In a world where buildings evolve and expectations shift, the most impactful facilities leaders aren’t just maintaining tradition—they’re transforming it. This session explores how facilities teams can evolve from support departments behind the scenes into leadership teams that move beyond task-driven operations—shaping culture not only to improve the campus experience, but to inspire their people by understanding and defining the “why” behind how their team operates today.
Drawing from real-world examples and a candid leadership journey, this talk highlights the power of redefining team identity, understanding and reshaping organizational culture, and embracing the deeply human side of our work. Participants will learn how to lead with intentionality, elevate their team’s voice, and foster a culture where people take pride not just in what they do—but in who they’re becoming.
Whether you’re grounded in decades of tradition or navigating rapid transformation, this message will challenge and inspire you to see your team—and your leadership—in a whole new light.
1. Recognize the hidden cultural identity within facilities teams and how it impacts morale, performance, and perception across campus.
2. Shift from a task-driven mindset to a culture-shaping leadership style that inspires purpose and pride in every level of the team.
3. Identify the “why” behind your team’s current behaviors and values, and learn how to align that with broader institutional goals.
4. Develop a personal leadership approach that blends tradition with transformation, grounded in authenticity, trust, and long-term culture change.
Victor Panchuk is the Director of Campus Facilities at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. His facilities management career spans 25 years exclusively in educational settings. Prior to joining Westminster, Victor spent six years as the Director of Facilities at Clark Atlanta University with C&W Services. Victor began his career with ARAMARK in Chicago and held key facility management roles within Saint Xavier University, College of DuPage, and Lake Zurich Schools. He attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and holds a BS in Facilities & Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Mechanical Engineering. Victor also completed his MBA in Finance at Saint Xavier, and serves on the Boards of SRAPPA and MISBO.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025
