a sense of purpose across every channel.
At the heart of Fenia’s work is a rare blend of creativity and structure. She oversees CASTO’s marketing calendar, content distribution, and event coordination while also managing newsletters, Mailchimp campaigns, analytics reporting, and audience engagement. Her attention to detail and deep understanding of cross-departmental collaboration allow CASTO’s creative, educational, and client-facing initiatives to stay synchronized and impactful.
Drawing from a diverse background in hospitality, creative production, and sustainability-driven design, Fenia brings an operations mindset shaped by hands-on experience. From launching restaurants and adventure parks to coordinating large-scale industry events, she has honed her ability to merge logistics with storytelling—ensuring that every project reflects both the company’s precision and its personality.
Fenia’s leadership is rooted in empathy, communication, and connection. She thrives on translating complex ideas into approachable, engaging content and believes that trust and growth begin with thoughtful communication. Through her work, she helps sustain CASTO’s voice as one that educates, inspires, and builds meaningful relationships across the design and construction community.
Melissa Sanchez
CREATIVE DESIGN LEAD
As Creative Design Lead, Melissa Sanchez directs the visual and digital identity of CASTO and its clients. Overseeing social media strategy, brand design, and multimedia storytelling across every platform. She ensures that each visual, post, and campaign reflects CASTO’s signature balance of artistry, authenticity, and strategic intent.
With a background in digital media and marketing communications, Melissa brings a distinctive mix of creative vision and analytical precision to her work. Her designs blend narrative-driven storytelling with technical expertise, resulting in visuals that not only capture attention but communicate meaning. She leads the development of content strategies, manages brand consistency, and designs digital assets that connect visual identity with business goals.
A skilled creator fluent in Adobe Creative Suite, including After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop, Melissa’s expertise spans motion graphics, video production, and visual branding. Her ability to translate creative concepts into dynamic, cohesive content has helped elevate CASTO’s brand presence and that of its partners across the decorative concrete, themed construction, and design industries.
Melissa’s leadership is grounded in collaboration and curiosity. She thrives on building systems that keep creativity organized and purposeful, guiding the visual voice of CASTO’s marketing, design, and education initiatives. Through her direction, CASTO’s creative department continues to evolve as a space where design thinking, storytelling, and innovation converge, showcasing the craft and culture behind every project.
Alessandro Casto
EDUCATION & TRAINING LEAD
As Education & Training Lead, Alessandro Casto directs CASTO’s learning initiatives, transforming the company’s technical expertise into engaging, accessible, and forward-thinking educational experiences. He oversees the creation of CEU presentations, training materials, and editorial content for The CASTO Corner, ensuring that CASTO’s voice as a thought leader continues to inform and inspire the industry.
With a background in digital media, storytelling, and hands-on creative production, Alessandro brings a distinctive blend of artistry and clarity to the learning process. His approach to education is both analytical and imaginative—bridging theory and practice to help others understand the craft, context, and culture behind themed construction and architectural finishes.
From developing accredited CEU courses and overseeing training facility programming to curating blogs, workshops, and learning tools, Alessandro’s work connects CASTO’s commitment to innovation with the wider design and construction community. He collaborates closely with marketing and creative teams to ensure every educational output reflects the company’s values of craftsmanship, curiosity, and continuous growth.
At the core of his leadership is a belief that education should not only teach but also inspire. Whether mentoring emerging professionals, producing hands-on demonstrations, or writing editorial content that deepens understanding of the built environment, Alessandro’s mission is to make learning an immersive experience—one that celebrates both the artistry and the science of the industry.
Jacquelyn Casto
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DEVELOPMENT
As Director of Client Development at CASTO, Jacquelyn Casto leads the company’s efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships across the industry. Her role is rooted in a clear mission: to ensure every client interaction reflects CASTO’s values of collaboration, excellence, and long-term legacy.
With experience spanning multiple industries—including design, development, and strategic consulting—Jacquelyn brings a unique blend of positivity, precision, and people-first leadership. She specializes in client onboarding, strategic account management, and ongoing relationship development, all while working closely with CASTO’s internal teams to align goals and maintain a seamless project experience.
Jacquelyn’s leadership style is defined by open communication, strong coordination, and an unwavering commitment to service. She thrives in environments where she can guide partnerships from initial engagement to project delivery—creating trusted relationships that endure long after the work is complete.
Whether she’s supporting a new client or deepening connections with long-time collaborators, Jacquelyn ensures that CASTO’s partners feel heard, supported, and empowered. Her focus on relational strategy continues to elevate CASTO’s presence across the industry and strengthen its growing community of creative professionals.
Dante Casto
MATERIAL SPECIALIST & COLORIST (PRE-CONSTRUCTION)
At CASTO, Dante Casto oversees the creation of owner samples, project mockups, and detailed submittal packages, acting as the bridge between concept and installation. His responsibilities include guiding material performance testing, conducting QA/QC reviews, and refining finish techniques to align with both aesthetic goals and project specifications.
With deep knowledge of coatings, overlays, and decorative systems, Dante supports project teams in pre-construction planning—advising on system selection, surface preparation, and the early-stage decisions that affect long-term durability. His attention to detail and craftsmanship ensures that all samples meet the highest standards before they reach the field.
Dante is certified as a Duraflex Installer, PPG/Inus Flint Specialist, and Bomanite Installer, bringing advanced product expertise and technical precision to every project. Through his work, CASTO delivers not just beauty and performance—but confidence and consistency from design through delivery.ensuring that the material and system selection is both functional and aesthetically aligned with project goals. His responsibilities also extend to overseeing pre-construction testing and establishing the installation processes before the start of any project. Dante’s meticulous attention to detail safeguards the integrity of the designs and ensures they meet all performance criteria.
Certified as a Duraflex Installer, PPG/Inus Flint Certified Specialist, and Bomanite Installer, Dante's technical knowledge and expertise are essential to CASTO's success in delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that stand the test of time.
CASTO’S STRATEGIC PARTNERS
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STRATEGIC ENGINEERING PARTNER & MATERIAL SPECIALIST
Jesse Hanson, PE joins CASTO as a strategic partner with over 25 years of experience that bridges design, construction, forensics, and innovative technologies. His diverse background enables him to integrate design excellence, constructability, and sophisticated project management techniques with technical exploration. This unique skill set empowers him to develop new products, pioneering methodologies, and advanced delivery solutions for clients who demand inventive approaches.
Throughout his career, Jesse has successfully overseen projects spanning from small-scale artistic installations to $250 million infrastructure endeavors. Serving as the engineer in responsible charge for more than $200 million in structural assets, he refined his ability to create tailored, forward-thinking engineering solutions. His efforts included drafting new standards and working extensively on state-of-good-repair initiatives, forensic analysis, and litigation support. These experiences have granted him a comprehensive perspective on the full lifecycle of materials and building systems, ensuring that he not only addresses current rehabilitation needs but also informs the development of superior future products, programs, and installations.
Jesse’s expertise extends to the forefront of structural innovation. He has played a key role in testing and code development for new structural materials and systems, as well as serving as the Engineer of Record for groundbreaking projects that employ these emerging technologies. Notably, he has been a leading figure in the advancement of 3D-printed concrete design methods, contributing to product testing, documentation, and analysis.
By blending detailed technical insight with a deep understanding of product development and complex code documentation, Jesse helps clients achieve their individual goals with precision and ingenuity. His partnership with CASTO significantly enhances our capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions that elevate the industry standard and meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Jesse Hanson, PE
Engineer & Material Specialist