Carol McAulay, vice-president finance and administration, issues the following announcement to the York University community:
Brad Parkes, associate vice-president Facility Services at Laurentian University, has been named York University’s next assistant vice-president of Facilities Services.
Brad Parkes
Brad will assume the role from Helen Psathas who in May 2019 rose to the challenge and stepped forward as interim assistant vice-president, until the search for a permanent replacement was complete. The department has greatly benefitted from Helen’s knowledge and experience in facilities management, leadership, and operations. Helen has done a stellar job of enhancing the reputation of service, collaboration, and innovation in Facilities Services and I am truly grateful to her for all the wonderful work she has done over the past year and a half.
On Dec. 7, Helen will return to her role as director, campus planning and development, and Brad will begin his journey at York as assistant vice-president of Facilities Services.
Brad, a seasoned facilities leader with more than 30 years of experience in facilities management, construction, planning, design, operations, space management and sustainability from the education sector, will lead the planning, development, maintenance, and stewardship of York’s campuses to advance teaching, learning and research. He will lead efforts to continue York’s commitment to sustainability in design, construction, and operation of our campuses and to creating positive change at the University. He will collaborate with University leaders on capital funding plans and projects and oversee the execution of new construction and renovation projects.
Brad has led Laurentian University’s facility services since 2014. In his role at Laurentian, he oversees space planning, design, capital projects, maintenance, operations, shipping and receiving, energy and sustainability. Managing budgets in excess of $100 million and initiatives of over $50 million, Brad’s visionary leadership and transparent management style has led to strong and cohesive multi-functional matrix teams to advance Laurentian’s strategic vision. Prior to assuming the position of associate vice-president facility services at Laurentian, Brad was responsible for capital projects.
Before he joined Laurentian, Brad spent almost 25 years with the Simcoe County District School Board as manager of design and construction, where he directed more than 80 projects and managed budgets up to $120 million annually.
Brad is a sports enthusiast and an active member of his community. He is driven by a passion for paying it forward and has been recognized by organizations such as Kin Canada and the Ontario Paralympic Winter games for volunteerism, dedication, and commitment. He has used his extensive knowledge and experience in facilities management to assist institutions like Maison McCulloch Hospice, Sudbury and the Northern Watersport Centre with facilities planning as a volunteer member of the building committee.
Please join me in thanking Helen for her leadership and welcoming Brad to the York University family.
Sincerely,
Carol McAulay
Vice-President, Finance and Administration