FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGERS WORK BEHIND THE SCENES TO MAINTAIN TIER ONE UNIVERSITY


As the University of Houston continues its Tier One journey, it is essential to have a campus and facilities that reflect our success and provide a solid base as we pursue our mission. Behind the scenes, we have a strong team of project managers in Facilities Management (FM) that lead the effort in maintaining, renovating and renewing our facilities to ensure our university withstands the test of time while also preserving its rich history.

Our team of FM project managers are responsible for all minor and planned projects throughout the University of Houston system, overseeing renewal construction, renovation projects as well as compliance and safety-related issues during the projects. The project managers also serve as liaisons to the building occupants and customers as well as manage the project schedules and budgets. The team of project managers are all highly trained with diverse backgrounds, and many came to the university with over 20 years of experience in the industry. All share one common goal of providing a solid foundation in order to continue the university�s mission of student success.

Meet our Facilities Management Project Managers:

Jerry Bogna
How long have you been with UH? Since March 2012

UH Projects: Involved in the University Center Transformation, new West Dining building, ongoing small projects at Campus Recreation & Wellness Center

Years of experience in the industry? 20 years as a licensed General B Contractor in California; 7 years in Facilities Management

Other companies you have worked for? The City of Palmdale, Ca., Vision Builders Group, MD Structures, Village Christian Schools, as well as over 20 years of my own construction company

Why did you decide to work for UH? UH presented an opportunity to move into more of a management role, and to move away from California with its poor current and predicted economy.

What do you like most about your job? The challenges of being part of a major reorganization, and adding my skills and experiences into the program for positive changes here at UH.

Megan Connell
How long have you been with UH? 1 year, 2 months

UH Projects: MSM Administration Wing Slab Repair, Agnes Arnold Classroom Refresh, SR1 4th floor Lab and Office projects, CRWC Wood Floor Refurbishing and various other minor projects

Years of experience in the industry? 10 years

Other companies you have worked for? Baker Concrete Construction and Fort Bend ISD

Why did you decide to work for UH? I previously worked on the contractor side of the business and switched to the owner�s side with the opportunity of working at FBISD. After working on the owner representation side for K-12 construction, I wanted to expand and gain new experiences in higher education.

What do you like most about your job? I like the new challenges that present themselves daily and being able to meet people not only in Plant Operations but across the campus. It is rewarding to help contribute to improving the University.

Warren S. Espey
How long have you been with UH? About two weeks

UH Projects: Classroom Clean-up Project

Years of experience in the industry? I have 30+ years experience providing project and construction management services.

Other companies you have worked for? Caudill Rowlett Scott, Heery International (HISD School Bond Program), Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Jacobs Facilities (HISD School Bond Program), MD Anderson Cancer Center, Project Cost Resources, Inc.

Why did you decide to work for UH? I enjoy working in a campus setting, watching the campus grow and being part of that growth. My history of working with big organizations has prepared me for working with a large institution like UH. I have a daughter that is away at college now so it is nice seeing all the energy of the students at UH.

What do you like most about your job? Where else can you get paid to drive a golf cart at work?

Braulio Galvan (Bobby)
How long have you been with UH? Approximately 6 months

UH Projects: Renovations to the Law Center, SR1, Farish Hall, MD Anderson Library, CRWC, etc; Make ready provisions to Robertson Stadium and decommissioning of Cougar Place; Various upgrade projects at the Athletic facilities

Years of experience in the industry? Over 17 years

Other companies you have worked for? Benchmark Architects and PBK Architecture

Why did you decide to work for UH? Great opportunity

What do you like most about your job? The people I get to work with.

Jagjeet Gill (Jack)
How long have you been with UH? Almost 13 years

UH Projects: All capital projects � engineering and technical services especially geared toward utilities infrastructure projects throughout central campus & Sugar Land campus.

Years of experience in the industry? Over 25 years

Other companies you have worked for? Worked in plumbing field in residential and industrial plants related to renovations and new construction.

