CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga leader named Security Director of the Year

Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, Conestoga's executive director Risk Management, Campus Safety & Security, has been named the 2024 Security Director of the Year by Canadian Security magazine.

The graduate of Conestoga's Law & Security Administration program has more than 25 years of experience in security operations management and health and safety, and has led the college's security department since 2014.

Over the years, Bradley-McMurtrie has contributed to the Canadian security community through her volunteer efforts. As a president and past president of the Ontario Association of College and University Security Administrators, she has been an advocate for improved safety measures across the province's post-secondary education institutions, helping foster a culture of security and resilience.

She has been recognized with several other prestigious awards, including the Women Security Council's Woman of the Year Award in 2015 and the Conestoga Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013. More recently, she was nominated for a lifetime achievement award by the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Women of the Year awards.

This past May, Bradley-McMurtrie and her team launched a SharePoint security site that acts as a central hub for Conestoga employees. Believed to be among the most comprehensive of those available at a post-secondary institution, the site features up-to-date security and life safety statistics and information, as well as campus emergency preparedness measures and procedures. The site also facilitates requests for services including security training sessions, self-defence classes, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) audits, and the college's WalkSafe program. 

"Conestoga is where I first discovered my passion for the security profession, and to be recognized with this award reminds me of how fortunate I am to be part of such a dedicated and supportive community. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team, who stand by me every day, and to Dean Bulloch for his continuous support of my initiatives and new programs," added Bradley-McMurtrie. 

Bulloch, Conestoga senior vice president and secretary general to the Board of Governors, commented on the positive impact Bradley-McMurtrie's leadership has had at the college. 

"Kirsty's commitment, perseverance and positive attitude have made Conestoga a safer and better environment for all students and employees. Her leadership also helped the college achieve recognition as one of Canada's Safest Employers in 2024 - an accomplishment we're all very proud of," said Bulloch.

"Her dedication to industry initiatives and community involvement makes her an example for all. We are very fortunate to have Kirsty at the helm of security for the college."