The University of Lethbridge is delighted to welcome John O’Keeffe back to campus as the new Chief Safety & Risk Officer. A seasoned leader in the post-secondary sector, O’Keeffe is no stranger to ULethbridge. He previously served in a similar capacity before returning to the UK in 2017. Now, nearly eight years later, he’s returning — excited to rejoin a campus and community he knows well.
“I am thrilled to return to ULethbridge, a place where I experienced tremendous growth both professionally and personally,” says O’Keeffe. “The opportunity to contribute to the safety, resilience and overall excellence of this institution is something I deeply value, and I look forward to serving the community once again.”
O’Keeffe brings over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education to the role. His expertise spans safety, security, emergency preparedness and institutional risk — critical pillars in building a resilient and future-ready university.
“We’re very fortunate to welcome John back to ULethbridge,” says Deborah Lucas, Vice-President, Finance & Administration. “His familiarity with our campus community is a great asset, and he brings with him an expanded skill set and valuable perspectives gained from leadership roles at other institutions.”
O’Keeffe’s journey back to ULethbridge includes a one-year tenure as Head of Security & Emergency Planning at the University of Birmingham, UK, followed by more than six years at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). While at NAIT, he progressed from Director of Safety and Security to senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of Risk Management Services and, most recently, Associate Vice-President of Campus Services.
His return comes at a pivotal time as the University advances the goals of the 2025 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes creating a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where people can thrive. Okeeffe’s collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to community well-being align seamlessly with the ULethbridge values of access, quality, connection and belonging.
“I’m so excited to be returning to Iniskim, a place that truly lives and breathes values like access, quality, strong relationships and a deep-rooted sense of belonging,” he says. “These values resonate with me because they align deeply with my own principles and professional goals, to foster environments where individuals feel supported, connected and empowered to achieve their potential. I’m feeling hopeful and ready for the journey ahead.”
With John's appointment, which is effective September 2, 2025, the Safety & Risk Services Department will transition from its current reporting structure under Facilities to report directly to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration portfolio. This realignment reflects the growing importance of safety, institutional risk, and resilience for the University and our community.