Kevin Brown Appointed Chief Facilities Officer

Dear Colleagues,

As part of our strategy to enhance organizational effectiveness, collaboration and high quality service, the Division of Finance and Administration has restructured the Facilities Operations, Facilities Planning & Construction and the Office of Environmental Sustainability under a single organization. This restructured organization will be led by a Chief Facilities Officer, a position replacing the former College Architect position. The Chief Facilities Officer will support institutional goals and priorities through stewardship of physical and financial assets and the implementation of sustainable practices.

Following a thorough and thoughtful search process, I am pleased to announce that Kevin Brown has been appointed as Chief Facilities Officer beginning February 25, 2019, reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. In his role, he will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of all campus facilities and associated grounds, roadways, and utility systems.  Kevin will also evaluate the Facilities Department’s existing policies and procedures, with the goal of recommending, developing, and implementing solutions to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Kevin has 20 years of experience leading engineering, facility management & planning and energy initiatives. Kevin has led a 1,400 member workforce delivering high quality facility services across Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, effectively managing administrative, educational, and operational spaces. Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in contract management at all levels of the organization. He has executed more than $6 billion in diverse projects covering facilities maintenance, planning, design, design-build, construction, grounds maintenance, janitorial, historic building restoration, and (Architecture & Engineering) A&E services.  Kevin also oversaw a $600 million recapitalization program of the U.S. Navy’s only boot camp that earned LEED silver certification. 

Kevin holds professional affiliations including the Society of American Military Engineers, American Public Works Association, and American Water Works Association. He has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from DePaul University in Chicago and a Bachelor’s Degree in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. 

We are very excited to welcome Kevin. His breadth of experience in facilities management, planning, and energy management will serve Oberlin as we look to enhance our teaching, research, and services, improve our students’ campus experience, and further the educational and co-curricular missions of the College and Conservatory.

I also extend my sincere thanks to the members of our search committee who represented the various departments across campus for their thoughtful and valuable engagement.

Cindy Frantz, Professor of Psychology & Environmental Studies
Meredith Raimondo, Vice President and Dean of Students
Michael Strauss, Associate Dean for Operations Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Angela Szunyogh, Assistant Dean for Business and Operations
Joe Vitale, Chief Human Resources Officer
Natalie Winkelfoos, Delta Lodge Director of Athletics

Please join me in welcoming Kevin to Oberlin!

Sincerely,

Rebecca