Brian Lindoerfer, Associate Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Capital Construction (FP&CC), brings a mission-driven, team-first leadership approach shaped by over 20 years of service as a naval officer and 8 years in higher education facilities at the University of Colorado Boulder. With a focus on operational excellence, long-term strategy and building strong teams, Brian is leading efforts to ensure Rice’s physical environment supports both today’s needs and tomorrow’s ambitions. I sat down with Brian to learn more about his background, leadership philosophy and vision for the future.
Can you share a little about your background and the pivotal experiences that shaped your leadership style?
My leadership style has really been shaped by my time in the Navy. I attended the Naval Academy and spent 20 years on active duty serving in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, both at sea and in the Civil Engineer Corps.
What stands out most from that experience is the opportunity to serve alongside different teams, all working towards a clear mission. That environment reinforces the importance of service, teamwork and accountability. It also teaches you pretty quickly that you can accomplish a lot when you stay focused on the mission, make thoughtful decisions and invest in your people.
That’s something that I carry with me today. I tend to come back to the idea of “one team, one mission.” If we’re aligned around what we’re trying to achieve and supporting each other along the way, we can make real progress.
In your current role, what are your primary responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like for you?
At a high level, my role focuses on facilities operations and capital execution—making sure the campus runs reliably today while planning for what’s next.
That includes maintenance, custodial, grounds, utilities, environmental health and safety, and capital planning and construction. It’s a balance between immediate needs and long-term strategy.
No two days are the same. Some days I may be responding to something unexpected—a power outage, a storm, a building issue—while also trying to keep programs moving forward and planning for what’s ahead. It’s dynamic work, but the goal is consistency in how we operate and deliver.
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
Right now, I’m really focused on learning.
I’m getting to know the team, understanding how the organization operates, and building relationships across campus. That’s been my priority. As I’ve been doing that, I’m starting to see opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
What’s been most exciting so far is seeing the strength of the team and how committed people are to the university’s mission. Rice has a clear vision, and it’s energizing to be a part of that.
Can you share your vision for the future? What does that look like for your team and Rice? What are the big-picture goals for your organization in the next five years?
Rice is an elite university with an outstanding reputation, and my vision is for FP&CC to be seen as a core partner in Rice’s success—the backbone that supports its academic and research goals.
That means delivering reliable operations, planning for the future and bringing our teams together around one mission. Just as important, I want this to be a great place to work, where people feel purpose, enjoy the culture, and have fun along the way.
Reflecting on your career, what have been some of your toughest challenges and what accomplishments are you most proud of?
Facilities management is an interesting field because when things are working well, it often goes unnoticed, and that’s actually a sign of success.
The challenge is that when something does go wrong, it becomes very visible, and teams have to respond quickly and effectively. That’s where you see the strength of an organization.
What I’m most proud of is being part of teams that consistently deliver—both in the day-to-day work that keeps everything running and in responding to those more challenging moments. It’s also important to take time to recognize those efforts, whether it’s completing a major project or successfully supporting a big campus event.
Personally, one of the most rewarding things is seeing people grow, developing their skills, advancing in their careers and succeeding as part of a strong team. That’s a reflection of a healthy culture, and that’s something I value a lot.
How do you recharge your battery and have fun?
I recharge by staying active and spending time outdoors. I enjoy hiking, biking, golfing and skiing when I get the chance.
I’m a big sports fan as well, so sometimes it’s as simple as watching a game and unwinding.
Most importantly, I like spending time with family and friends. That’s what really helps me reset and stay grounded.