Why did you decide to work for UH? To experience the atmosphere of a large higher educational institution.

What do you like most about your job? My job is very exciting because it is full of challenges and I use my expertise to meet each and every one of them successfully.

David Laws
How long have you been with UH? 1 month

UH Projects: Recently been assigned to the structural repairs to J. Armistead Bldg., FY12 Summer Parking Lot Maintenance and more are on the way

Years of experience in the industry? 26 years

Other companies you have worked for? MD Anderson, Sempra Energy Solutions, Way Engineering and Anderson Air Conditioning

Why did you decide to work for UH? I have been on both sides of the business. I worked for a contractor for years and as an owner�s rep for years. I prefer working for an owner because it is not all about making money at any cost. My work here is more about making a difference.

What do you like most about your job? Right now my job is challenging because the process is still new to me. Ask me this question again in about a year! I suspect it will be the diversity of projects assigned to me, and meeting new and diverse people I will get to work with.

James G. Norcom, III (Jim)
How long have you been with UH? 8 � years

UH Projects: Minor renovations, renewal of building system upgrades

Years of experience in the industry? 30 years

Other companies you have worked for? 10 years as an Officer with Army Corps of Engineers; 2 years with City of Houston; 4 years with Linbeck Construction Company; 4 years with PGAL Architects

Why did you decide to work for UH? Opportunity to serve the University after Tropical storm Allison.

What do you like most about your job? There are several things I enjoy about my job/career. The responsibility of managing small to mid - range capital renewal and renovation projects for the University of Houston System is a welcomed challenge. I enjoy facilitating and coordinating innovative and problem-solving solutions for complicated construction situations. I have a proven record of seeking responsibility and enjoy managing teams to reach set goals.

Ken Oliver
How long have you been with UH? 11 years

UH Projects: Laboratory, Animal Care, Division of Research, Infrastructure (MEP) compliancy upgrades

Years of experience in the industry? Over 30 years
Other companies you have worked for? MDA Cancer Center Research & Education, Animal Care

Why did you decide to work for UH? Opportunity to program and develop the new Science and Teaching labs as a state-of-the-art facility for new programs at the University of Houston.

What do you like most about your job? Unilateral development of programming along with integrated (participation) to develop process�s to provide �cost effect� projects and programming for the �in-users� at the University of Houston.

James Prochaska
How long have you been with UH? 4 months

UH Projects: Various Residence Life and Housing Projects

Years of experience in the industry? 7 years

Other companies you have worked for? Fort Bend I.S.D., Bartlett Cocke, Fluor

Why did you decide to work for UH? I wanted to be a part in making something that will benefit its users by providing a higher education.

What do you like most about your job? My co-workers.

Barry Simmons
How long have you been with UH? 1 year

UH Projects: Currently I am working with the Fire Marshal�s office on a number of NFPA compliance issues. I have worked on a robotics lab build-out for the Electrical Engineering project and the installation of a rack washer for Animal Care Operations.

Years of experience in the industry? Over 20 years as a Project Manager

Other companies you have worked for? PIKA International, Inc.; Michael Baker Jr.,Inc.; Environmental Chemical Corporation; Tetra Tech, Inc.

Why did you decide to work for UH? Give back to the University where I obtained my degree

What do you like most about your job? Students

Kenneth Tolbert
How long have you been with UH? 1 year

UH Projects: To name a few- Moody Commons/Moody Dining - Roof Replacement; ERP (Energy Research Park) Bldg. #19 - 1st & 2nd Floor Offices Build-out; EHS Safety Shower & Eyewash - Installations (Campus Wide); Technology Annex Bldg. - Wet Lab. Conversion @ Rm. #129; ERP Bldg. #8 - Storage Building Improvements (110,000 Sq. Ft.); SR1 - First Floor Labs. Renovations; Fleming Hall - Conversion of Research Labs into Teaching Labs; ERP Bldg. #14B � Superconducting Wire Pilot Manufacturing Facility; ERP Bldg. #7 � Dry Lab Build-out Requirements and Wortham Theater - New Doors Replacement.

