New assistant vice-president for Facility Services

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Mohamed Attalla, recipient of this year's Ontario Engineering Medal for Management,
has joined the McMaster community as the new assistant vice-president of Facility
Services.

Attalla received the 2011 Engineering Medal for Management at November's Ontario
Professional Engineers Awards Gala. The medal recognizes engineering professionals
who have helped to improve the quality of life through the innovative application of
engineering skills.

Attalla comes to McMaster from a senior leadership position at the Toronto District
School Board, where he took on a vital role in establishing a state-of-the-art window
fabrication facility which produces high-performance, energy-efficient windows for
Toronto District schools.

He also led the construction of Canada's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Gold public school in 2007.

He now serves as the assistant vice-president at Facility Services, providing leadership
to 330 staff members and interacting with executives from various areas of the
University.

“Facility Services plays a key role in enhancing teaching, learning and research,” said
Attalla. “My job is to ensure that we deliver excellence of service on campus in order to
support achievements at the University.”

Attalla, who holds a PhD in civil engineering, has spent the last 12 years as an adjunct
professor at both the University of Waterloo and Ryerson University.

“I've seen first-hand how facilities are crucial to the success of students, researchers
and faculty at the university level,” said Attalla. “I've developed a passion for higher
education, and I feel more and more strongly that I belong in this field.”

Attalla also stresses the importance of sustainable, green practices.

“We're currently developing a comprehensive energy management plan to reduce energy
consumption at the University,” said Attalla. “We're also building long-term plans to
efficiently manage our assets, and to improve space and project management at
McMaster.”

Facility Services oversees the University's construction, maintenance, grounds
management of over 300 acres of campus, utility and custodial services, trucking, and
material handling.