A respected voice in project management and facility operations at the University of Lethbridge has been appointed to a new role on campus. Ed de Bruin, who brings more than 28 years of progressive leadership experience across complex facilities, engineering and capital environments, including senior roles in post-secondary education and earlier experience in international aerospace engineering organizations, has been appointed Associate Vice-President, Facilities.
“Ed is a highly respected leader with deep sector expertise in facilities operations and a strong track record of leading through change,” says Deborah Lucas, Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chair of the Search Committee. “He brings a rare combination of technical credibility, operational excellence and collaborative leadership. His understanding of the institution, coupled with his commitment to transparency, accountability and service position him well to lead Facilities into its next phase.”
In this role, de Bruin will provide strategic leadership for facilities operations, capital planning, campus development and major project delivery. He will guide long-term infrastructure planning, advance sustainability and climate resilience initiatives, and lead culture and service renewal across the Facilities portfolio.
Excited about the opportunity, de Bruin emphasizes how important it will be for him to establish an atmosphere of culture, trust and equity in the work ahead.
“Facilities plays a critical role in shaping how people experience the University every day,” he says. “The work ahead is not only about infrastructure but about strengthening trust, building relationships and ensuring our services support an inclusive and welcoming campus. I am committed to listening, being visible and accountable, and working alongside our teams and campus community to deliver spaces and systems that truly support learning, research and well-being.”
Currently Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance at ULethbridge, de Bruin leads a team of approximately 95 employees and oversees an annual operating and capital portfolio exceeding $10 million. De Bruin holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from Queen Mary College, University of London, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge.
De Bruin will officially commence his new role on April 20, 2026.