Years of experience in the industry? 25+ years of architectural design, construction administration and project management experience.

Other companies you have worked for? In project and construction management roles with the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas and O�BRIEN KREITZBERG (URS, Corp.) Construction Managers, New York, NY. Also numerous positions in project/property management and architectural projects development with the NYS Urban Development Corp.- NY; Merck & Company, - NY (NJ); Lockwood Greene Architects, Engineers & Managers,- NY; and Fluor Engineers, - TX; Kenneth Wise, Architects, TX and Army Corps of Engineers, TX.

Why did you decide to work for UH? It is a professionally diverse and rewarding place to work. UH provides for on-going professional growth and challenging developmental opportunities for successful project delivery fulfillment and career advancement achievements.

What do you like most about your job? The never-ending and on-going complex project delivery challenges and requirements for minor to major initiatives per various and demanding developmental timeline and coordination needs.

Susan Vail
How long have you been with UH? 8 months

UH Projects: I have been working on the George Building and Brazos Hall build-outs on the Sugar Land campus; Accreditation Refresh for the Health Center; Social Work CHEER space; Glass and window treatment replacement for the Department of Research; The Law Library Basement Refresh; McKoy Courtroom Refresh; The Phase I relocation for the University Center Transformation Project; Moody Commons Realignment; Refresh project for the exterior of the Fine Arts Building; Prototypical designs and pricing for the Mothers Room Project; Facility Condition Assessment for the Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch sites; and several project close outs of work for the Minor and Planned Project Department.

Years of experience in the industry? 30+

Other companies you have worked for? 3DInternational � Houston; Designers Fore � NYC; Shearson Lehman American Express � NYC; WCI Communities - Bonita Springs, FL; The School District of Lee County, FL; Chris-Tel Construction - Fort Myers, FL
Why did you decide to work for UH? My passion for, talents and strengths are in being the owner�s representative for Construction Project Management. The University of Houston provides the perfect arena for me to serve.

What do you like most about your job? The diversity of people I work with, problem solving, and the variety of projects. It is never a dull moment for me at UH.

Roger Warner
How long have you been with UH? 18 months

UH Projects: Pretty much every new construction project and every project that happens outside of a building. The most significant project was the Landscape Restoration Project due to Hurricane Ike.

Years of experience in the industry? 19 years

Other companies you have worked for? I have worked for an architecture firm, an engineering firm, as a golf course architect for a well known golf course designer and for the SWA Group here in Houston.

Why did you decide to work for UH? I had worked in the private sector for most of my career and was looking for an opportunity to work in the public sector. Having an opportunity to work on a major college campus was a great fit for what I was looking for.

What do you like most about your job? I really enjoy the diversity of the people I have contact with through my position. Additionally, as a landscape architect, it�s rare that we get the chance to implement a design then oversee and evaluate its success like I do here.

Steve Wright
How long have you been with UH? 25 years and six months

UH Projects: Wow, I have done so many different projects through my career here. I would say you name a department here on campus and I have more than likely worked for that department or college.

Years of experience in the industry? 40+

Other companies you have worked for? Pisian Construction, Northdale, Bar II Construction, Drilling Construction, Self Employed Housing Contractor, Self Employed Roofing & Siding Contractor

Why did you decide to work for UH? I was working construction building schools as a supervisor, but the job I had did not have any benefits, then a friend informed that UH was hiring and the rest is history.

What do you like most about your job? I truly like what I do. It�s a pleasure working for the University of Houston. I like challenging projects, and it�s a pleasure working with the clients to meet their demands for the students, faculty, staff, and even coworkers. I presently manage the new M.I.C shop (Minor In-House Construction). I see the need and demand for MIC growing by the day. Please remember: You Get More With MIC.


For a complete list of Facilities Management�s Minor and Planned Projects, click here.