Trent University is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Bright-Brundle as the director of Athletics & Recreation. The announcement was made on Thursday evening during the closing dinner at the 2014 President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament.

In her new role, Ms. Bright-Brundle will provide innovative leadership and vision to the management of the Athletics Centre’s delivery of recreational, varsity and intramural sport, and health and wellness programming, to support the goals and priorities of the University.

Ms. Bright-Brundle joins Trent with a proven record of success in building organizations, program development, and senior operations management. Most recently, as president and CEO of the new 125,000-square-foot Abilities Centre sports and arts complex in Whitby, Ms. Bright-Brundle established an evidence-based vision, implemented administrative and organizational policies, and delivered the successful construction and opening of the new building. Previously, she served as president and CEO of Special Olympics Canada for five years, developing a comprehensive strategic plan and a long-term athlete development model that transformed the organization’s national brand position and program development focus.

“I am very pleased to welcome Deborah to Trent University and to the Department of Athletics & Recreation,” said Steven Pillar, vice-president, finance and administration, Trent University. “She brings with her a wealth of experience in executive planning, management, and transformation of recreation and sport-based organizations. I have no doubt that she will be a wonderful leader for the Athletics Centre and will continue Trent’s commitment to an environment of excellence for athletes, students and staff.”

Ms. Bright-Brundle lives locally and has been involved in many local volunteer initiatives in the Peterborough region, including serving on the Board of Directors for Sport Kawartha, the Fairhaven Foundation Board of Directors, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation’s Dancing with the Docs committee and more. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor degree in physical education, followed by a Master’s degree at Western in kinesiology.

“Sport has always been an important part of my life and I am honoured and excited to take on the role of director of Athletics & Recreation at Trent”, said Deborah Bright-Brundle. “It is a wonderful time to join the University as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. It is a time of reflection on its history and, while respecting and celebrating its past, it is also a great time to look to the future for continued growth and development opportunities”.

The Athletics Centre, renewed in 2010, is a bright, modern fitness centre that provides sport, recreational, and health and wellness opportunities for students, staff, faculty and members of the community. Key features of the facilities include the Justin Chiu Stadium, 25-metre competitive swimming pool, indoor rowing/paddling tank, indoor climbing wall, 12,000-square-foot cardio loft and weight room, and squash courts.