Dear Campus Operations Team Members,
I want to thank everyone across Campus Operations who ensured UT was operational and protected during the freeze over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. Although we encountered some challenges, I appreciate the preparation and response of our group and the willingness of many of you to be on campus. I also want to share updates about our leadership and the year ahead.
In addition to news of the Office of Emergency Management moving into Campus Operations, I am writing to let you know that Derek Trabon will serve as director of Emergency Management. Derek has served as interim director since September 2023 and previously served as director of Emergency Management at UT Southwestern Medical Center. At UT Austin, he spearheaded our winter preparedness efforts by gathering and guiding stakeholders in our response. I look forward to working with Derek on these efforts, and I am grateful for the Office of Emergency Management team’s willingness to take time to work with me and our team as they join Campus Operations!
I’m also pleased to let you know I have promoted Darren Hale to executive director of Facilities Services. Darren served as associate director of Facilities Operations and Maintenance before 2018, when he became director of Facilities Services, where he leads 800 team members. He has provided valuable leadership while acting as interim AVP through two transitional periods and previously served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, where he led facilities operations at bases throughout the world. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment and service to Facilities Services and UT.
In other news, we are moving forward with filling a senior business officer position and will soon begin the search for an executive director for operational safety and building compliance, overseeing the Building Standards, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and Fire Prevention Services groups.
As for what’s in store for 2024, Campus Operations will define what operational excellence means to us and work toward fulfilling that goal. We have received productive feedback from a recent assessment from APPA, the industry standard in educational facilities, that will help guide our efforts. Most critically, we have an exciting and full roster of work headed our way, from the Joint Medical Center project that will involve all our departments to the rollout of UT Works, which will transform delivery of services and streamline workflows across multiple units. These are just a few initiatives you’ll hear more about as the year progresses.
In addition to looking ahead, I want to acknowledge our accomplishments. From maintaining grounds and buildings and ensuring compliance and safety in our spaces to expanding and renovating campus with new construction and keeping the power on for the University community to succeed — you are the stewards who care for The University of Texas at Austin and our resources. It starts here!
Thank you for the integrity and professionalism you bring to work. I look forward to working alongside you and leading our groups as we set a benchmark for excellence in 2024.
Hook ’em,
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations