Facilities management is not a collection of tasks. It is a system that must be intentionally led. Facilities Management Systems: Volume 1: Leadership & Governance establishes the foundational structure required to direct, align, and sustain facilities operations within an organization. Rather than approaching facilities as a reactive function, this volume defines it as a governed system shaped by leadership, authority, and organizational design. This work examines the core elements that determine system performance, including purpose, values, vision, and mission, along with leadership roles, organizational structure, culture, workforce systems, and stakeholder alignment. Each component is presented as part of an integrated framework that enables consistent execution, clear accountability, and long-term operational stability. Designed for executives, facilities directors, and organizational leaders, this volume provides a structured approach to building and maintaining a facilities system that operates with discipline and alignment. It moves beyond maintenance and daily operations to define how facilities functions are directed, controlled, and sustained over time. Volume 1 serves as the leadership and governance foundation for the Facilities Management Systems series, supporting the development of financial systems, operational execution, and technical infrastructure in subsequent volumes.