Leadership Excellence 2026: Mark Brosinski led budget process with clarity and composure

The University of the Fraser Valley faced one of its most significant financial challenges in its history during the 2025/26 academic year. As international student applications declined rapidly due to external factors, UFV, like many post-secondary institutions in Canada, had to make some hard decisions.

It was not an easy budget development environment, but it was a reality. In his role as director of budgets and resource planning, Mark Brosinski put on his realist’s hat and prepared to find ways to deal with this tough situation as he and his colleagues led the budget development process for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Now, in recognition of the leadership he showed in navigating this unprecedented financial and operational challenge, Mark is receiving the 2026 UFV Leadership Excellence award.

“Mark led the budget development process with remarkable clarity and composure,” says Nicole Adams, UFV chief financial officer. “He rapidly synthesized complex financial data — often under tight and shifting deadlines — into clear, actionable insights for leaders across the institution. His ability to balance innovation with calculated risk-taking was evident in the multiple scenario models he developed, each reflecting different financial pressures and strategic choices.

“These scenarios not only anticipated potential challenges but also highlighted opportunities, enabling leadership to respond proactively rather than reactively. By maintaining accuracy, transparency, and thoughtful guidance throughout, Mark ensured that decision-makers had timely and reliable information when it mattered most. His adaptability and forward-thinking approach were essential in helping the institution navigate uncertainty while laying the groundwork for stronger financial resilience.”

UFV registrar David Johnston worked closely with Mark during the development of the 2026/27 budget, and says that Mark served as a “beacon of clarity and stability” during a difficult time.

“Mark approached the budget development process with a level of composure that inspired confidence in everyone around him,” David says. “Navigating tight deadlines and shifting financial variables, he transformed dense, complex data into a strategic roadmap. His use of sophisticated scenario modeling allowed the institution to move beyond reactive troubleshooting; instead, he empowered us to weigh risks and embrace innovative opportunities with foresight. What truly sets Mark apart, however, is his ability to build bridges. He rejects ‘siloed’ thinking, opting instead for a collaborative model that values the input of both academic and administrative units. Whether in a large public forum or a one-on-one check-in, Mark leads with a transparency and respect that fosters genuine trust. Furthermore, he is a dedicated advocate for professional growth, constantly encouraging his colleagues to master new systems and strive for excellence.”

Mark acknowledges that this year’s budget development cycle was very challenging.

“The budget process this year included lots of challenging conversations and multiple revisions to enrolment plans,” he notes. “We tried to keep in mind what was best for the students and the university, and what would have a lasting beneficial impact.”

Mark has a lengthy history with UFV. He was a student in the Bachelor of Business Administration program (where he met his wife Amy), graduated in 2002, and then joined the budget team on a full-time basis in 2004 as a budget analyst. He’s excited about welcoming his second son Drew to campus as a business student this fall.

Asked about his role models as a leader, he doesn’t have to look far.

“I’ve taken leadership training, but I also gleaned a lot from those who I’ve worked with over the past two decades and those who taught me here when I was a student. They were people who put the university first and considered the impact on our communities and students when making decisions,” he says, citing the recently retired VP administration Jackie Hogan and current CFO and VP administration Nicole Adams, along with former colleague Betty Poettcker, former leaders the late Barry Bompas and the late Tim Segger, and retired faculty Gillian Bubb, Michael McCall, Janet Falk, DJ Sandhu and the late Blake Wight.

“Nobody likes to be the bearer of difficult news, but I tried to emulate the calm leadership that Barry and Tim showed during hard times,” he notes.

Known as a quiet person who doesn’t seek the spotlight, he looks to the example set by Jackie and Betty when they took on leadership roles.

“They put themselves forward outside their areas of comfort and did what the university needed them to do.”

He says he’s humbled to have been selected for the UFV Leadership Award.

“It’s great to be recognized, but one person can only do so much. You need the support of many great colleagues to succeed, and that’s what we have at UFV.”