Long-time HFC employee and alumnus becomes Director of Facilities

Reuben Brukley, a two-time HFC graduate who’s been employed at the College since 1997, has recently been hired as the College's Director of Facilities.

Brukley, who served as the interim director for approximately 6 months, replaced Sandro Silvestri, who retired in May of 2019. In this position, Brukley reports directly to John Satkowski, HFC Vice President of Financial Services, IT, Facilities, and Auxiliary Services.

"Reuben accepted the interim Director of Facilities position in May 2019. He became very involved in facilities operations, the Technology Building renovation plan, and finalizing the Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) -- including the final contract with Johnson Controls. Reuben has already identified changes to facilities operations that will improve efficiencies and communications," said Satkowski. "Reuben’s work in facilities are has been outstanding ever since he was appointed to the interim position. He will continue to serve major roles in the implementation of the $23.1 million IEMP and the Tech Building renovation. I’m so glad that Reuben has agreed to take on this position during these exciting times here at Henry Ford College."

Brukley's duties include management of custodial and landscaping services, heating and cooling operations, facilities projects, building improvements, and the overall condition of the campus physical plant. One of his first initiatives as director is to implement the College’s recycling campaign.

“I am excited to be involved with the recycling effort,” said Brukley. "It's something a lot of students and employees have wanted, and I think it can make a real difference once people get used to using the bins for recyclable items. This is part of our goal to reduce waste and support sustainability."

Major upcoming projects Brukley and Facilities will lead include the renovation and additions to the Technology building, and the Integrated Energy Master Plan, for which contracts were approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2019.

Connected to campus for 27 years

Brukley began his career in 1993 as a custodian for the Dearborn Public Schools. He transferred to HFC in 1997. Throughout his 23 years at HFC, he has been a custodian, building operations specialist, manager of facilities services, and labor relations manager before taking on his current role.

Brukley has been married to Lori, an HFC alumna and former adjunct instructor in the College’s Interior Design program, since 2007. Together they reside in Dearborn with their two children, ages 10 and 7.

Brukley graduated from HFC with honors. He earned an associate degree in liberal arts in 2007 and an associate degree in management in 2009. He transferred to Siena Heights University and graduated with honors, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2016. Currently, he’s enrolled in the MBA program at Wayne State University with a projected graduation date of 2021. Brukley also has Six Sigma certification.

“This is an awesome time in the College’s history,” said Brukley. “I am grateful to have this opportunity, and I look forward to working with the Facilities team and everyone across our campuses.”