Administration

john.how@montana.edu

John How serves as the Associate Vice President of Facilities Management at Montana State University (MSU), a prestigious R1 research university and the state’s Land Grant institution. John has 20 years’ experience in both the private sector and public university setting, leading a diverse portfolio of both financial and physical assets. In his current role, John is responsible for managing a $56 million operating budget within facilities and oversees $335 million of capital projects.

He manages a team of 240+ personnel comprising six distinct units: Administration, Central Operations including Real Estate; Engineering & Utilities; Facilities Services; Planning, Design & Construction; and Safety & Risk Management. Throughout his career, How has expanded his financial and institutional knowledge through multiple strategic initiatives including developing and implementing the university’s first ever capital improvement program (CIP). The CIP has been elevated as a model for the entire Montana University System on how best to prioritize future facility and infrastructure investments for all campuses. He also created a new stewardship program for deferred maintenance and capital expenditures using a return on physical assets (ROPA) analysis to pinpoint where limited university financial resources should be deployed. Lastly, How’s team was instrumental in implementing a new financial reporting database that links to facilities work orders and all campus stores purchases.

John has led and is a highly valued member of multiple committees across MSU including the University Facilities Planning Board, Space Management, Commemorative Tributes, Classroom Committee, Public Art and Artifacts, Planning Council, Transportation Advisory Council, and Real Estate Holdings. He collaborates with the academic and research communities to execute pedagogical changes relating to physical spaces and associated budgets. Additionally, he works closely with the University’s Budget and Financial Services department to implement investment projects that support strategic plan initiatives and manages year-end capital and major maintenance funding close-out processes. In conjunction with his responsibilities at MSU, John also serves as board chair for Bozeman Health, a local, independent health-care system, which has an operating revenue of $750 million and is the largest employer in the Gallatin Valley. He holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska-Omaha (cum laude) and is a master’s graduate of the School of Planning and Public Affairs from the University of Iowa.

When not working, John can be found with his family downhill skiing, mountain biking and fly fishing and chasing birds with his hunting dogs, Mosley and Lilla.

ryan.brickman@montana.edu

Ryan Brickman is the Director of Safety & Risk Management at Montana State University, he oversees regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, hazardous materials management, Worker’s Compensation, a multitude of insurance lines, and campus‑wide safety operations. He is an experienced safety and risk management professional who has led comprehensive environmental health and safety programs for the Federal government, across other universities, and within private organizations. He holds advanced credentials, a BS in Environmental Science, and a MPA with a focus in emergency management.

megan.james2@montana.edu

Megan James is the Director of Engineering & Utilities at Montana State University, where she leads a dedicated team responsible for the planning, operation, and improvement of campus utility infrastructure and building mechanical systems. Her team focuses on practical, collaborative, and forward-thinking solutions that advance the university’s mission of academic excellence and environmental stewardship. Megan earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the University of Colorado and is a licensed engineer.

richard.rudnicki@montana.edu

After obtaining degrees in Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning from Clemson University, Richard spent 12 years in County Government leading development review, ordinance revisions, a comprehensive plan update, and providing representation at the Regional TPO. Prior to taking on the role of Director of Planning, Design and Construction, he spent 6+ years as Montana State University's Planning Manager and Assistant Director of Planning, Design and Construction, leading a variety of tasks including front end planning efforts on new buildings, facility assessment and Capital Planning processes, and overseeing management of the University's space assets.

mitchellurdahl@montana.edu

Kane began his career at Montana State University in 2008 as a student laborer. He holds a bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering Technology and a master's degree in Construction and Engineering Management, both from Montana State University. Over the years, he has served in various roles within Facilities Services and currently serves as Director. In this role, he oversees and supports the Maintenance, Work Control, Landscape & Grounds, Custodial, Fleet Services, and Data Systems divisions.

A Bozeman native, Kane has a strong connection to the University, the city, and the state. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, fishing for walleye, and hunting.

cheryl.mcdonald@montana.edu

Cheryl McDonald serves as the Administrative Manager of Facilities Management and the assistant to Associate Vice President John How. She also provides support to the five Facilities Directors and the Facilities Services teams. Cheryl joined Montana State University in 2018, starting in the College of Letters & Science dean’s office, where she provided administrative support to the dean and thirteen academic departments. She earned a BA in English Literature and Communications from the State University of New York at Potsdam.